Ventolin Inhalation

Name: Ventolin Inhalation

Before Using Ventolin

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of albuterol inhalation aerosol (eg, Proair® HFA) in children 4 years of age and older, albuterol inhalation powder (eg, Proair® Respiclick®) in children 4 years of age and older, and albuterol inhalation solution (eg, Accuneb®) in children 2 years of age and older. However, safety and efficacy have not been established for the albuterol inhalation aerosol and albuterol inhalation powder in children younger than 4 years of age, and albuterol inhalation solution in children younger than 2 years of age.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of albuterol inhalation aerosol (eg, Proair® HFA) and albuterol inhalation powder (eg, Proair® Respiclick®) in geriatric patients. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related heart, kidney, or liver problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving albuterol inhalation aerosol and albuterol inhalation powder.

No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of albuterol inhalation solution (eg, Accuneb®) in geriatric patients.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category Explanation
All Trimesters C Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR no animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

  • Amineptine
  • Amitriptyline
  • Amitriptylinoxide
  • Amoxapine
  • Atomoxetine
  • Clomipramine
  • Desipramine
  • Dibenzepin
  • Doxepin
  • Imipramine
  • Iobenguane I 123
  • Levalbuterol
  • Lofepramine
  • Melitracen
  • Nortriptyline
  • Opipramol
  • Protriptyline
  • Tianeptine
  • Trimipramine

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

  • Digoxin

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

  • Allergy to milk proteins, history or—Proair® Respiclick® should not be used in patients with this condition.
  • Diabetes or
  • Heart or blood vessel disease or
  • Heart rhythm problems (eg, arrhythmia) or
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure) or
  • Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or
  • Hypokalemia (low potassium in the blood) or
  • Seizures, history of—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.
  • Kidney disease—Use with caution. The effects may be increased because of slower removal of the medicine from the body.

Proper Use of albuterol

This section provides information on the proper use of a number of products that contain albuterol. It may not be specific to Ventolin. Please read with care.

Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. Also, do not stop using this medicine or any asthma medicine without telling your doctor. To do so may increase the chance for breathing problems.

The albuterol inhalation solution (eg, Accuneb®) should be used with a jet nebulizer that is connected to an air compressor with good air flow. The inhalation solution and nebulizer will come with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

To use the inhalation solution in the nebulizer:

  • Use one container of solution or mix the exact amount of solution using the dropper provided for each dose.
  • Place the inhalation solution in the medicine reservoir or nebulizer cup on the machine.
  • Connect the nebulizer to the face mask or mouthpiece.
  • Use the face mask or mouthpiece to breathe in the medicine.
  • Use the nebulizer for about 5 to 15 minutes, or until the medicine in the nebulizer cup is gone.
  • Clean all the parts of the nebulizer after each use.

The albuterol inhalation aerosol (eg, Proair® HFA) and albuterol inhalation powder (eg, Proair® Respiclick®) is used with a special inhaler that comes with patient instructions. Read the directions carefully before using this medicine. If you or your child do not understand the directions or are not sure how to use the inhaler, ask your doctor to show you what to do. Also, ask your doctor to check you or your child on a regular basis to make sure you are using it properly.

To use the inhalation aerosol:

  • The inhaler should be at room temperature before you use it.
  • Insert the metal canister firmly and fully into the clear end of the Proair® HFA mouthpiece. This mouthpiece should not be used with other inhaled medicines.
  • Remove the cap and look at the mouthpiece to make sure it is clean.
  • Shake the inhaler well and test spray it in the air 3 times before using it for the first time or if the inhaler has not been used for more than 2 weeks.
  • To inhale this medicine, breathe out fully, trying to get as much air out of the lungs as possible. Put the mouthpiece just in front of your mouth with the canister upright.
  • Open your mouth and breathe in slowly and deeply (like yawning), and at the same time firmly press down once on the top of the canister.
  • Hold your breath for about 10 seconds, then breathe out slowly.
  • If you are supposed to use more than one puff, wait 1 minute before inhaling the second puff. Repeat these steps for the second puff, starting with shaking the inhaler.
  • When you have finished all of your doses, rinse your mouth with water and spit the water out.
  • Clean the inhaler mouthpiece at least once a week with warm running water for 30 seconds, and dry it completely.
  • If you need to use the inhaler before it is completely dry, shake off the excess water, replace the canister, and spray it 2 times in the air away from the face. Use your regular dose.
  • After using the inhaler, wash the mouthpiece again and dry it completely.
  • If the mouthpiece becomes blocked, washing it will help.

To use the inhalation powder:

  • Take the inhaler from the foil pouch before you use it for the first time.
  • The inhaler provides about 200 inhalations. The dose counter will change to red when there are "20" doses left. Call your doctor or pharmacist for a refill of prescription or medicine.
  • Make sure the cap is closed before using this medicine. Do not open the cap unless you are going to use it.
  • Hold the inhaler upright as you open the cap fully until you hear a "click". Your inhaler is now ready to use.
  • To inhale this medicine, breathe out fully, trying to get as much air out of the lungs as possible. Put the mouthpiece fully into your mouth and close your lips around it.
  • Breathe in through your mouth as deeply as you can until you have taken a full deep breath.
  • Do not block the vent above the mouthpiece with your lips or fingers.
  • Hold your breath for about 10 seconds or as long as you comfortably can.
  • Remove the inhaler from your mouth and check the dose counter to make sure you received the medicine.
  • Close the cap firmly over the mouthpiece after using the inhaler. Always close the cap after each use.
  • If you are supposed to use more than one puff, repeat these steps for the second puff, starting with opening the cap fully.
  • Keep the inhaler clean and dry at all times. Do not wash or put any part of the inhaler in water.
  • If you need to clean the mouthpiece, wipe it gently with a dry cloth or tissue.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For inhalation aerosol dosage form (inhaler):
    • For treatment or prevention of bronchospasm:
      • Adults and children 4 years of age and older—Two puffs every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
      • Children younger than 4 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your child's doctor.
    • For prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm:
      • Adults and children 4 years of age and older—Two puffs taken 15 to 30 minutes before exercise.
      • Children younger than 4 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your child's doctor.
  • For inhalation powder dosage form (inhaler):
    • For treatment or prevention of bronchospasm:
      • Adults and children 4 years of age and older—Two puffs every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
      • Children younger than 4 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your child's doctor.
    • For prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm:
      • Adults and children 4 years of age and older—Two puffs taken 15 to 30 minutes before exercise.
      • Children younger than 4 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your child's doctor.
  • For inhalation solution dosage form (used with a nebulizer):
    • For prevention of bronchospasm:
      • Adults and children older than 12 years of age—2.5 milligrams (mg) in the nebulizer 3 or 4 times per day as needed.
      • Children 2 to 12 years of age—0.63 to 1.25 mg in the nebulizer 3 or 4 times per day as needed.
      • Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your child's doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the canister at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze. Do not keep this medicine inside a car where it could be exposed to extreme heat or cold. Do not poke holes in the canister or throw it into a fire, even if the canister is empty.

Keep the medicine in the foil pouch until you are ready to use it. Store at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Throw away Proair® Respiclick® 13 months after opening the foil pouch, when the dose counter reaches "0", or after the expiration date, whichever comes first.

Ventolin Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common
  • Fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
  • shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
  • trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
Less common
  • Abdominal or stomach pain
  • bladder pain
  • bloody or cloudy urine
  • chest discomfort
  • chest pain
  • cough or hoarseness
  • cough producing mucus
  • diarrhea
  • difficult or labored breathing
  • difficulty with swallowing
  • dizziness
  • feeling of warmth
  • fever or chills
  • frequent urge to urinate
  • hives, itching, or skin rash
  • loss of appetite
  • lower back or side pain
  • nausea
  • puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
  • redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
  • runny nose
  • sore throat
  • swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin
  • tightness in the chest
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • weakness
Rare
  • Hives or welts
  • large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
  • noisy breathing
  • redness of the skin
  • swelling of the mouth or throat
  • trouble breathing
Incidence not known
  • Agitation
  • arm, back, or jaw pain
  • chest tightness or heaviness
  • confusion
  • convulsions
  • decreased urine
  • dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
  • drowsiness
  • dry mouth
  • extra heartbeats
  • fainting
  • flushed, dry skin
  • fruit-like breath odor
  • hallucinations
  • headache
  • increased hunger
  • increased thirst
  • increased urination
  • irritability
  • lightheadedness
  • muscle pain or cramps
  • nervousness
  • nightmares
  • numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
  • pounding in the ears
  • rapid, deep breathing
  • restlessness
  • shakiness
  • slow or fast heartbeat
  • stomach cramps
  • sweating
  • unexplained weight loss
  • unusual feeling of excitement
  • vomiting

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common
  • Body aches or pain
  • congestion
  • fever
  • runny nose
  • tender, swollen glands in the neck
  • trouble with swallowing
  • voice changes
Less common
  • Difficult, burning, or painful urination
  • earache
  • headache, severe and throbbing
  • muscle or bone pain
  • pain
  • redness of the skin
  • redness or swelling in the ear
  • redness, swelling, or soreness of the tongue
  • sneezing
  • stuffy nose
  • swelling
  • tenderness
  • trouble in holding or releasing urine
  • trouble sleeping
  • warmth on the skin
Rare
  • Sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
Incidence not known
  • Bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste
  • change in taste
  • feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
  • gagging
  • rough, scratchy sound to voice
  • sensation of spinning
  • tightness in the throat

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Side Effects

Nervousness, shaking (tremor), headache, nausea or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fast/pounding heartbeat.

Get medical help right away if you have any rare but very serious side effects, including: chest pain, irregular heartbeat, rapid breathing, confusion.

Rarely, this medication has caused severe (rarely fatal), sudden worsening of breathing problems/asthma (paradoxical bronchospasm). If you experience sudden wheezing, get medical help right away.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

List Ventolin 2.5 Mg/3 Ml (0.083 %) Solution For Nebulization side effects by likelihood and severity.

Precautions

Before using albuterol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have had a serious reaction to similar drugs (such as levalbuterol, metaproterenol, terbutaline); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems (such as irregular heartbeat, angina, heart attack), high blood pressure, diabetes, seizure.

This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, severe shaking (tremors), seizures.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as a lung/breathing test, blood pressure) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Avoid allergens/irritants such as smoke, pollen, pet dander, dust, or molds that may worsen breathing problems.

Learn to use a peak flow meter, use it daily, and promptly report worsening breathing problems (such as readings in the yellow/red range, increased use of quick-relief inhalers).

Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether you should have an annual flu shot.

Missed Dose

If you are using this medication on a prescribed schedule and miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Different brands of this medication have differentstorage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist.

Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Keep the vials stored in the foil pouches until ready to use. Once the vials are removed from the foil pouch, use them within 7 days. Discard any unused portions of the vials.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.Information last revised July 2016. Copyright(c) 2016 First Databank, Inc.

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