Ventolin

 
Generic Name: albuterol

Brands: Proventil, Proventil Repetabs, Ventolin, Volmax

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What is the most important information I should know about Ventolin?

· Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the maximum amount of any asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.

 

What is Ventolin?

· Ventolin works by relaxing muscles in the airways to improve breathing.

· Ventolin is used to treat bronchospasm (wheezing, shortness of breath) associated with reversible obstructive airway disease such as asthma.

· Ventolin may also be used for conditions other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Ventolin?

· Before taking Ventolin, tell your doctor if you have     ·heart disease or high blood pressure;     ·epilepsy or another seizure disorder;     ·diabetes;     ·an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism);     ·difficulty swallowing;     ·liver disease; or     ·kidney disease.

· You may not be able to take Ventolin or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· Ventolin is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will harm an unborn baby. Do not take Ventolin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

· It is not known whether Ventolin passes into breast milk. Do not take Ventolin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

 

How should I take Ventolin?

· Take Ventolin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Take each dose with a full glass of water.

· To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid forms of Ventolin with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

· Do not break, crush, or chew the Volmax or Proventil Repetabs tablets. These are specially formulated to release the medication slowly in the body. The Volmax tablets have an outer shell that is not absorbed by the body. Occasionally, this shell may be seen in the stool. This is not a problem as the medication has been absorbed by the body.

· Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the maximum amount of any asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.

· Store the Volmax brand of Ventolin tablets in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit (2 and 8 degrees Celsius).

· Store all other forms of Ventolin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention.

· Symptoms of an Ventolin overdose may include angina or chest pain, irregular heartbeats or a fluttering heart, seizures, tremor, weakness, headache, nausea, and vomiting.

 

What should I avoid while taking Ventolin?

· Avoid situations that may worsen your respiratory condition such as exercising in cold, dry air; smoking; breathing in dust; and exposure to allergens such as pet fur.

 

What are the possible side effects of Ventolin?

· Stop taking Ventolin and seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of the following serious side effects:     ·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or     ·chest pain or irregular heartbeats.

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Ventolin and talk to your doctor if you experience     ·headache;     ·dizziness or lightheadedness;     ·insomnia;     ·tremor or nervousness;     ·sweating;     ·nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; or     ·dry mouth.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Ventolin?

· Before taking Ventolin, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:     ·a beta-blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), propranolol (Inderal), acebutolol (Sectral), bisoprolol (Zebeta), carteolol (Cartrol), carvedilol (Coreg), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), nadolol (Corgard), or pindolol (Visken);     ·a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), amoxapine (Asendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Tofranil), or protriptyline (Vivactil);     ·a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate);     ·another oral or inhaled bronchodilator; or     ·caffeine, diet pills, or decongestants.

· You may not be able to take Ventolin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medications listed above.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Ventolin or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Ventolin written for health professionals that you may read.

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