Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is used in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Ventolin HFA (Salbutamol-inh). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Ventolin HFA (Salbutamol-inh) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people using Ventolin HFA (Salbutamol-inh). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• anxiety
• coughing
• difficulty sleeping
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• dry or irritated throat
• faster heartbeat (usually temporary)
• fatigue
• flushing
• headache
• hyperactivity (children)
• irritability
• nausea
• nervousness
• pounding heartbeat
• restlessness
• tremor (shakiness)
• unusual taste in mouth
• viral infections of the nose and throat (Fever, sore throat, runny nose)
• weakness

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• difficulty urinating
• hallucinations (children)
• increased blood pressure
• muscle cramps or pain
• sensation of spinning
• signs of decreased levels of potassium in the blood (e.g., irregular or pounding heartbeat, persistent muscle cramps, muscle pain or weakness)
• vomiting

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• chest pain or discomfort
• severe dizziness
• sudden worsening breathing problems after using medication
• symptoms of a Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) (e.g., Hives; swelling of lips, face, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing; fainting; increased wheezing or chest tightness)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Ventolin HFA (Salbutamol-inh).

Respirator Solution

Each mL of isotonic solution contains salbutamol sulfate, equivalent to salbutamol base 5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzalkonium chloride 0.01% w/v, dilute sulphuric acid, and water for injection. Adjusted to pH 3.4 to 4.4.

Nebules P.F.

1 mg/mL
Each unit dose of sterile, isotonic solution contains salbutamol sulfate equivalent to salbutamol base 2.5 mg in 2.5 mL. Nonmedicinal ingredients: dilute sulphuric acid, sodium chloride, and water for injection. Adjusted to pH 3.5 to 4.5.

2 mg/mL
Each unit dose of sterile, isotonic solution contains salbutamol sulfate equivalent to salbutamol base 5 mg in 2.5 mL. Nonmedicinal ingredients: dilute sulphuric acid, sodium chloride, and water for injection. Adjusted to pH 3.5 to 4.5.

Diskus

Each blister contains salbutamol 200 µg (as sulfate). Nonmedicinal ingredients: lactose (milk sugar), including milk protein, which acts as a carrier.

Inhaler

Each inhalation aerosol contains a microcrystalline suspension of salbutamol sulfate in propellant HFA-134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane). Each inhalation aerosol is a pressurized metered-dose inhaler (MDI) consisting of an aluminum canister fitted with a metering valve. Each canister is fitted into the supplied blue plastic actuator. A blue strap cap is fitted over the actuator's mouthpiece when not in use. Each Depression of the valve delivers 100 µg of salbutamol (as sulfate). Nonmedicinal ingredients: none. Chlorofluorocarbon-free.

Do not use inhaled salbutamol if you:

• are allergic to salbutamol or any ingredients of the medication
• are allergic to lactose, milk protein or milk (for Diskus only)

There may be an interaction between salbutamol and any of the following:

• Amiodarone
• amphetamines (e.g., Dextroamphetamine, Lisdexamfetamine)
• Atomoxetine
• anti-psychotics (e.g., Chlorpromazine, Clozapine, Haloperidol, Olanzapine, Quetiapine, Risperidone)
• beta-blockers (e.g., Carvedilol, Propranolol, labetolol, Nadolol, Sotalol)
• Betahistine
• caffeine
• cannabis
• certain diuretics (e.g., Hydrochlorothiazide, Furosemide)
• chloroquine
• decongestant cold medications (e.g., phenylephrine, Pseudoephedrine)
• decongestant eye drops and nose sprays (e.g., naphazoline, oxymetazoline, xylometazoline)
• Degarelix
• Digoxin
• dipivefrin
• Disopyramide
• dofetilide
• Domperidone
• Dronedarone
• efavirenz
• Epinephrine
• fast acting bronchodilators (e.g., salbutamol, terbutaline)
• Flecainide
• Linezolid
• long acting bronchodilators (e.g., formoterol, salmeterol)
• macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin)
• Methadone
• Methylphenidate
• mifepristone
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g., Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine, Moclobemide, Selegiline)
• Nabilone
• Primaquine
• procainamide
• protein kinase inhibitors (e.g., Lapatinib, Pazopanib, Sunitinib)
• quinidine
• quinine
• quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin,)
• rilpivirine
• saquinavir
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI; e.g., Citalopram, Fluoxetine, Sertraline)
• serotonin antagonists (anti-emetic medications; e.g., Dolasetron, Granisetron, Ondansetron)
• Tetrabenazine
• theophyllines (e.g., Aminophylline, Oxtriphylline, Theophylline)
• Trazodone
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Amitriptyline, Desipramine, Nortriptyline)

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Ventolin HFA (Salbutamol-inh). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Ventolin HFA (Salbutamol-inh).

Asthma control: If your usual dose of Ventolin HFA (Salbutamol-inh) no longer seems to work as well or if you are using more than usual, your asthma could be worsening. Contact your doctor if this happens.

Diabetes: Salbutamol given by a nebulizer can increase blood sugar levels and cause a loss of blood glucose control. If you have diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Ventolin HFA (Salbutamol-inh) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Ventolin HFA (Salbutamol-inh), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Difficulty breathing: For some people, Ventolin HFA (Salbutamol-inh) and other inhaled medications can cause difficulty breathing and increased wheezing. If this happens, stop using Ventolin HFA (Salbutamol-inh) and get immediate medical attention.

Heart conditions: Salbutamol can cause heart complications when used by people with heart conditions such as heart disease, abnormal heart rhythms, and high blood pressure.

If you have any of these conditions, discuss with your doctor how Ventolin HFA (Salbutamol-inh) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Ventolin HFA (Salbutamol-inh), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Low blood potassium: Salbutamol can cause low potassium levels in the blood. If you experience weakness, tiredness, muscle cramps, nausea, or vomiting while receiving Ventolin HFA (Salbutamol-inh), let your doctor know. Your doctor will monitor your potassium levels with blood tests if needed.

Seizures: Salbutamol can increase the risk of seizures, especially for people with a history of seizure disorders. If you have a seizure disorder, discuss with your doctor how Ventolin HFA (Salbutamol-inh) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Ventolin HFA (Salbutamol-inh), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Thyroid disease: Salbutamol can increase the activity of the thyroid gland. This can become a problem for people who have an overactive thyroid gland.

If you have Hyperthyroidism (a condition where the thyroid is overactive), discuss with your doctor how Ventolin HFA (Salbutamol-inh) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Ventolin HFA (Salbutamol-inh), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Use of anti-inflammatory agents: According to current practice guidelines for treating asthma, anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., corticosteroids such as inhaled beclomethasone, budesonide, or fluticasone) should also be used if you are using more than 3 doses of salbutamol a week (not including its use before exercise). If your asthma becomes worse (you need to use salbutamol more often or it stops working), contact your doctor.

Pregnancy: Although salbutamol is often used during pregnancy, there are no well-controlled studies to show its safety. Ventolin HFA (Salbutamol-inh) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Ventolin HFA (Salbutamol-inh), contact your doctor.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if salbutamol passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are using Ventolin HFA (Salbutamol-inh), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using the inhaler form of salbutamol have not been established for children less than 4 years of age. The safety and effectiveness of using the nebulizer solution have not been established for children less than 5 years of age. All children should be supervised by an adult when using Ventolin HFA (Salbutamol-inh).

Very rarely, Ventolin HFA (Salbutamol-inh) may cause hyperactivity, sleeping problems, and behavioural changes in children. If this occurs, contact the child's doctor.

Seniors: Seniors may be more likely to experience low blood potassium or heart problems with salbutamol. Your doctor may suggest a lower dose to reduce the risk of these problems.