Salbutamol belongs to a class of medications called bronchodilators, and more specifically, β2-adrenergic agonists. Ventolin HFA (Salbutamol-inh) is used to treat and prevent bronchospasm associated with Asthma, chronic Bronchitis, and other breathing disorders.

Inhaled salbutamol is also used to prevent asthma attacks caused by exercise. It works by relaxing the muscles in the walls of the small airways in the lungs. This helps to open up the airways and make breathing easier.

Ventolin HFA (Salbutamol-inh) may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Ventolin HFA (Salbutamol-inh) may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of Ventolin HFA (Salbutamol-inh) may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested Ventolin HFA (Salbutamol-inh) for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are using Ventolin HFA (Salbutamol-inh), speak to your doctor. Do not stop using Ventolin HFA (Salbutamol-inh) without consulting your doctor.

Do not give Ventolin HFA (Salbutamol-inh) to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use Ventolin HFA (Salbutamol-inh) if their doctor has not prescribed it.

Aerosol inhaler: The usual dose to relieve asthma symptoms is 1 to 2 inhalations (also called "puffs") for people 12 years of age and older, and 1 puff for children 6 to 11 years of age. More puffs may be needed to relieve symptoms during a more severe attack.

The usual dose for long-term treatment of asthma is 1 to 2 puffs (or 1 puff in children 4 years and older) 4 times per day. The maximum daily dose is 8 puffs for adults and 4 puffs for children.

For preventing exercise-induced asthma, the usual dose is 2 puffs before exercise for adults and 1 puff before exercise for children.

Nebulizer solution: For people over 12 years of age, the usual dose is 2.5 mg to 5.0 mg up to 4 times per day. For children 5 to 12 years of age, the usual dose is 2.5 mg up to 4 times a day.

Diskus: The usual dose to relieve asthma symptoms for adults and children 4 years and older is 1 inhalation as needed. The usual dose for long-term treatment of asthma is 1 inhalation 3 to 4 times per day. The maximum daily dose is 4 puffs per day. For preventing exercise-induced asthma, the usual dose is 1 inhalation 15 minutes before exercise.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

To ensure administration of the proper dose of Ventolin HFA (Salbutamol-inh), make sure you are instructed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care professional in the proper use of the inhaler, Diskus, or nebulizer systems.

The use of these inhalation systems by children depends on the ability of the individual child to learn the proper use of the devices. During inhalation, children should be assisted or supervised by an adult who knows how to use these devices properly. For inhalers, your doctor may recommend a spacer device to help ensure the medication is used properly.

It is very important not to exceed the prescribed dose. If the effects of Ventolin HFA (Salbutamol-inh) last for less than 3 hours or if you notice a sudden worsening of your breathing, contact your doctor immediately. If you need to use Ventolin HFA (Salbutamol-inh) more than usual, contact your doctor.

Always keep your salbutamol inhaler with you to use immediately for an asthma attack.

It is important to use Ventolin HFA (Salbutamol-inh) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you are using inhaled salbutamol on a schedule and you miss a dose, use it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Ventolin HFA (Salbutamol-inh) at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children. The contents of the canister of the inhaler are under pressure and may explode if heated. Do not place it in hot water, near radiators, stoves, or other sources of heat. The Diskus should be stored in a dry place at a temperature not more than 30°C. The respirator solution and nebules should be protected from light. Respirator solution that has not been used within 1 month of opening the container should be discarded appropriately.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

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.