About this item

Ventolin (albuterol) is a bronchodilator that relaxes muscles in the airways and increases air flow to the lungs.

Ventolin HFA is used to treat or prevent bronchospasm, or narrowing of the airways in the lungs, in people with asthma or certain types of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is also used to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm.

Ventolin HFA is for use in adults and children who are at least 4 years old.

Important Information

It is important to keep Ventolin on hand at all times. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely. Keep using all of your other medications as prescribed by your doctor.

Talk with your doctor if any of your asthma medications do not seem to work as well in treating or preventing attacks. If it seems like you need to use more of any of your medications in a 24-hour period, talk with your doctor. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.

Only use Ventolin as prescribed by your physician. An overdose of albuterol can be fatal. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Extreme heat can cause the Ventolin HFA canister to burst. Do not store your inhaler in your car on hot days. Do not throw an empty canister into open flame.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Ventolin if you are allergic to albuterol.

Ventolin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 4 years old.

Albuterol may increase the risk of death or hospitalization in people with asthma, but the risk in people with obstructive airway disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not known.

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• heart disease, high blood pressure;

• a thyroid disorder;

• seizures;

• diabetes; or

• low levels of potassium in your blood.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of albuterol on the baby.

How should I use Ventolin?

Use Ventolin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Do not allow a young child to use Ventolin without help from an adult.

To prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm, use this medicine 15 to 30 minutes before you exercise. The effects of Ventolin should last about 4 to 6 hours.

Seek medical attention if your breathing problems get worse quickly, or if you think your asthma medications are not working as well.

Always use the new inhaler device provided with your refill. Do not float a medicine canister in water to see if it is empty.