Generic Ventorlin, aerosol

Chemical Name: ALBUTEROL

Common uses

This medicine is a bronchodilator used to treat or prevent the symptoms of asthma, emphysema, and other breathing conditions. This medicine is also used to prevent the symptoms of exercise-induced asthma. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using

Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may come with an instruction leaflet. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. Before using this medicine, be sure that the canister is properly inserted into the inhaler unit and shake well. Exhale slowly and deeply. Unless your doctor has told you otherwise, position the mouthpiece between your lips and try to rest your tongue flat. Your doctor may have told you to hold the inhaler 1 or 2 inches (2 or 3 centimeters) away from your open mouth or may have instructed you to use a special spacing device.

As you start to take a slow, deep breath, press the canister and mouthpiece together at exactly the same time to administer a dose of this medicine. Continue inhaling slowly and deeply and hold your breath for as long as comfortable, then exhale slowly through pursed lips or through your nose. If more than 1 inhalation is to be used, wait a few minutes and repeat the above process. Keep the spray away from your eyes. Keep track of the number of sprays you use and subtract this number from the number of doses in the container. This will help you know when the container is becoming empty.

Store this medicine at room temperature, away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight. Do not puncture, break, or burn container, even if it appears empty. Continue to use this medicine even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. If you miss a dose of this medicine use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Cautions

Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are using this medicine. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. Avoid large amounts of caffeine-containing foods and beverages, such as coffee, tea, cocoa, cola drinks, and chocolate. Before switching brands of this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. It is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects

Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include fast heartbeat, nervousness, tremors, headache, difficulty sleeping, or nausea. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience rash, hives, itching, wheezing, or increased difficulty breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, tremors, seizures, nervousness, sleeplessness, weakness, and dizziness.

Additional information

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor. Carry an identification card at all times that states you are taking this medicine. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.