Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Albuterol belongs to a group of medications known as bronchodilators, which are utilized to prevent and manage symptoms such as wheezing, chest tightness, coughing, and difficulty breathing caused by lung diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This medication operates by relaxing and widening the air passages to the lungs, which helps to facilitate breathing.
Uses and Dosage
Albuterol is available in tablet, syrup, and extended-release (long-acting) tablet forms for oral administration. The regular tablets and syrup are typically taken three or four times daily, while the extended-release tablets are usually taken once every 12 hours. Take albuterol at approximately the same times each day.
Take albuterol precisely as directed, avoiding deviations such as taking more or less of it or increasing the frequency beyond your doctor’s prescription.
For the extended-release tablets, swallow them whole with plenty of water or another liquid. Do not split, chew, or crush these tablets.
Your doctor may initiate your albuterol treatment with a low dose and then gradually increase it based on your response.
While albuterol may help manage your symptoms, it does not cure your underlying condition. Even if you feel well, continue taking albuterol as prescribed. Do not discontinue the medication without consulting your doctor.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- nervousness
- shakiness
- dizziness
- headache
- uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
- muscle cramps
- excessive motion or activity
- sudden changes in mood
- nosebleed
- nausea
- increased or decreased appetite
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- pale skin
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
- chest pain
- fever
- blisters or rash
- hives
- itching
- swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- increased difficulty breathing
- difficulty swallowing
- hoarseness
Caution
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist of any allergies you may have before using albuterol, including allergies to similar drugs like levalbuterol, metaproterenol, or terbutaline. This product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems, so speak with your pharmacist for more information.
- Prior to using this medication, disclose your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, particularly any heart problems such as irregular heartbeat, angina, or heart attack, high blood pressure, or seizures.
- This drug may cause dizziness, and consuming alcohol or marijuana may exacerbate this effect. Until you can perform tasks safely, avoid driving, using machinery, or performing any activity that requires alertness.
- If you are pregnant, use this medication only if it is clearly necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
- It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk. Prior to breastfeeding, consult your doctor for guidance.
Form and Strength
Ventolin Nebules is available in the following forms and strengths:
- albuterol(salbutamol) sulfate nebules:
- 1 mg/mL
- 1.25 mg / 2.5 mL
- 5 mg / 2.5 mL
FAQ
Is Ventolin a steroid?
No, Ventolin does not contain steroids.
Is it OK to use Ventolin for coughing?
Usually Ventolin inhalers are only used to treat the breathing symptoms of a different condition. If however you have irritated your lungs by coughing over a long period of time then the Ventolin can help to suppress the need to cough, allowing your lungs to recover.
Resources
- https://www.healthcentre.org.uk/pharmacy/ventolin-inhaler-cough.html#:~:text=Usually%20Ventolin%20inhalers%20are%20only,allowing%20your%20lungs%20to%20recover
- https://www.news-medical.net/drugs/Ventolin-Nebules.aspx
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-7082-3008/ventolin-inhalation/albuterol-salbutamol-solution-inhalation/details
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a607004.html
- https://www.drugs.com/salbutamol.html
