Albuterol Inhaler
Instructions for Ventolin Inhaler
Ventolin is a medication used to relieve bronchospasms in conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Here's how to use a Ventolin inhaler:
- Shake the Inhaler: Gently shake the Ventolin inhaler to ensure the medication is well mixed.
- Breathe Out: Exhale fully to prepare for inhalation.
- Hold Inhaler Upright: Hold the inhaler upright with your thumb at the base and your index and middle fingers on the top of the canister.
- Seal Your Lips: Place the mouthpiece between your teeth and close your lips tightly around it.
- Inhale and Press: Start inhaling slowly and deeply through your mouth and press down on the canister to release one puff of Ventolin at the same time.
- Hold Your Breath: After inhaling, remove the inhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for about 10 seconds to allow the medication to reach your lungs.
- Exhale Slowly: Exhale slowly and, if necessary, wait for about a minute before taking another puff (if prescribed).
- Rinse Mouth (if instructed): If your doctor advises, rinse your mouth with water after using the inhaler to minimize the risk of throat irritation.
- Replace the Cap: After use, replace the cap on the inhaler to protect it from dust and debris.
Follow your doctor's prescription and the instructions provided with the Ventolin inhaler. If you have any questions or concerns about using the inhaler, consult with your healthcare provider for guidance.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect albuterol inhalation?
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:
- a diuretic (water pill);
- digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin);
- a beta-blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin, Tenoretic), carvedilol (Coreg), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), metoprolol (Dutoprol, Lopressor, Toprol), nadolol (Corgard), nebivolol (Bystolic), propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran), sotalol (Betapace), and others;
- an antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Vanatrip, Limbitrol), doxepin (Sinequan, Silenor), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others;
- an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate); or
- other bronchodilators such as levalbuterol (Xopenex), pirbuterol (Maxair), terbutaline (Brethine, Bricanyl), salmeterol (Advair, Serevent), metaproterenol (Alupent, Metaprel), or isoproterenol (Isuprel Mistometer).
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with albuterol. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.