Prescription Required
Description
What is Ventolin HFA prescribed for?
This medication is used to control and prevent symptoms caused by asthma or ongoing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a group of progressive lung diseases that cause obstructed airflow from the lungs. Symptoms consist of: breathing difficulty, coughing, mucus production and wheezing. People with COPD are at increased risk of developing heart disease, lung cancer, and a variety of other conditions. It is estimated that about 30 million people in the United States have COPD, and as many as half are unaware that they have it. Medications, supplemental oxygen therapy, and surgery are some forms of treatment and generally improve quality of life.
The Ventolin HFA is available for purchase at My Drug Center. You can also buy Ventolin HFA Inhaler generic, which is sold as Albuterol. The Albuterol generic is less costly because it is not a brand-name drug. With proper management, most people with COPD can achieve symptom control and quality of life, as well as reduced risk of other associated conditions.
How does Ventolin HFA work?
Ventolin HFA Inhaler comes in aerosol form which is inhaled by the patient using an inhaler device. HFA stands for High Frequency Aerosol. The Ventolin HFA Inhaler dosage contains the active ingredients albuterol/salbutamol. The inhaler releases these ingredients directly into the airways leading to your lungs and relaxes them. Once the airways have relaxed, your lungs are able to hold a better supply of air, and the wheezing and chest tightness subside. The Ventolin HFA Inhaler holds fast-acting medication that can be used to stop an asthma attack, but the effects are short-lived, so you will also require a long-acting maintenance medicine.
Directions
Before taking your prescribed medication read label and medication guide or instruction sheet that was provided by your pharmacist so you know how to use the inhaler.
Administration of Ventolin HFA Inhaler dosage: Shake the HFA canister well for 5 seconds before use. Ventolin Inhaler is a quick-relief inhaler and should be used every four to six hours as needed. If you need to take more than one Albuterol dosage, wait at least 60 seconds before taking the second dose. To prevent asthma attacks during exercise or strenuous activity take two inhalations roughly 30 minutes before hard physical work or exercise. Prime the inhaler with 2 test sprays (away from the face) if it has not been used for more than 4 weeks, or after dropping.
You should always carry this inhaler with you in case you require quick relief. This can be used with other inhalers provided you allow a minute between doses. Rinse your mouth with water after dosing to prevent mouth infection.
Cautions
Ventolin HFA Inhaler may contain medical and non medical ingredients that could cause an allergic reaction. Consult with your doctor about any known allergies before taking your Ventolin HFA Inhaler dosage. Speak with your doctor about any known medical conditions relating to heart problems, high blood pressure, seizure. Tell your doctor about any current medications or supplementation to avoid interactions with Ventolin HFA Inhaler.
While taking Ventolin HFA Inhaler or the Albuterol generic, you may feel dizzy, drowsy or experience blurred vision. Avoid driving a vehicle or operating heavy machinery until you feel it is safe. Alcohol and Cannabis can exasperate these side effects. Additionally you can speak with your doctor about acceptable limits for these substances while taking this medication.
Side Effects
Some Ventolin HFA Inhaler side effects are:
Nervousness, shaking (tremor), palpitations, headache, mouth/throat dryness or irritation, cough, hoarseness, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sleep problems (insomnia), muscle pain, changes in taste, or diarrhea.
Serious Ventolin HFA Inhaler side effects include:
Chest pain or irregular heartbeat.
If any side effects of Albuterol become unmanageable, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for help managing any side effects. For any serious side effects that occur, speak with your doctor right away for further treatment options.
FAQs
What is albuterol?
Albuterol is the active ingredient found inside the Ventolin inhaler responsible for its therapeutic effect. Albuterol, which is also known as salbutamol, is an adrenergic bronchodilator. One Ventolin inhaler contains 90mcg (or 100mcg when measured internationally) of albuterol.
What is albuterol used for?
Albuterol is prescribed to patients with asthma or certain types of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These are conditions that affect the lungs.
What does albuterol do?
Using albuterol will help treat or prevent bronchospasm, including exercise-induced bronchospasm. A bronchospasm causes symptoms such as difficulties breathing, chest tightness, or coughing or wheezing.
How does albuterol work?
A bronchial spasm occurs when muscles in the airway become swollen, which causes airways to become narrow and limits the amount of oxygen received by the lungs. To effectively treat or prevent bronchospasm, albuterol works on the narrow airways by relaxing the muscles; this allows them to open up wider. Now that the airways are expanded, air can now flow more easily through to the lungs, reducing symptoms of the bronchospasm.
How to use albuterol inhaler?
To use the inhaler, shake the HFA canister for 5 seconds; ensure it is shaken well before use each time. Prime the inhaler by pumping two sprays in the opposite direction of your face. Exhale deeply before putting the inhaler to your mouth; do not exhale into the inhaler. While pressing down on the canister, deeply and gently breathe in the medication. Hold your breath for 10 seconds and exhale. Allow 60 seconds to pass before doing a second dose, if required. If you are unsure how to use the albuterol (Ventolin) inhaler; contact your doctor for directions.
How long does albuterol last?
The exact amount of time albuterol effects last varies between each individual; effects typically last four to six hours and for others, longer than 8 hours.
How long do albuterol side effects last?
Most side effects occur while your body adjusts to the new medication which can sometimes take a few days to a few weeks and sometimes months; the exact amount of time will vary depending on how your body responds to treatment. Your health care professional may be able to inform you on how you can treat or prevent unwanted side effects. If side effects become unmanageable or begin to worry you, contact your doctor.
How often can you use albuterol inhaler?
Only your doctor can accurately tell you how often you can use this medication. Though commonly, adults and children at least 4 years old may use two puffs every 4-6 hours.
How long does albuterol stay in your system?
With a short half-life of only 6 hours, albuterol will take about 30 hours to clear out of your system after your last dose, which is just over one day.
How much does albuterol cost?
In the United States, albuterol is typically inexpensive as both a generic and when sold as the Ventolin inhaler. However, the generic is not covered by most medicare plans and the Ventolin inhaler is considered a tier 3 drug so while it may not be expensive, it will still likely cost more than other drugs within tier 1 and 2. At My Drug Center, we offer both the Ventolin inhaler and the generic albuterol inhaler at an affordable and low cost of $0.08-$0.12 per dose, available in multiples of 200 doses up to 1200 doses.
What are the side effects of albuterol?
The most common side effects associated with albuterol consist of chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats, dizziness, feeling shaky or nervous, or headache. This is not a complete list of possible side effects.
How long is albuterol good for?
Each inhaler should have a specific expiration date printed commonly on the box or foil packaging; there may also be one on the inhaler canister. If you have troubles finding the expiration date, call your pharmacist and ask when the prescription was filled. In general, albuterol inhalers last for roughly one year after they have been prescribed.
How many puffs are in an albuterol inhaler?
Each albuterol inhaler contains 200 doses of albuterol, which is commonly around a one month supply for most.
Which inhaler to use first albuterol or Flovent?
When prescribed both albuterol and Flovent (fluticasone), you would generally take your Flovent dose first and immediately after take your albuterol dose, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
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