Key takeaways
- Ventolin HFA is used to prevent and treat bronchospasm in certain people, working as a rescue inhaler that quickly relaxes airways to make breathing easier.
- The typical dosage is two inhalations (puffs) taken up to every 4 to 6 hours as needed for asthma symptoms or 15 to 30 minutes before exercise to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm.
- Ventolin HFA contains the active drug albuterol sulfate and belongs to a class of drugs called short-acting beta2-agonists (SABAs). It works by attaching to receptors in airway muscles to help them relax and open up airways for better breathing.
Ventolin HFA is a brand-name drug prescribed for bronchospasm (tightening of the airways) in people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It’s also used as needed to prevent bronchospasm caused by exercise.
Ventolin HFA can be prescribed for these conditions in adults and children ages 4 years and older.
Ventolin HFA contains the active drug ingredient albuterol sulfate (also called simply albuterol). It’s available as a generic albuterol sulfate inhaler.
Several other brand-name inhalers contain albuterol. Some of these other inhalers are available in generic forms. For more details, see the “Ventolin HFA vs. albuterol (ProAir HFA, Proventil HFA)” section.
Ventolin HFA can cause mild or serious side effects. The more common side effects of Ventolin HFA include:
- sore throat
- cough
- muscle pain
- bone pain
- viral respiratory infections, such as the common cold
- upper respiratory inflammation, which may cause symptoms such as stuffy nose
Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious side effects from Ventolin HFA aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.
Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:
- paradoxical bronchospasm (tightening of your airways that’s unexpected because the drug is meant to relax your airway)
- arrhythmia (heart rate or rhythm irregularities)
- high blood pressure
- hypokalemia (low potassium level)
Ventolin HFA comes as an inhaler that’s available in two sizes:
- a device that holds 60 puffs (inhalations)
- a device that holds 200 puffs
Each puff of Ventolin HFA delivers 90 mcg of albuterol.
Ventolin is a “metered-dose” inhaler. This means each inhaler device has a built-in dose counter. The dose counter tells you how many inhalations are left in your inhaler.
Dosage for bronchospasm in people with asthma
The usual dosage of Ventolin HFA to treat or prevent bronchospasm is two inhalations, taken up to every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
The maximum dosage of Ventolin HFA is two inhalations every 4 hours.
Dosage for exercise-induced bronchospasm
The usual dosage of Ventolin HFA to prevent bronchospasm due to exercise is two inhalations, taken 15 to 30 minutes before exercise.
How to use
Ventolin HFA comes in inhaler devices that you take in as inhalations (puffs). You should shake the inhaler device well before each inhalation of the drug. This helps make sure that you receive the correct amount of drug in each puff.
After taking each inhalation of Ventolin HFA, hold your breath for about 10 seconds to help ensure the drug reaches your lungs.
When using an inhaler device for the first time, you’ll need to prepare it for use. (This is sometimes called priming the inhaler.) You should also prime your inhaler device if you haven’t used it for 2 weeks or if you drop it.
For step-by-step instructions on how to prime your Ventolin HFA inhaler and use it correctly, see the manufacturer’s website.
Ventolin HFA is a rescue inhaler for people with breathing problems, such as asthma or COPD. Many people with these conditions may also use other medications to manage asthma symptoms. These other medications are known as maintenance treatments because people use them daily on a long-term basis.
Examples of maintenance medications that help treat asthma include:
- budesonide (Pulmicort Flexhaler, Pulmicort Respules)
- budesonide/formoterol (Symbicort)
- fluticasone (Flovent Diskus, Flovent HFA)
- fluticasone/salmeterol (Advair Diskus)
- fluticasone/vilanterol (Breo Ellipta)
- ipratropium (Atrovent HFA)
Other drugs are available that can treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others.
Examples of other drugs that may be prescribed instead of Ventolin HFA include:
- levalbuterol (Xopenex)
- formoterol (Foradil)
- salmeterol (Serevent)
- cromolyn (Gastrocrom)
- other forms of albuterol (Proventil HFA, ProAir HFA)
It’s important to note that the specific Ventolin HFA alternative your doctor prescribes may depend on the condition you’re using it to treat.
If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Ventolin HFA, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.
Ventolin HFA can interact with several other medications, including certain beta-blockers, diuretics, and antidepressants.
| Medication | Examples | Interaction |
|---|---|---|
| beta-blockers | • carvedilol (Coreg, Coreg CR) • nadolol (Corgard) • pindolol • propranolol (Inderal, Inderal LA) | can make Ventolin HFA less effective |
| certain diuretics | • hydrochlorothiazide • chlorthalidone • torsemide (Demadex) • furosemide (Lasix) • bumetanide (Bumex) | can increase the risk of certain Ventolin HFA side effects |
| digoxin | • Lanoxin | can make digoxin less effective |
| certain antidepressants | • selegiline (Emsam, Zelapar) • phenelzine (Nardil) • isocarboxazid (Marplan) • amitriptyline • desipramine (Norpramin) • nortriptyline (Pamelor) • imipramine (Tofranil) | can increase the risk of serious side effects from both Ventolin HFA and antidepressants |
Before you start treatment with Ventolin HFA, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you’re currently taking. They’ll let you know whether Ventolin HFA is safe to use.
Ventolin HFA and alcohol
There are no known interactions between Ventolin HFA and alcohol.
Talk with your doctor to see whether it’s safe for you to consume alcohol while you’re using Ventolin HFA.
Ventolin HFA and pregnancy, breastfeeding, and birth control
It is unknown how safe it is to use Ventolin HFA during pregnancy. In animal studies, there was harm to the offspring of females who received the drug during pregnancy. However, animal studies don’t always predict what will happen in humans.
If you’re taking Ventolin HFA and you’re pregnant or may become pregnant, talk with your doctor. They’ll discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with you.
This drug comes with several precautions. Before taking Ventolin HFA, talk with your doctor about your health history. Ventolin HFA may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. These include:
- Seizure disorders: Ventolin HFA can worsen seizure disorders in people who already have these conditions. If you have a seizure disorder, talk with your doctor to find out if it’s safe for you to use Ventolin HFA.
- Hyperthyroidism: Ventolin HFA can worsen the symptoms of hyperthyroidism (high thyroid hormone level) in people who already have this condition. If you have hyperthyroidism, talk with your doctor to find out if it’s safe for you to use Ventolin HFA.
- Diabetes: Ventolin HFA can worsen diabetes and certain complications of diabetes in people who already have these conditions. If you have diabetes, talk with your doctor to find out if it’s safe for you to use Ventolin HFA.
- Heart problems: Ventolin HFA can cause heart problems and high blood pressure in some people. This drug may not be safe for you if you have heart disease or high blood pressure. Talk with your doctor about any history of heart or blood pressure problems to see if Ventolin HFA is safe for you.
- Allergic reaction: You should not use Ventolin HFA if you’ve had an allergic reaction to albuterol or any of the inactive ingredients in Ventolin HFA. If you’re unsure if you’ve had an allergic reaction to Ventolin HFA in the past, talk with your doctor.
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Ventolin HFA.
Is Ventolin HFA a steroid?
No, Ventolin HFA is not a steroid. Ventolin HFA is a short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA). It works by relaxing the muscles around your airways. This allows air to flow better as it moves in and out of your lungs. SABAs work quickly to make it easier for you to breathe.
Steroids, on the other hand, work by reducing inflammation in your body, including in your lungs. Steroids work over time to improve airflow through your lungs. Many people with asthma need to take both a SABA and a steroid to control their asthma symptoms.
Is Ventolin HFA available as a nebulizer?
No, Ventolin HFA is not available for use in a nebulizer. Ventolin HFA only comes as a solution in a metered-dose inhaler.
However, albuterol (the active drug in Ventolin HFA) comes in solutions that may be used in nebulizer machines.
If you’d prefer to take albuterol in a nebulizer rather than an inhaler, talk with your doctor. They’ll discuss the best treatment and management options for your condition.
As with all medications, the cost of Ventolin HFA can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.
Drug coupons: You can visit Optum Perks for price estimates of Ventolin HFA. These estimates are based on the use of Optum Perks coupons. Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
Financial and insurance assistance: If you need financial support to pay for Ventolin HFA or help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.
A program called GSK For You is available for Ventolin HFA. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 866-GSK-FOR-U (866-475-3678) or visit the program website.
Generic version: Ventolin HFA is available in a generic form called albuterol. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication. The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. And generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs. To find out how the cost of albuterol compares to the cost of Ventolin HFA, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
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Ventolin HFA, ProAir HFA, and Proventil HFA are all inhalers that may be used to prevent and treat bronchospasm in people with asthma. They’re also each approved for use as needed to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm. These medications all contain the same active ingredient, albuterol.
Each of these inhalers may be prescribed for these uses in adults and children ages 4 years and older.
When used to treat or prevent bronchospasm in people with asthma, these medications are generally taken as needed. The typical dosage is two inhalations (puffs) taken up to every 4 to 6 hours.
When used to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm, the typical dosage is two puffs 15 to 30 minutes before exercise.
Ventolin HFA comes in canisters that hold either 60 inhalations or 200 inhalations of medication. ProAir HFA and Proventil HFA each come in canisters that hold 200 inhalations of medication.
Because Ventolin HFA, ProAir HFA, and Proventil HFA contain the same active drug, they’re expected to have very similar side effects.
To learn more about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.