Generic Ventolin (albuterol) is prescribed for treatment of breathing problems in patients suffering from lung diseases. It relaxes airway muscles that obstruct the access of air to lungs. It is widely used for treatment of bronchospasm caused by reversible obstructive airway disease or physical exercise.

Generic Ventolin should be taken according to your doctor’s instructions and directions on the prescription label. Do not change the dosage or period of use without prior medical consult.

Use the following directions when using the inhaler:

• Shake the canister well.
• Exhale fully, open the canister and put the mouthpiece into your mouth. Wrap your lips around it.
• Inhale slowly while pressing down on the canister. Hold your breath for 10 seconds and exhale slowly.
• Wait for at least 1 minute before the second inhalation if you use more than one at a time.

The mouthpiece should be washed once a week by placing it in a stream of warm water for at least 30 seconds. Remove it from the canister before washing. Shake out the mouthpiece to eliminate water leftovers and let it dry completely before putting it back on the canister.

If you experience any symptoms associated with allergies such as difficulty breathing, hives, swollen tongue etc., stop using the medication and seek urgent medical help.

Contact a medical specialist immediately if you experience any of the following: wheezing, breathing problems, chest tightness or other bronchospasm symptoms (especially if you have started to use a new canister); pain in the chest or uneven or pounding heartbeat; nervousness and tremors; confusion, strong thirst, increased urination, discomfort in the legs, muscle weakness or limpness or other symptoms of low potassium levels in the body; very high blood pressure expressed by headache, blurred vision, buzzing sound, anxiety, pain in the chest, confusion, feeling short of breath, seizures and irregular heartbeat).

Common side effects of using Ventolin include headache, dizziness, insomnia, cough or hoarse voice, sore throat, moderate nausea or vomiting, dry mouth, muscle pain and diarrhea.

Note that this list does not include all possible side effects. Other side effects might occur depending on individual health conditions.

DO NOT use the medication if you are allergic to albuterol.

Avoid getting the medication in your eyes. If it happens, rinse with plenty of water and seek immediate medical attention.

Pregnant women or those planning pregnancy should consult their doctors before using Generic Ventolin.

Notify your medical specialist about all other medications you are taking, especially diuretics (water pills); digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin); beta-blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin, Tenoretic), carvedilol (Coreg), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), metoprolol (Dutoprol, Lopressor, Toprol), nadolol (Corgard), nebivolol (Bystolic), propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran), sotalol (Betapace), etc.; antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Vanatrip, Limbitrol), doxepin (Sinequan, Silenor), nortriptyline (Pamelor), etc.; MAO inhibitors 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).

Other medications may interact with Generic Ventolin as well.

If you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you have missed.

Generic Ventolin should be stored at the temperature between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C), well out of reach of children and pets.