Albuterol Sulfate HFA

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Sep 08, 2023

Warnings

What are the risks of taking albuterol sulfate (ProAir, Proventil, Ventolin)?

Albuterol sulfate can cause serious health problems, especially in certain high-risk patients. Please talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other asthma treatment options if these complications are a concern for you.

Worsening asthma: Some people may experience a worsening of their asthma symptoms or no improvement in their symptoms with albuterol sulfate. Talk to your doctor if this occurs. Your doctor may increase your dose or prescribe another anti-inflammatory drug to control your symptoms better.
Lung spasms: Very rarely, albuterol sulfate can cause lung spasms, leading to worsening of breathing and causing more coughing and wheezing. This can be potentially life-threatening. The risk is highest when you use a new inhaler. Stop taking albuterol sulfate and contact your doctor right away if this occurs.
Heart problems: Even at the recommended dose, albuterol sulfate can cause heart problems such as a fast heartbeat or high blood pressure in some people. The risk is higher in patients with a history of heart disease or hypertension. If you have a history of heart problems, work with your doctor to decide whether albuterol is the correct medicine for you.
Low potassium: Albuterol sulfate can lower blood potassium levels, which can be harmful to the heart. Low potassium symptoms can include tiredness, bloating, nausea, muscle cramps, and abnormal heartbeat. Call your doctor if you have any of these signs and symptoms.
Allergic reaction: In a small number of people, albuterol sulfate can cause a severe allergic reaction with difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, hives, and rash. Stop using albuterol sulfate right away and call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if this occurs.

Your doctor or pharmacist can prescribe other treatments for asthma if you are at risk of complications from albuterol sulfate use.

What should I tell my doctor before starting albuterol sulfate (ProAir, Proventil, Ventolin)?

Tell your health care professional about all your medical conditions - albuterol sulfate may not be suitable for people with certain health conditions such as heart disease, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, diabetes, seizures, and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).

Also, tell your doctor about all your medications, including over-the-counter and prescription drugs, dietary supplements and vitamins, as well as herbal products. This can help avoid serious interactions between albuterol sulfate and other medicines.

Please tell your doctor if you have previously had an allergic reaction to albuterol sulfate or any of the ingredients in the nebulizer solution or inhalation powder (your pharmacy can provide you with a list of ingredients).

Albuterol sulfate should be used with caution in pregnant women. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Contact your doctor if you become pregnant while on albuterol sulfate treatment.

What precautions should I take while on albuterol sulfate (ProAir, Proventil, Ventolin)?

Please keep all your appointments at your doctor’s office. Short-acting bronchodilators such as albuterol sulfate relieve asthma symptoms and can stop an asthma attack, but they do not cure asthma. Do not stop taking albuterol sulfate without talking to your doctor first.

You should stop taking albuterol and call your doctor immediately for medical advice or go to the emergency room if you experience symptoms such as chest pain; fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat; itching, hives, rash; swelling of the face, tongue, lips, throat, hands, or feet; or difficulty breathing or swallowing.

What are albuterol sulfate (ProAir, Proventil, Ventolin) interactions?

Taking albuterol sulfate with other medications can affect how the drug works or increase the risk of severe side effects. Your physician may choose a different rescue medication for asthma, change the dose or frequency of one or both medicines, and/or monitor you carefully for side effects if there are known drug interactions. There can be interactions between albuterol sulfate and medicines, such as:

● beta-blockers

● diuretics or water pills

● digoxin

● epinephrine (EpiPen, Primatene Mist)

● cold medications

● other inhaled medications (levalbuterol, metaproterenol)

● certain antidepressants

This list does not describe specific or all possible albuterol sulfate interactions. Give your health care provider a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplements, vitamins, and herbal remedies. Also, tell your health care provider if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with prescription drugs.

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