What Are the Dangers of Using Ventolin Inhalers?

Ventolin, also known as albuterol, is a prescription medication that comes in an inhaler and is used for the prevention and treatment of airway spasms. Ventolin can be used on a daily basis to prevent asthma attacks or during an asthma attack to relieve symptoms.

Common Side Effects

• Ventolin inhalers, like all prescription medications, have side effects, some of which can be serious. These include changes in appetite, muscle or bone pain, cough, throat irritation, dizziness, headache, hyperactivity, nausea, nervousness, sore throat, sinus pain, and vomiting.

Clinical Studies

• In clinical studies the most common side effects of Ventolin use were throat irritation, viral respiratory infection, upper respiratory inflammation, cough and musculoskeletal pain. The studies were conducted by GlaxoSmithKline, manufacturers of Ventolin HFA (albuterol sulfate) Inhalation Aerosol.

Serious Side Effects

• Some Ventolin side effects are more serious and require immediate medical attention. These include chest or ear pain, pounding in the chest, irregular or quickened heart beat, hives, trouble breathing, blistered or peeling skin or swelling of the tongue, lips, face or mouth.

Adverse Interactions

• To avoid possible adverse interactions with existing medications, a patient should tell his health care provider if he has any heart condition but especially arrhythmia, tachycardia or congestive heart failure. He should also tell his health care provider about hypertension, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, allergies, seizures or epilepsy.

Considerations

• Patients considering using an albuterol inhaler should tell their doctor if they're breastfeeding or pregnant or considering becoming pregnant. They should also discuss what medications they take including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.