Warning!

• Women receiving this medicine for premature labour should have their pulse rate monitored. The heart rate of the baby should also be monitored.
  
  
• People with severe asthma should have regular blood tests to monitor the amount of potassium in their blood. This is because low oxygen levels in the blood (hypoxia) and various asthma medicines, including this one, can lower blood potassium levels.
  
  

Ventolin (Albuterol) Aerosol is used for:

Treating or preventing breathing problems in patients who have asthma or certain other airway diseases. It may be used to prevent breathing problems caused by exercise. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Ventolin Aerosol is a sympathomimetic (beta agonist) bronchodilator. It works by relaxing the smooth muscle in the airway, which allows air to flow in and out of the lungs more easily.

Overdosage

• Symptoms of albuterol overdose may include:
  Dizziness, seizures, rapid or irregular heartbeat, radiating chest pain, nervousness, nausea, insomnia, high or low blood pressure, headache, general feeling of illness, fatigue, dry mouth, tremors

Heart attack and even death have been associated with abuse of albuterol inhalation. Exaggerated side effects may also be a sign of an overdose. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

Side effects

• Pulmonary oedema (fluid in the lungs) in the mother (when used for premature labour). Cough and shortness of breath are symptoms of this, if you experience these you should tell the doctor immediately.
  
  
• Nausea and vomiting (when used for premature labour)
  
  
• Low blood potassium level (hypokalaemia)
  
  
• Muscle cramps
  
  
• Awareness of your heart beat (heart palpitations)
  
  
• Faster than normal heart beat (tachycardia)
  
  
• Headache
  
  
• Nervous tension
  
  
• Shaking, usually of the hands (tremor)