Ventolin® HFA

GENERIC NAME:

Albuterol sulfate - inhalant

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

This drug is a medication that relaxes the smooth muscles in airways thereby providing relief from diseases that cause coughing and constriction of the airways. Albuterol is available as an inhaler. With inhalation therapy, higher doses of drugs are delivered to the lungs while minimizing side effects to the rest of the body

WHAT IS THIS DRUG?

• A bronchodilator
• Given by inhalation using an inhaler

REASONS FOR PRESCRIBING:

• To aid in the treatment of asthma
• To aid in the treatment of bronchitis

WHAT DOGS/CATS SHOULD NOT TAKE THIS MEDICATION?

• Animals with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to this drug should not take this medication
• Animals with underlying heart disease or high blood pressure
• Animals who have seizures, hyperthyroidism, or diabetes
• Discuss with your veterinarian if your animal is pregnant or nursing

Read and follow the prescription label carefully.

Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed. Give this medication for as long as your veterinarian directs. Do not skip doses or stop giving the medication without consulting your veterinarian.

Dose adjustments may be made based upon an assessment of how your dog or cat is responding clinically. Call ahead for refills.

Ideally, give medication at the same time(s) daily.

DIRECTIONS FOR INHALER WHEN USING A SPACER AND MASK:

• Inhalers should be shaken well prior to each use
• Remove cap from inhaler and attach onto spacer and mask
• Gently apply mask to your pet's face
• As your pet inhales, depress the inhaler to deliver a dose of medication and hold for several breaths
• Remove spacer and mask, place cap back on inhaler
• Follow manufacturer's cleaning instructions for spacer and mask
• If using in conjunction with a glucocorticoid inhaler, administer albuterol 5 minutes before

WHAT IF A DOSE IS MISSED?

If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.

STORAGE AND WARNINGS:

Albuterol should be stored in a childproof container in a cool, dry place at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight.

Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets.

Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS:

• Are dose related and usually transient
• Can include increased heart rate, tremors, nervousness, and dizziness
• If these symptoms persist or you notice anything else unusual, contact your veterinarian

CAN THIS DRUG BE GIVEN WITH OTHER DRUGS?

• Yes, but possible interactions may occur when giving albuterol in conjunction with: beta-adrenergic blocking agents (propanolol, atenolol), digoxin, inhalational anesthetics, other sympathomimetic amines (epinephrine, dopamine), and tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline, clomipramine)
• Drugs other than those listed may also interact with albuterol
• Do not give new food or medications without first talking to your veterinarian
• If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian

OVERDOSING?

Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet receives more than the prescribed amount.

WHAT TO TELL/ASK A VETERINARIAN BEFORE GIVING MEDICATION?

Talk to your veterinarian about:

• When your pet will need to be rechecked
• What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
• What are the risks and benefits of using this drug

Tell your veterinarian about:

• If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
• If your pet has experienced digestive upset now or ever
• If your pet has experienced liver or kidney disease now or ever
• If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
• All medicines and supplements that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet's medications can be given together.
• If your pet is pregnant, nursing or if you plan to breed your pet

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW?

Notify your veterinarian if your animal's condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.

As with all prescribed medicines, albuterol should only be given to the pet for which it was prescribed.

It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed.

This is just a summary of information about albuterol. If you have any questions or concerns about albuterol or the condition it was prescribed for, please contact your veterinarian.