Ventolin
Generic: albuterol
Also known as: ProAir, others
Class
Drug (Wikipedia)
Form
N/A
Route
N/A
Manufacturer
Various manufacturers
scienceActive Ingredients
| Ingredient | Strength |
|---|---|
| (''RS'')-4-[2-(''tert''-Butylamino)-1-hydroxyethyl]-2-(hydroxymethyl)phenol |
healingIndications & Usage
Salbutamol, also known as albuterol and sold under the brand name Ventolin among others, is a medication that opens up the medium and large airways in the lungs. It is a short-acting β2 adrenergic receptor agonist that causes relaxation of airway smooth muscle. It is used to treat asthma, including asthma attacks and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It may also be used to treat high blood potassium levels. Salbutamol is usually used with an inhaler or nebulizer, but it is also available in a pill, liquid, and intravenous solution. Onset of action of the inhaled version is typically within 15 minutes and lasts for two to six hours. Common side effects include shakiness, headache, fast heart rate, dizziness, and feeling anxious. Serious side effects may include worsening bronchospasm, irregular heartbeat, and low blood potassium levels. Its use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is widespread and there is no evidence to suggest it is unsafe. Salbutamol was patented in 1966 in Britain and became commercially available in the United Kingdom in 1969. It was approved for medical use in the United States in 1982. It is on the World...
scheduleDosage & Administration
Consult prescribing information or healthcare provider for dosage.
warningWarnings
Information from Wikipedia. Always verify with official sources and consult a healthcare professional.
reportAdverse Reactions
See Wikipedia article for reported adverse reactions.
blockContraindications
Consult prescribing information for contraindications.
compare_arrowsDrug Interactions
Consult prescribing information for drug interactions.
gavelLegal Status by Country
| Country | Legal Status | Prescription | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Varies | Check FDA | Consult healthcare provider |
infoLegal status may change. Always verify with local authorities before traveling internationally with medication.
scienceScientific References
- verified
FDA Drug Label
View on DailyMedopen_in_new - article
PubMed Research
Search PubMed for studiesopen_in_new
helpFrequently Asked Questions
Data Sources
This information is sourced from the FDA's public drug database (OpenFDA) and the National Library of Medicine's RxNorm API. Data was last updated on Nov 29, 2025.
FDA Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. The information provided may not cover all possible uses, actions, precautions, side effects, or interactions.