Administer VENTOLIN HFA by oral inhalation only. Shake VENTOLIN HFA well before each spray.
2.1 Bronchospasm
For treatment of acute episodes of bronchospasm or prevention of symptoms associated with bronchospasm, the usual dosage for adults and children is 2 inhalations repeated every 4 to 6 hours; in some patients, 1 inhalation every 4 hours may be sufficient. More frequent administration or a larger number of inhalations is not recommended.
2.2 Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm
The usual dosage for adults and children 4 years of age and older is 2 inhalations 15 to 30 minutes before exercise.
2.3 Administration Information
Priming: Priming VENTOLIN HFA is essential to ensure appropriate albuterol content in each actuation. Prime VENTOLIN HFA before using for the first time, when the inhaler has not been used for more than 2 weeks, or when the inhaler has been dropped. To prime VENTOLIN HFA, release 4 sprays into the air away from the face, shaking well before each spray.
Cleaning: To ensure proper dosing and to prevent actuator orifice blockage, wash the actuator with warm water and let it air-dry completely at least once a week.
Dose Counter: VENTOLIN HFA has a dose counter attached to the canister that starts at 204 or 64 and counts down each time a spray is released [see Dosage Forms and Strengths (3)]. When the counter reads 020, the patient should contact the pharmacist for a refill of medication or consult the physician to determine whether a prescription refill is needed.
VENTOLIN HFA comes in a moisture-protective foil pouch, which should be removed prior to use. Discard VENTOLIN HFA when the counter reads 000 or 12 months after removal from the moisture-protective foil pouch, whichever comes first [see Dosage Forms and Strengths (3)].
See Patient Information tear-off leaflet for instructions on how to prime and clean the inhaler to ensure proper dosing and to prevent actuator orifice blockage.