Ventolin Inhaler (Albuterol) is used for relief and prevention of airway obstruction (bronchospasm) in patients with asthma or exercise-induced asthma. Albuterol is also used for treating patients with emphysema or chronic bronchitis when their symptoms are related to reversible airway obstruction.

Albuterol is used to prevent and treat wheezing and shortness of breath caused by breathing problems. It works in the airways by opening breathing passages and relaxing muscles. Controlling symptoms of breathing problems can decrease time lost from work or school.

The inhaled form of albuterol starts working within 15 minutes and can last up to 6 hours or longer. Albuterol should not be used more frequently than recommended. Effective and safe use of albuterol includes an understanding of the way that it should be administered.

Ventolin has been approved for the treatment or prevention of bronchospasm in adults and children four years of age and older with reversible obstructive airway disease, and for the prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm in patients four years of age and older. In general, the technique for administering albuterol inhalation aerosol to children is similar to that for adults, since children's smaller ventilatory exchange capacity automatically provides proportionally smaller aerosol intake. Children should use albuterol aerosol under adult supervision, as instructed by the patient's physician.