albuterol, by GlaxoSmithKline.

General Information

Ventolin HFA 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. Ventolin HFA is a new version of the Ventolin metered-dose inhaler (MDI) currently marketed by GlaxoSmithKline. However unlike the current version, the new inhaler does not use chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) to propel the medication. Ventolin HFA uses an alternative propellant called HFA or hydrofluoroalkane.

Side Effects

Adverse events reported from clinical trials include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Throat irritation
• Upper respiratory inflammation
• Viral respiratory infections
• Cough
• Musculoskeletal pain

Overall, the adverse events were similar between Ventolin HFA and a CFC 11/12-propelled albuterol inhaler. Additionally, according to the results of a two-week pediatric trial, the pediatric adverse event profile was generally similar to that of the adult.

Mechanism of Action

In vitro studies and in vivo pharmacologic studies have demonstrated that albuterol has a preferential effect on beta2-adrenergic receptors compared to isoproterenol. Activation of beta2-adrenergic receptors on airway smooth muscle leads to the activation of adenylcyclase, and to an increase in the intracellular concentration of cyclic-3',5'-adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP). This increase of cyclic AMP leads to the activation of protein kinase A, which inhibits the phosphorylation of myosin and lowers intracellular ionic calcium concentrations, resulting in relaxation. Albuterol relaxes the smooth muscles of all airways, from the trachea to the terminal bonchioles. Albuterol acts as a functional antagonist to relax the airway irrespective of the spasmogen involved, thus protecting against all bronchoconstrictor challenges. (from Ventolin HFA Product Information)

Additional Information

Please visit the GlaxoSmithKline web site for additional information about this product. If you have any question, consult with your doctor or pharmacist.