Ventolin Overdose

It is possible to overdose on Ventolin. Some common symptoms of a Ventolin overdose include chest pain, headaches, and irregular heart rhythms. The effects of a Ventolin overdose can vary depending on several factors, such as how much of the medication was taken and whether it was taken with any other medicines, alcohol, and/or drugs. Treatment for a Ventolin involves supportive care, which may include fluids through an intravenous line (IV) or medications to reverse the effects of Ventolin, among other things.

 

Ventolin Overdose: An Overview

Ventolin HFA® (albuterol inhaler) is a prescription medication used to treat asthma. As with any medicine, it is possible to overdose on Ventolin. The effects of a Ventolin overdose will vary depending on a number of factors, such as how much Ventolin was taken and whether it was taken with any other medicines, alcohol, street drugs, or a combination of these.
 
If you happen to overdose on Ventolin, seek medical attention immediately.
 

Symptoms of a Ventolin Overdose

Ventolin overdose symptoms may include:
 
  • Chest pain (angina)
  • High blood pressure (hypertension) or low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • A fast heart rate (tachycardia)
  • Nervousness
  • Headaches
  • Shakiness (tremors)
  • Dry mouth
  • Feelings of a rapidly or forcefully beating heart (heart palpitations)
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Insomnia
  • Seizures
  • Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
  • Fatigue
  • Low potassium in the blood (hypokalemia)
  • Cardiac arrest
  • Loss of life.
     

Treatment for a Ventolin Overdose

Treatment for a Ventolin overdose involves supportive care. This type of care consists of treating the symptoms that occur as a result of the overdose. For example, supportive treatment options for a Ventolin overdose may include:
 
  • Fluids through an intravenous line (IV)
  • Medications (such as beta blockers) that can reverse the effects of Ventolin
  • Other treatments based on the complications that occur.
     
It is important that you seek medical attention immediately if you believe that you may have overdosed on Ventolin.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;