PRODUCT MONOGRAPH

Pr
VENTOLIN HFA
salbutamol pressurised inhalation, suspension
Mfr. Std.

100 mcg salbutamol (as salbutamol sulfate) / metered dose

Bronchodilator

(beta2-adrenergic agonist)

GlaxoSmithKline Inc.
100 Milverton Drive, Suite 800
Mississauga, Ontario
L5R 4H1
www.gsk.ca

Date of Revision: November 27, 2023

Submission Control No:

© 2023 GSK group of companies or its licensor.

Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies.

VENTOLIN HFA (salbutamol) Page 1 of 23

 Table of Contents

PART I: HEALTH PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION ........................................................ 3

SUMMARY PRODUCT INFORMATION ....................................................................... 3
INDICATIONS AND CLINICAL USE ............................................................................. 3
CONTRAINDICATIONS .................................................................................................. 3
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ................................................................................. 4
ADVERSE REACTIONS ................................................................................................... 6
DRUG INTERACTIONS ................................................................................................... 9
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ............................................................................. 10
OVERDOSAGE................................................................................................................ 12
ACTION AND CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ........................................................... 12
STORAGE AND STABILITY ......................................................................................... 13
SPECIAL HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS ...................................................................... 13
DOSAGE FORMS, COMPOSITION AND PACKAGING ............................................ 14

PART II: SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION .............................................................................. 15

PHARMACEUTICAL INFORMATION ......................................................................... 15
CLINICAL TRIALS ......................................................................................................... 15
DETAILED PHARMACOLOGY .................................................................................... 17
TOXICOLOGY ................................................................................................................ 18

PART III: CONSUMER INFORMATION ............................................................................. 20

VENTOLIN HFA (salbutamol) Page 2 of 23

 PrVENTOLIN HFA

salbutamol pressurised inhalation, suspension

Mfr. Std.

PART I: HEALTH PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION

SUMMARY PRODUCT INFORMATION

Route of Dosage Form / Strength Nonmedicinal Ingredients

Administration
Oral Inhalation pressurised inhalation, 1, 1, 1, 2-tetrafluoroethane
suspension/ 100 mcg (HFA-134a)
salbutamol (as salbutamol
sulfate)

INDICATIONS AND CLINICAL USE

Adults and Children (4 years and older):

VENTOLIN HFA (salbutamol pressurised inhalation, suspension) is indicated for:
 the symptomatic relief and prevention of bronchospasm due to bronchial asthma, chronic
bronchitis and other chronic bronchopulmonary disorders in which bronchospasm is a
complicating factor.
 the prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm.

Pediatrics (<4 years of age):

The safety and efficacy in children below the age of 4 years has not been established.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

 Patients who are hypersensitive to this drug or to any ingredient in the formulation or component
of the container (see DOSAGE FORMS, COMPOSITION AND PACKAGING).
 As a tocolytic in patients at risk of premature labour or threatened abortion.

VENTOLIN HFA (salbutamol) Page 3 of 23

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

General
Patients should always carry their VENTOLIN HFA to use immediately if an episode of asthma is
experienced. If therapy does not produce a significant improvement or if the patient’s condition worsens,
medical advice must be sought to determine a new plan of treatment. In the case of acute or rapidly
worsening dyspnea, a doctor should be consulted immediately.

Deterioration of Asthma
Asthma may deteriorate over time. If the patient needs to use VENTOLIN HFA more often than usual,
this may be a sign of worsening asthma. This requires re-evaluation of the patient and treatment plan and
consideration of adjusting the asthma maintenance therapy. If treatment with VENTOLIN HFA alone is
not adequate to control asthma, concomitant anti-inflammatory therapy should be part of the treatment
regimen. It is essential that the physician instruct the patient in the need for further evaluation if the
patient’s asthma becomes worse (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

Cardiovascular
In individual patients, any beta2-adrenergic agonist, including salbutamol, may have a clinically
significant cardiac effect. Care should be taken with patients suffering from cardiovascular disorders,
especially coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias and hypertension. Special care and supervision are
required in patients with idiopathic hypertrophic subvalvular aortic stenosis, in whom an increase in the
pressure gradient between the left ventricle and the aorta may occur, causing increased strain on the left
ventricle.

Fatalities have been reported in association with excessive use of inhaled sympathomimetic drugs in
patients with asthma. The exact cause of death is unknown, but cardiac arrest following an unexpected
development of a severe acute asthmatic crisis and subsequent hypoxia is suspected.

Endocrine and Metabolism

Metabolic Effects
In common with other beta-adrenergic agents, salbutamol sulfate can induce reversible metabolic changes
such as potentially serious hypokalemia, particularly following nebulised or especially infused
administration. Particular caution is advised in acute severe asthma since hypokalemia may be potentiated
by concomitant treatment with xanthine derivatives, steroids and diuretics and by hypoxia. Hypokalemia
will increase the susceptibility of digitalis-treated patients to cardiac arrhythmias. It is recommended that
serum potassium levels be monitored in such situations.

Care should be taken with patients with diabetes mellitus. Salbutamol can induce reversible
hyperglycemia during nebulised administration or especially during infusions of the drug. The diabetic
patient may be unable to compensate for this and the development of ketoacidosis has been reported.
Concurrent administration of corticosteroids can exaggerate this effect.

Care should be taken with patients with hyperthyroidism.

VENTOLIN HFA (salbutamol) Page 4 of 23

Hypersensitivity
Immediate hypersensitivity reactions may occur after administration of salbutamol sulfate, as
demonstrated by rare cases of urticaria, angioedema, rash, bronchospasm, hypotension, anaphylaxis and
oropharyngeal edema.

Care should be taken in patients who are unusually responsive to sympathomimetic amines.

Neurologic
Care should be taken with patients with convulsive disorders.

Respiratory
As with other inhaled medications, paradoxical bronchospasm may occur characterized by an immediate
increase in wheezing after dosing. This should be treated immediately with an alternative presentation or a
different fast-acting inhaled bronchodilator to relieve acute asthmatic symptoms. VENTOLIN HFA
should be discontinued immediately, the patient assessed and if necessary, alternative therapy instituted
(see ADVERSE REACTIONS).

Special Populations

Pregnant Women: Salbutamol has been in widespread use for many years in humans without apparent ill
consequence. However, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women and there is
little published evidence of its safety in the early stages of human pregnancy. Administration of any drug
to pregnant women should only be considered if the anticipated benefits to the expectant woman are
greater than any possible risks to the fetus (see TOXICOLOGY, Teratogenicity Studies).

During worldwide marketing experience, rare cases of various congenital anomalies, including cleft palate
and limb defects have been reported in the offspring of patients being treated with salbutamol. Some of
the mothers were taking multiple medications during their pregnancies. Because no consistent pattern of
defects can be discerned, and baseline rate for congenital anomalies is 2-3%, a relationship with
salbutamol use cannot be established.

Labour & Delivery: Because of the potential for beta-agonist interference with uterine contractility, use
of VENTOLIN HFA for relief of bronchospasm during labour should be restricted to those patients in
whom the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.

Nursing Women: Plasma levels of salbutamol sulfate and HFA-134a after inhaled therapeutic doses are
very low in humans, but it is not known whether the components are excreted in human milk. Because of
the potential for tumorigenicity shown for salbutamol in some animal studies, a decision should be made
whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the benefit of the drug to
the mother. It is not known whether salbutamol in breast milk has a harmful effect on the neonate.

Pediatrics (4 to < 12 years): The use of metered-dose inhalers in children depends on the ability of the
individual child to learn the proper use of this device. Metered-dose inhalers with spacers are
recommended for children under 5 years of age, especially for administration of inhaled corticosteroids.
Conversion from a face mask to a mouthpiece is strongly encouraged as soon as the age and the
cooperation of the child permit.

VENTOLIN HFA (salbutamol) Page 5 of 23

During inhalation, children should be assisted or supervised by an adult who knows the proper use of the
device.

Rarely, in children, hyperactivity occurs and occasionally, sleep disturbances, hallucination or atypical
psychosis have been reported.

Pediatrics (< 4 years of age): The safety and efficacy in children below the age of 4 years has not been
established.

Geriatrics: As with other beta2-agonists, special caution should be observed when using VENTOLIN
HFA in elderly patients who have concomitant cardiovascular disease that could be adversely affected by
this class of drug.

Monitoring and Laboratory Tests

In accordance with the present practice for asthma treatment, patient response should be monitored
clinically and by lung function tests.

Monitoring Control of Asthma

Failure to respond for at least three hours to a previously effective dose of VENTOLIN HFA indicates a
deterioration of the condition and the physician should be contacted promptly. Patients should be warned
not to exceed the recommended dose as there may be adverse effects associated with excessive dosing.

The increasing use of fast-acting, short duration inhaled beta2-adrenergic agonists to control symptoms
indicates deterioration of asthma control and the patient’s therapy plan should be reassessed. In worsening
asthma it is inadequate to increase beta2-agonist use only, especially over an extended period of time. In
the case of acute or rapidly worsening dyspnea, a doctor should be consulted immediately. Sudden or
progressive deterioration in asthma control is potentially life threatening; the treatment plan must be re-
evaluated, and consideration be given to corticosteroid therapy (see DOSAGE AND
ADMINISTRATION).

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Adverse Drug Reaction Overview

As with other bronchodilator inhalation therapy, the potential for paradoxical bronchospasm should be
kept in mind. If it occurs, the preparation should be discontinued immediately and alternative therapy
instituted.

Potentially serious hypokalemia may result from beta2-agonist therapy primarily from parenteral and
nebulised routes of administration (see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS, Endocrine and Metabolism).

Peripheral vasodilation and a compensatory small increase in heart rate may occur in some patients.
Cardiac arrhythmias (including atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, extrasystoles) have been
reported, usually in susceptible patients.

Other adverse reactions associated with salbutamol are nervousness and tremor. In some patients inhaled
salbutamol may cause a fine tremor of skeletal muscle, particularly in the hands. This effect is common to

VENTOLIN HFA (salbutamol) Page 6 of 23

all beta2-adrenergic agonists. Adaptation occurs during the first few days of dosing and the tremor usually
disappears as treatment continues.

In addition, salbutamol, like other sympathomimetic agents, can cause adverse effects such as drowsiness,
flushing, restlessness, irritability, chest discomfort, difficulty in micturition, hypertension, angina,
vomiting, vertigo, central nervous system stimulation, hyperactivity in children, unusual taste and drying
or irritation of the oropharynx, headache, palpitations, transient muscle cramps, insomnia, nausea,
weakness and dizziness.

Immediate hypersensitivity reactions including angioedema, urticaria, bronchospasm, hypotension, rash,

oropharyngeal oedema, anaphylaxis and collapse have been reported very rarely.

Rarely, in children, hyperactivity occurs and occasionally, sleep disturbances, hallucination or atypical
psychosis have been reported.

Clinical Trial Adverse Drug Reactions

Because clinical trials are conducted under very specific conditions the adverse reaction rates
observed in the clinical trials may not reflect the rates observed in practice and should not be
compared to the rates in the clinical trials of another drug. Adverse drug reaction information
from clinical trials is useful for identifying drug-related adverse events and for approximating
rates.

Adverse reaction information concerning VENTOLIN HFA is derived from two 12-week, randomized,
double-blind studies in 610 adolescent and adult asthmatic patients that compared VENTOLIN HFA,
VENTOLIN inhalation aerosol (CFC formulation), and an HFA-134a placebo inhaler.

Table 1 Adverse experience incidence (% of patients) in two large 12-week

adolescent and adult clinical trials*
VENTOLIN VENTOLIN Placebo
HFA (CFC (HFA-134a)
n= 202 formulation) n= 201
(% patients) n= 207 (% patients)
(% patients)
Ear, Nose and Throat
Throat irritation 10 6 7
Upper respiratory inflammation 5 5 2
Lower Respiratory
Viral respiratory infections 7 4 4
Cough 5 2 2
Musculoskeletal
Musculoskeletal pain 5 5 4
*This table includes all adverse events (whether considered by the investigator to be drug-related or unrelated to drug) that occurred at an
incidence rate of at least 3% in the group treated with VENTOLIN HFA and more frequently in the group treated with VENTOLIN HFA
than in the HFA-134a placebo inhaler group.

Overall, the incidence and nature of the adverse events reported for VENTOLIN HFA and VENTOLIN
inhalation aerosol (CFC formulation) were similar. Results in a 2-week pediatric clinical study (n=35)
showed that the adverse event profile was generally similar to that of the adult.

VENTOLIN HFA (salbutamol) Page 7 of 23

Adverse events reported by less than 3% of the adolescent and adult patients receiving VENTOLIN HFA
and by a greater proportion of patients receiving VENTOLIN HFA than receiving HFA-134a placebo
inhaler and that have the potential to be related to VENTOLIN HFA include diarrhea, laryngitis, cough,
lung disorders, tachycardia, and extrasystoles. Palpitation and dizziness have also been observed with
VENTOLIN HFA.

VENTOLIN HFA (salbutamol) Page 8 of 23

DRUG INTERACTIONS
Drug-Drug Interactions
Table 2 Established or Potential Drug-Drug Interactions

Drug type Ref Effect Clinical comment

Monoamine CS May potentiate Salbutamol should be administered with extreme
oxidase inhibitors action of caution to patients being treated with monoamine
or tricyclic salbutamol on oxidase inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants.
antidepressants cardiovascular
system.
Other inhaled CS May lead to Other inhaled sympathomimetic bronchodilators or
sympathomimetic deleterious epinephrine should not be used concomitantly with
bronchodilators or cardiovascular salbutamol. If additional adrenergic drugs are to be
epinephrine effects. administered by any route to the patient using inhaled
salbutamol, the adrenergic drugs should be used with
caution. Such concomitant use must be individualised
and not given on a routine basis. If regular co-
administration is required then alternative therapy must
be considered.
Beta-blockers CS May effectively Beta-adrenergic blocking drugs, especially the non-
antagonize the cardioselective ones, such as propranolol, should not
action of usually be prescribed together.
salbutamol.
Diuretics CS May lead to The ECG changes and/or hypokalemia that may result
ECG changes from the administration of non-potassium sparing
and/or diuretics (such as loop or thiazide diuretics) can be
hypokalemia acutely worsened by beta-agonists, especially when the
although the recommended dose of the beta-agonist is exceeded.
clinical Caution is advised in the co-administration of beta-
significance of agonists with non-potassium sparing diuretics.
these effects is
not known.
Digoxin CS May lead to a Mean decreases of 16-22% in serum digoxin levels
decrease in were demonstrated after single dose intravenous and
serum digoxin oral administration of salbutamol, respectively, to
levels, although normal volunteers who had received digoxin for 10
the clinical days. It would be prudent to carefully evaluate serum
significance of digoxin levels in patients who are currently receiving
these findings digoxin and salbutamol.
for patients
with obstructive
airways disease
who are
receiving
salbutamol and
digoxin on a
chronic basis is
unclear.
Legend: CS = Class Statement

VENTOLIN HFA (salbutamol) Page 9 of 23

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Dosing Considerations
The dosage should be individualised, and the patient's response should be monitored by the prescribing
physician on an ongoing basis.

Increasing demand for VENTOLIN HFA in bronchial asthma is usually a sign of poorly controlled or
worsening asthma and indicates that the patient should be re-evaluated, the treatment plan should be
reviewed and the regular asthma controller treatment should be optimized. If treatment with VENTOLIN
HFA alone is not adequate to control asthma, concomitant anti-inflammatory therapy should be part of the
treatment regimen.

If a previously effective dose fails to provide the usual relief, or the effects of a dose last for less than
three hours, patients should seek prompt medical advice since this is usually a sign of worsening
asthma.

As there may be adverse effects associated with excessive dosing, the dosage or frequency of
administration should only be increased on medical advice. However, if a more severe attack has not been
relieved by the usual dose, additional doses may be required. In these cases, patients should immediately
consult their doctors or the nearest hospital.

VENTOLIN HFA (salbutamol) Page 10 of 23

Recommended Dose and Dosage Adjustment

Relief of Acute Prevention of Prevention of Maximum

Episodes of Bronchospasm** Exercise-induced Daily
Bronchospasm* Bronchospasm Dose
(Total
daily dose
should not
exceed)
Adults and One to two puffs One to two puffs Two puffs [200 mcg Eight puffs
Adolescents [100 to 200 mcg [100 to 200 mcg salbutamol] 15 minutes [800 mcg
(> 12 years) salbutamol] as salbutamol] every 4 before exercise. salbutamol].
needed. to 6 hours to a
maximum of four
times per day.
Children (4 One puff [100 One puff [100 mcg One puff [100 mcg Four puffs
to < 12 mcg salbutamol] salbutamol] every 4 salbutamol] 15 minutes [400 mcg
years) as needed. to 6 hours to a before exercise. salbutamol].
May be increased maximum of four May be increased to two
to two puffs (200 times per day. puffs (200 mcg
mcg salbutamol), salbutamol), if required.
if required.
* If a more severe attack has not been relieved by the usual dose, further inhalations may be needed every 4 to 6 hours. More
frequent or a larger number of inhalations is not recommended. In these cases, patients should immediately consult their
doctors or the nearest hospital.
**Despite appropriate maintenance therapy, regular use of the VENTOLIN HFA remains necessary for the control of
bronchospasm due to bronchial asthma.

Missed Dose
If a single dose is missed, instruct the patient to take the next dose when it is due or if they become
wheezy.

Administration
VENTOLIN HFA is administered by the inhaled route only. To ensure administration of the proper dose
of the drug, the patient should be instructed by the physician or other health professional in the proper use
of the pressurised inhalation, suspension.

Inhaler actuation should be synchronised with inspiration to ensure optimum delivery of drug to the lungs.
In patients who find coordination of a pressurised metered dose inhaler difficult, a spacer may be used
with VENTOLIN HFA.

The use of open mouth technique to administer VENTOLIN HFA has not been investigated in clinical
trials.

Priming: It is recommended to test spray VENTOLIN HFA into the air four times, away from the face,
before using for the first time and in cases where the aerosol has not been used for more than 5 days.

VENTOLIN HFA (salbutamol) Page 11 of 23

OVERDOSAGE

For management of a suspected drug overdose, contact your regional Poison Control
Centre.

Symptoms and signs

The most common signs and symptoms of overdose with salbutamol are transient beta agonist
pharmacologically mediated events (see Warning and Precautions and Adverse Reactions). Overdosage
may cause tachycardia, cardiac arrhythmia, hypokalemia, hypertension and, in extreme cases, sudden
death. Serum potassium levels should be monitored.

Lactic acidosis has been reported in association with high therapeutic doses as well as overdoses of short-
acting beta-agonist therapy, therefore monitoring for elevated serum lactate and consequent metabolic
acidosis (particularly if there is persistence or worsening of tachypnea despite resolution of other signs of
bronchospasm such as wheezing) may be indicated in the setting of overdose.

Treatment

Consideration should be given to discontinuation of treatment and appropriate symptomatic therapy. To

antagonise the effect of salbutamol, the judicious use of a cardioselective beta-adrenergic blocking agent (e.g.
metoprolol, atenolol) may be considered, bearing in mind the danger of inducing an asthmatic attack. There is
insufficient evidence to determine if dialysis is beneficial for overdosage of VENTOLIN HFA.

ACTION AND CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Mechanism of Action
Salbutamol produces bronchodilation through stimulation of beta2-adrenergic receptors in bronchial
smooth muscle, thereby causing relaxation of bronchial muscle fibres. This action is manifested by an
improvement in pulmonary function as demonstrated by spirometric measurements. Although beta2-
receptors are the predominant adrenergic receptors in bronchial smooth muscle and beta1-receptors are the
predominant receptors in the heart, there are also beta2-receptors in the human heart comprising 10% to
50% of the total beta-adrenergic receptors. The precise function of these receptors has not been
established, but they raise the possibility that even highly selective beta2-agonists may have cardiac
effects. At therapeutic doses, salbutamol has little action on the beta1-adrenergic receptors in cardiac
muscle.

A measurable decrease in airway resistance is typically observed within 5 to 15 minutes after inhalation of
salbutamol. The maximum improvement in pulmonary function usually occurs 60 to 90 minutes after
salbutamol treatment, and significant bronchodilator activity has been observed to persist for 3 to 6 hours.

Pharmacokinetics
After inhalation of recommended doses of salbutamol, plasma drug levels are very low. When 100 mcg
of tritiated salbutamol aerosol was administered to two normal volunteers, plasma levels of drug-
radioactivity were insignificant at 10, 20 and 30 minutes following inhalation. The plasma concentration
of salbutamol may be even less as the amount of plasma drug-radioactivity does not differentiate
salbutamol from its principal metabolite, a sulfate ester. In a separate study, plasma salbutamol levels

VENTOLIN HFA (salbutamol) Page 12 of 23

ranged from less than 0.5 ng/mL to 1.6 ng/mL in ten asthmatic children one hour after inhalation of 200
micrograms of salbutamol.

Approximately 10% of an inhaled salbutamol dose is deposited in the lungs. Eighty-five per cent of the
remaining salbutamol administered from a metered-dose inhaler is swallowed, however, since the dose is
low (100 to 200 mcg), the absolute amount swallowed is too small to be of clinical significance.
Salbutamol is only weakly bound to plasma proteins. Results of animal studies indicate that following
systemic administration, salbutamol does not cross the blood-brain barrier but does cross the placenta
using an in vitro perfused isolated human placenta model. It has been found that between 2% and 3% of
salbutamol was transferred from the maternal side to the fetal side of the placenta.
Salbutamol is metabolized in the liver. The principal metabolite in humans is salbutamol-o-sulfate, which
has negligible pharmacologic activity. Salbutamol may also be metabolized by oxidative deamination
and/or conjugation with glucuronide.

Salbutamol is longer acting than isoprenaline in most patients by any route of administration because it is
not a substrate for the cellular uptake processes for catecholamines nor for catechol-O-methyl transferase.
Salbutamol and its metabolites are excreted in the urine (>80%) and the feces (5% to 10%). Plasma levels
are insignificant after administration of aerosolized salbutamol; the plasma half-life ranges from 3.8 to 7.1
hours.

Propellant HFA-134a is devoid of pharmacological activity except at very high doses in animals (140 to
800 times the maximum human exposure based on comparisons of AUC values), primarily producing
ataxia, tremors, dyspnea, or salivation. These are similar to effects produced by the structurally related
CFCs, which have been used extensively in metered-dose inhalers.

In animals and humans, propellant HFA-134a was eliminated rapidly in the breath, with no evidence of
metabolism or accumulation in the body. Time to maximum plasma concentration (tmax) and mean
residence time are both extremely short, leading to a transient appearance of HFA-134a in the blood with
no evidence of accumulation.

STORAGE AND STABILITY

Replace the mouthpiece cover firmly and snap it into position. Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
Store at a temperature between 15°C and 25°C.

SPECIAL HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS

The contents of VENTOLIN HFA are under pressure. The container may explode if heated. Do not place
in hot water or near radiators, stoves or other sources of heat. Even when empty, do not puncture or
incinerate container. As with most inhaled medications in aerosol canisters, the therapeutic effect of this
medication may decrease when the canister is cold.

VENTOLIN HFA (salbutamol) Page 13 of 23

DOSAGE FORMS, COMPOSITION AND PACKAGING

VENTOLIN HFA is a pressurized metered dose inhaler (MDI) consisting of an aluminum canister fitted
with a metering valve. Each canister is fitted into the supplied blue plastic actuator. A blue dust cap is
fitted over the actuator's mouthpiece when not in use. Each depression of the valve delivers 100 mcg of
salbutamol (as sulfate).

VENTOLIN HFA contains a micro-crystalline suspension of salbutamol sulfate in propellant HFA-134a

(1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane). It contains no excipients. Each actuation delivers 100 micrograms of
salbutamol (as sulfate). This product does not contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as the propellant.

VENTOLIN HFA is available in 200 dose formats.

VENTOLIN HFA (salbutamol) Page 14 of 23

 PART II: SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION

PHARMACEUTICAL INFORMATION

Drug Substance

Proper name: salbutamol sulfate

Chemical name: α1-[(tert-butylamino)methyl]-4-hydroxy-m-xylene-α, α’-diol sulfate (2:1) (salt)

Molecular formula and molecular mass: (C13H21NO3)2H2SO4 576.7

Structural formula:

Physicochemical properties:

Description White to almost white powder.

Solubility Soluble in water and

slightly soluble in methanol.

pKa Values 9.4 and 10.0.

Distribution Coefficient The distribution coefficient

between two phases of octanol and water, as determined by
HPLC, at pH 9.9 is 0.23.

Melting Point Approximately 156°C.

CLINICAL TRIALS

In two 12-week, randomized, double-blind studies, VENTOLIN HFA pressurised inhalation, suspension
(202 patients) was compared to VENTOLIN inhalation aerosol (CFC formulation) (207 patients) and an
HFA-134a placebo inhaler (201 patients) in adolescent and adult patients with mild to moderate asthma.
The studies were similar in design.

VENTOLIN HFA (salbutamol) Page 15 of 23

One study evaluated the safety and efficacy of VENTOLIN HFA in patients with asthma, and the second
study evaluated the effects of switching from VENTOLIN inhalation aerosol (CFC formulation) to
VENTOLIN HFA. Serial forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) measurements (shown below as
percent change from test-day baseline at week 12, n = 525) demonstrated that two inhalations of
VENTOLIN HFA produced significantly greater improvement in pulmonary function than placebo and
produced outcomes that were clinically comparable to VENTOLIN inhalation aerosol (CFC formulation) .
Patients taking the HFA-134a placebo inhaler also took VENTOLIN HFA for asthma symptom relief on an
as-needed basis. These patients produced similar morning predose baseline FEV1 values to patients taking
VENTOLIN HFA and VENTOLIN inhalation aerosol (CFC formulation) taken four times daily (plus as-
needed for asthma symptom relief) throughout the 12-week study period.

FEV1 as Percent Change From Predose in Two Large, 12-Week Clinical Trials

VENTOLIN Inhalation Aerosol (CFC formulation),

two inhalations four times daily (n = 185)

The median time to onset of a 15% increase in FEV1 was 4.8 minutes, and the median time to peak effect
was 48 to 60 minutes. The mean duration of effect as measured by a 15% increase in FEV1 was
approximately 3 hours. In some patients, duration of effect was as long as 6 hours.

In a 2-week, randomized, double-blind study, VENTOLIN HFA was compared to VENTOLIN inhalation
aerosol (CFC formulation) and an HFA-134a placebo inhaler in 135 pediatric patients (4 to 11 years old)
with mild to moderate asthma. Serial pulmonary function measurements demonstrated that two inhalations
of VENTOLIN HFA produced significantly greater improvement in pulmonary function than placebo and
that there were no significant differences between the groups treated with VENTOLIN HFA and
VENTOLIN inhalation aerosol (CFC formulation).

VENTOLIN HFA (salbutamol) Page 16 of 23

The median time to onset of a 15% increase in peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was 5 to 10 minutes, and
the median time to peak effect was approximately 60 minutes. The mean duration of effect as measured by
a 15% increase in PEFR was 2.5 hours. In some patients, duration of effect was as long as 6 hours.

In a clinical study in adult patients with asthma, two inhalations of VENTOLIN HFA taken approximately
30 minutes prior to exercise significantly prevented exercise-induced bronchospasm (as measured by
maximum percentage fall in FEV1 following exercise) compared to an HFA-134a placebo inhaler. In
addition, VENTOLIN HFA was shown to be clinically comparable to VENTOLIN inhalation aerosol
(CFC formulation).

DETAILED PHARMACOLOGY

Animals
In vitro studies and in vivo pharmacologic studies have demonstrated that salbutamol has a preferential
effect on beta2-adrenergic receptors compared with isoprenaline. While it is recognized that beta2-
adrenergic receptors are the predominant receptors in bronchial smooth muscle, recent data indicate that
there is a population of beta2-receptors in the human heart existing in a concentration between 10% and
50%. The precise function of these, however, is not yet established.

The pharmacologic effects of beta-adrenergic agonist drugs, including salbutamol, are at least in part
attributable to stimulation through beta-adrenergic receptors of intracellular adenyl cyclase, the enzyme that
catalyzes the conversion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to cyclic-3',5'-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP).
Increased cAMP levels are associated with relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle and inhibition of release of
mediators of immediate hypersensitivity from cells, especially from mast cells.

The muscle-relaxing effect of salbutamol was found to be more prolonged than when the effect was induced
by isoprenaline. As suggested from the results of experiments in isolated animal tissues, salbutamol has been
shown to produce a substantial bronchodilator effect in the intact animal. In the anaesthetised guinea pig,
salbutamol completely prevents acetylcholine-induced bronchospasm at the dose of 100 micrograms/kg
intravenously.

Administration of salbutamol aerosol at a dose of 250 micrograms/mL for one minute to guinea pigs
prevented acetylcholine-induced bronchospasm without any chronotropic effect. A prolonged
bronchodilator effect of salbutamol compared to isoprenaline (in terms of mean times to dyspnea following
acetylcholine challenge) was observed following oral administration of salbutamol to conscious guinea
pigs. The protective action of salbutamol in this case persisted for up to six hours.

In anaesthetised cats and dogs, salbutamol prevented the bronchospasm elicited by vagal stimulation
without any significant effect on heart rate and blood pressure. Comparative tests of salbutamol and
isoprenaline in isolated dog papillary muscle, guinea pig atrial muscle and human heart muscle have shown
that the effect of salbutamol on beta1-adrenergic receptors in the heart is minimal.

In a number of studies using guinea pig atria, it was found that on a weight-to-weight basis, salbutamol
was from 2,000 to 2,500 times less active in terms of inotropic effect and 500 times less active in terms of
chronotropic effect than isoprenaline. Compared to orciprenaline, salbutamol was about 40 times less
active in terms of inotropic effect and four times less potent in terms of chronotropic effect. Salbutamol
has been shown to be one-fifth as potent a vasodilator in skeletal muscle as isoprenaline, as measured by

VENTOLIN HFA (salbutamol) Page 17 of 23

effects on hind limb blood flow in the anaesthetised dog. In the perfused rabbit ear, salbutamol was shown
to possess only one-tenth the activity of isoprenaline in terms of vasodilating effect. In dogs, salbutamol
was shown to increase coronary blood flow, which was subsequently shown to be the result of a direct
coronary vasodilating effect of salbutamol.

In six dogs with right-sided cardiac by-pass, salbutamol, given at the dose of 25 micrograms/kg, improved
left ventricular efficiency and increased coronary blood flow. Recent studies in minipigs, rodents, and dogs
recorded the occurrence of cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death (with histologic evidence of myocardial
necrosis) when beta-agonists and methylxanthines were administered concurrently. The significance of
these findings when applied to humans is currently unknown.

Animal studies show that salbutamol does not pass the blood brain barrier.

TOXICOLOGY

Acute Toxicity

Species (n) Oral LD50 Intravenous LD50

Mouse (10) >2000 mg/kg 72 mg/kg
Rat (10) >2000 mg/kg 60 mg/kg

Rat (n) Intraperitoneal LD50

Newborn (155) 216 mg/kg
Weanling (100) 524 mg/kg
2 week old (90) 437 mg/kg

The rate of respiration in test animals initially increased, but subsequently became abnormally slow and
deep. Death, preceded by convulsions and cyanosis, usually occurred within four hours after drug
administration.

Rabbits, cats and dogs survived a single dose of 50 mg/kg salbutamol.

Intermediate (Four Months) Toxicity

Rats received salbutamol twice daily, in oral doses from 0.5 to 25 mg/kg, on an increasing scale. The only
significant hematological changes were a small increase in hemoglobin and packed cell volume. BUN and
SGOT values were elevated while blood glucose and plasma protein levels remained unchanged. Pituitaries
had increased amount of PAS-positive material in the cleft at the higher dose levels.

Salbutamol was given to dogs twice daily, in oral doses from 0.05 to 12.5 mg/kg, on an increasing scale.
The rate of increase of hemoglobin and packed cell volume was depressed, particularly at higher doses.
Leukocyte count decreased after sixteen weeks of treatment at each dose level. Platelet count was
increased after eight weeks at the highest dose. No significant biochemical effects were observed. The only
significant histological change was the appearance of corpora amylacea in the stomach which was
attributed to altered mucus secretion. Inhalation of 1000 mcg of salbutamol CFC 11/12-propelled aerosol
twice daily for three months did not produce any morphological changes in the lungs, trachea, lymph
nodes, liver or heart.

VENTOLIN HFA (salbutamol) Page 18 of 23

Long-Term Toxicity
Fifty female, Charles River CD Albino rats received salbutamol orally at 2, 10 and 50 mg/kg/day for one
hundred and four weeks; fifty female Charles River CD Sprague-Dawley-derived rats received 20
mg/kg/day salbutamol orally for fifty weeks, and fifty female Charles River Long-Evans rats received 20
mg/kg/day salbutamol orally for ninety-six weeks. These rat studies demonstrated a dose-related incidence
of mesovarian leiomyomas. No similar tumors were seen in mice.

Mutagenicity
In vitro tests involving four micro-organisms revealed no mutagenic activity.

Carcinogenicity
In a two-year study in the rat, salbutamol sulfate caused a significant dose-related increase in the incidence
of benign leiomyomas of the mesovarium at doses corresponding to 111, 555, and 2,800 times the
maximum human inhalation dose. In another study, the effect was blocked by the co-administration of
propranolol. The relevance of these findings to humans is not known. An 18-month study in mice and a
lifetime study in hamsters revealed no evidence of tumorigenicity.

Teratogenicity Studies
Salbutamol has been shown to be teratogenic in mice when given in doses corresponding to 14 times the
human aerosol dose; when given subcutaneously in doses corresponding to 0.2 times the maximum human
(child weighing 21 kg) oral dose; and when given subcutaneously in doses corresponding to 0.4 times the
maximum human oral dose.

A reproduction study in CD-1 mice given salbutamol at doses of 0.025, 0.25, and 2.5 mg/kg
subcutaneously, corresponding to 1.4, 14, and 140 times the maximum human aerosol dose respectively,
showed cleft palate formation in 5 of 111 (4.5%) fetuses at 0.25 mg/kg and in 10 of 108 (9.3%) fetuses at
2.5 mg/kg. No cleft palates were observed at a dose of 0.025 mg/kg salbutamol. Cleft palate occurred in
22 of 72 (30.5%) fetuses treated with 2.5 mg/kg isoprenaline (positive control).

In rats, salbutamol treatment given orally at 0.5. 2.32, 10.75 and 50 mg/kg/day throughout pregnancy
resulted in no significant fetal abnormalities. However, at the highest dose level there was an increase in
neonatal mortality. Reproduction studies in rats revealed no evidence of impaired fertility.

Salbutamol had no adverse effect when given orally to Stride Dutch rabbits, at doses of 0.5, 2.32 and 10.75
mg/kg/day throughout pregnancy. At a dose of 50 mg/kg/day, which represents 2800 times the maximum
human inhalation dose, cranioschisis was observed in 7 of 19 (37%) fetuses.

A reproduction study in New Zealand White rabbits using salbutamol sulfate/HFA-134a formulation,
revealed enlargement of the frontal portion of the fontanelles in 6 of 95 (6%) and 15 of 107 (14%) fetuses
at 28 and 149 mcg/kg, respectively (approximately 2/5 and 2 times, respectively, the maximum
recommended human daily dose on a mg/m2 basis), giving plasma levels of approximately 12 and 60
ng/mL, respectively.

VENTOLIN HFA (salbutamol) Page 19 of 23

 PART III: CONSUMER INFORMATION
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Pr
VENTOLIN HFA
Before you use VENTOLIN HFA, talk to your doctor or
salbutamol pressurised inhalation, suspension
pharmacist if:
Mfr. Std.
 You have ever had to stop taking other medications for this
illness because you were allergic to them or they caused
This leaflet is part III of a three-part "Product Monograph" for
problems.
VENTOLIN HFA and is designed specifically for Consumers.
This leaflet is a summary and will not tell you everything  You are having treatment for a thyroid condition.
about VENTOLIN HFA. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if  You are having treatment for high blood pressure or a heart
you have any questions about the drug. Only a doctor can problem.
prescribe it for you. Never give it to someone else. It may  You have diabetes.
harm them even if their symptoms are the same as yours.  You have a past history of seizures.
 You have low levels of potassium in your blood
(hypokalemia), especially if you are taking:
ABOUT THIS MEDICATION o Drugs known as xanthine derivatives (such as
theophylline)
What the medication is used for: o Steroids to treat asthma
VENTOLIN HFA is used in Adults and Children 4 years or o Water pills (diuretics)
older to:  You are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Taking
 relieve bronchospasm VENTOLIN HFA during pregnancy may cause harm to
 prevent bronchospasm your baby. Your doctor will consider the benefit to you
 prevent bronchospasm caused by exercise and the risk to your baby of taking VENTOLIN HFA
Bronchospasm is a sudden worsening of shortness of breath while you're pregnant.
and wheezing.  You are breastfeeding. It is not known if VENTOLIN HFA
passes into breast milk.
The safety and effectiveness of VENTOLIN HFA in children
under the age of 4 are not known. If the relief of wheezing or chest tightness is not as good as
usual, or the effect lasts for less than three hours, tell your
What it does: doctor as soon as possible. If you notice a sudden worsening of
VENTOLIN HFA is one of a group of medicines called your shortness of breath and wheeze shortly after taking your
bronchodilators. VENTOLIN HFA relaxes the muscles in the medicine, tell your doctor as soon as possible. It may be that
walls of the small air passages in the lungs. This helps to open your chest condition is worsening and you may need to add
up the airways and so helps to relieve chest tightness, another type of medicine to your treatment.
wheezing and cough so that you can breathe more easily.
You should always carry your VENTOLIN HFA with you to
When it should not be used: use immediately in case you experience an asthma attack.
Do not use VENTOLIN HFA if you are allergic to it or any of
the components of its formulation or for the treatment of Effects on Children:
preterm labour or miscarriage. Children may experience:
 Changes in sleep patterns
What the medicinal ingredient is:  Changes in behaviour such as restlessness,
Salbutamol sulfate. excitability (hyperactivity)
 Seeing or hearing things that are not there
What the nonmedicinal ingredient is:
1, 1, 1, 2-tetrafluoroethane (HFA-134a).
INTERACTIONS WITH THIS MEDICATION
What dosage forms it comes in:
VENTOLIN HFA is a pressurized metered dose inhaler As with most medicines, interactions with other drugs are
containing 100 mcg of salbutamol per inhalation. possible. Tell your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about all the
VENTOLIN HFA will deliver at least 200 puffs. However, medicines you take, including drugs prescribed by other doctors,
after 200 puffs, the amount of drug delivered per spray may vitamins, minerals, natural supplements, or alternative
not be consistent. The canister should be discarded when 200 medicines.
puffs have been used.

VENTOLIN HFA (salbutamol) Page 20 of 23

The following may interact with VENTOLIN HFA:
 To relieve bronchospasm: 1 to 2 puffs as needed.
 Anti-depressants If you have a more severe attack, you can repeat the
 Allergy medication dose every 4 to 6 hours, and immediately consult your
 Blood pressure-lowering drugs, including doctor or the nearest hospital.
propranolol
 Diuretics (“water pills”)  To prevent bronchospasm: 1 to 2 puffs repeated
 Bronchodilators used to open the airway (such as every 4 to 6 hours to a maximum four times a day.
other asthma medication)
 Epinephrine  To prevent bronchospasm caused by exercise: 2
 Digoxin, a heart medication puffs 15 minutes before exercise.

Maximum dose – 8 puffs in a 24 hour period

PROPER USE OF THIS MEDICATION
Children 4-11 years
VENTOLIN HFA should only be inhaled. Do not swallow.  To relieve bronchospasm: 1 puff as needed
The dose may be increased to 2 puffs if required.
If You Are Also Using an Inhaled Corticosteroid: Follow your doctor’s instructions. If you have a more
 Always use VENTOLIN HFA first severe attack you can repeat the dose every 4 to 6
 Wait a few minutes hours, and immediately consult your doctor or the
 Then use your inhaled corticosteroid. nearest hospital.

Your doctor may prescribe VENTOLIN HFA regularly every  To prevent bronchospasm: 1 puff repeated every 4 to
day, or only for when you are wheezy or short of breath, or 6 hours to a maximum four times a day as prescribed
before you exercise. Use VENTOLIN HFA only as directed by your doctor.
by your doctor.
 To prevent bronchospasm caused by exercise:
The action of VENTOLIN HFA may last up to 6 hours and 1 puff 15 minutes before exercise. The dose may be
should last for at least 4 hours. increased to 2 puffs if required. Follow your doctor’s
instructions.
You should call your doctor immediately if:
 the effects of one dose last less than 3 hours; Maximum dose – 4 puffs in a 24 hour period
 you notice a sudden worsening of your shortness of
breath How to Prime VENTOLIN HFA:
 your symptoms gets worse; Before using VENTOLIN HFA for the first time, or if your
 your usual dose does not provide relief of wheezing or inhaler has not been used for more than 5 days, shake the
chest tightness; inhaler well and release four puffs into the air to ensure that it
 you need to use VENTOLIN HFA more often than before works properly.

These may be signs that your asthma or chest condition is How to Use VENTOLIN HFA:
getting worse. Your doctor may want to reassess your It is extremely important that you use your VENTOLIN HFA
treatment plan. properly. This will ensure it is delivered correctly so that you
receive maximum benefit. Carefully follow the instructions
Do not increase the dose or the number of times you use shown.
your medicine without asking your doctor, as this may 1. To remove the snap-on mouthpiece cover,
make you feel worse. hold between the thumb and forefinger,
squeeze gently and pull apart as shown.
If you have to go into hospital for an operation, take your Check inside and outside of the inhaler
inhaler with you and tell the doctor what medicine(s) you are including the mouthpiece for the presence
taking. of loose objects.

If your doctor decides to stop your treatment, do not keep any 2. Shake the inhaler well to ensure that any
left over medicine unless your doctor tells you to. loose objects are removed and the
contents of the inhaler are evenly mixed.
Usual dose:
Adults and Adolescents 12 years or older

VENTOLIN HFA (salbutamol) Page 21 of 23

 3. Hold the inhaler upright between fingers Overdose:
and thumb with your thumb on the base,
below the mouthpiece. Breathe out as far In case of drug overdose, contact a health care
as is comfortable. practitioner, hospital emergency department or regional
Poison Control Centre immediately, even if there are no
symptoms. Take this leaflet or your medication with you
4. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth so that the hospital or poison control centre will know
between your teeth and close your lips what you have taken.
around it, but do not bite it. Just after
starting to breathe in through your mouth, If you accidentally take a larger dose than prescribed, you are
press down on the top of the inhaler to more likely to get side effects like a faster heart beat, headaches
release the drug while still breathing in and feeling shaky or restless. These effects usually wear off
steadily and deeply. within a few hours, but you should tell your doctor as soon as
possible.
5. While holding your breath, take the
inhaler from your mouth and take your Missed Dose:
finger from the top of the inhaler. If you forget to inhale a dose, do not worry, just inhale the next
Continue holding your breath for as long dose when it is due or if you become wheezy.
as is comfortable.
SIDE EFFECTS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
6. If you are to take further puffs, keep the inhaler upright and
wait about half a minute before repeating steps 2 through 5.
Side effects may include:
7. Replace the mouthpiece cover by firmly pushing and
snapping the cap into position to keep out dust and lint. Effects on heart
 Hypertension
Important: Do not rush steps 3, 4, and 5. It is important that
you start to breathe in as slowly as possible just before Effects on nervous system
operating your inhaler. Practice in front of a mirror for the  Headache
first few times. If you see "mist" coming from the top of your  Feeling a little shaky
inhaler or the sides of your mouth, you should start again from  Feeling anxious or irritable
step 2.  Feeling tired or weak
 Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
Children - VENTOLIN HFA should be used under the  Hyperactivity in children
supervision of an adult who understands the proper use of the  Dizziness, vertigo
inhaler, and only as prescribed by the doctor. The adult must  Drowsiness
encourage the child (as described above) to exhale, and then
trigger the spray immediately as inhalation begins. Use of a Effects on muscles and joints
spacer with the inhaler is recommended for children under 5  Muscle cramps
years of age. Talk to your doctor if your child has difficulties  Muscle pain
using the inhaler.
Other Effects
How to clean VENTOLIN HFA :  Cough
Your inhaler should be cleaned at least once per week.  Respiratory infections and/or inflammation
 Diarrhea
1. Pull the metal canister out of the plastic casing of the
inhaler and remove the mouthpiece cover.  Nausea and vomiting
2. Rinse the plastic casing of the inhaler thoroughly under  Chest pain or discomfort
warm running water and then wash the plastic casing  Flushing
again through the mouthpiece. Do not put the metal  Difficulty urinating
canister into water.  Unusual taste in your mouth
3. Dry the plastic casing of the inhaler THOROUGHLY  Dry or irritated throat
inside and out.
4. Replace the canister and mouthpiece cover.
5. After cleansing, release one puff into the air to make sure
that the inhaler works.

VENTOLIN HFA (salbutamol) Page 22 of 23

 Warning: The canister contents are under pressure. The
SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS, HOW OFTEN THEY
canister may explode if heated. Do not place in hot water or
HAPPEN AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
near radiators, stoves or other sources of heat. Even when
empty, do not puncture or incinerate canister.
Talk with your Stop taking
doctor or drug and
pharmacist call your Reporting Side Effects
Symptom/effect You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of
Only if In all doctor or
severe cases pharmacist health products to Health Canada by: Visiting the Web page on
Adverse Reaction Reporting (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-
Common Faster heart beat ✓ canada/services/drugs-health-products/medeffect-canada/adverse-
than usual reaction-reporting.html) for information on how to report online, by
mail or by fax; or calling toll-free at 1-866-234-2345
Uncommon Irregular heart beat ✓ NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information
(palpitations) about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance
Rare Low Blood ✓ Program does not provide medical advice.
Potassium
(hypokalemia):
muscle weakness and
MORE INFORMATION
muscle spasms
Hallucinations in ✓
Children: see or hear You may need to read this leaflet again. PLEASE DO NOT
things that are not THROW IT AWAY until you have finished your medicine.
there
Very Rare Bronchospasm: ✓ This document plus the full product monograph, prepared for
Sudden worsening of health professionals, can be found at:
shortness of breath http://www.gsk.ca;
and wheezing shortly
Or by contacting the sponsor,
after using
VENTOLIN HFA GlaxoSmithKline Inc.
✓ 100 Milverton Drive, Suite 800
Allergic Reactions: Mississauga, Ontario
sudden wheeziness
L5R 4H1
and chest pain or
tightness; or swelling 1-800-387-7374.
of eyelids, face, lips,
tongue or throat. This leaflet was prepared by GlaxoSmithKline Inc.
Irregular Heart ✓
Beat (atrial Last revised: November 27, 2023
fibrillation,
supraventricular © 2023 GSK group of companies or its licensor.
tachycardia, Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of
extrasystoles)
companies.

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you have any

unexpected effects after receiving VENTOLIN HFA, contact
your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO STORE IT

Keep out of sight and reach of children.

After use, replace the mouthpiece cover firmly and snap it into
position. Do not use excessive force.

Store at a temperature between 15°C and 25°C. Do not keep

any left over medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

VENTOLIN HFA (salbutamol) Page 23 of 23