Ventolin HFA is known generically as albuterol. A physician may prescribe it to help curtail bronchospasms that occur in sufferers of lung diseases such as emphysema, bronchitis and asthma. Albuterol is an adrenergic bronchodilator that may be breathed orally to prevent symptoms of these diseases by clearing the airways to allow freer breathing. The medicine also may be used to help prevent bronchospasms in people who get them from exercising, RxList.com states.
Heart Rate Changes
Ventolin HFA, when taken orally, may induce several serious and common side effects that change the heart rate in some people. The person inhaling Ventolin HFA may experience a pounding sensation in her chest that she also may hear in her ears. These palpitations mean the heart is working too hard. The heart also may suddenly beat irregularly. It also may speed up or race. This condition is known medically as tachycardia. These types of side effects are serious and require the notification of a doctor immediately, the Mayo Clinic recommends.
Shaking and Trembling
Ventolin HFA also may cause the body to tremble or shake. A user may, for example, feel the hands and arms shake, or may feel the feet and legs tremble. He may have a combination of shaking and trembling in all his limbs. These also are serious common side effects of the medication that should be reported immediately to a doctor.
Throat Problems
Ventolin HFA also may induce several side effects in the throat, including a cough, soreness in or throat or throat dryness. The drug may also produce an unusual taste in the mouth. These side effects, Drugs.com states, are quite common with this medicine, but are not classified as serious. They should not occur long-term, but should fade in a few days of continued use of Ventolin HFA. Still, the problems should be reported to a doctor if they do not go away in a few days or appear to be severe.
Insomnia and Nervousness
Inhaling Ventolin HFA also can result in nervousness for no apparent or external reason. This may be separate from or combined with trouble getting to sleep. Neither of these side effects is serious, Drugs.com reports, and should be temporary, lasting only during the first several days of taking the medication.
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