Ventolin Inhaler (Salbutamol/Albuterol)

Ventolin Inhaler general information

What is Ventolin Inhaler used for?

Ventolin inhaler 100mcg is used to relieve acute symptoms of brochospasm, which is narrowing of the small airways of the lungs or brochioles that happens in reversible obstructive diseases like asthma and other respiratory conditions like chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.  Symptoms of asthma caused by brochospasm include wheezing, cough and shortness of breath and tightness of the chest.  Ventolin inhaler 100mcg is a rescue or reliever medication to improve breathing and has rapid onset of action but is short-acting and can be used if an asthma attack happens or to avoid an asthma attack, that can be the result of an allergy or exercise induced asthma.  Ventolin inhaler 100mcg will not treat the underlying cause of asthma and you will most likely be taking a regular “preventer” medication such as an inhaled corticosteroid.

How does Ventolin Inhaler work?

Ventolin inhaler 100mcg contains salbutamol, a beta 2-agonist and bronchodilator that acts directly on the small airways of the lungs (bronchioles).  Contraction of the bands of smooth muscle that surrounds the small bronchiole tubes causes narrowing of the airways in response to an asthma trigger.  Salbutamol in Ventolin Inhaler binds to beta 2 receptors on the smooth muscle causing the muscle to relax and the airways to widen (bronchodilation).  This reduces bronchospasm (contraction or the airways) and allows the airways to open making it easier to breathe and relieving acute symptoms of asthma, such as tightness of the chest, wheezing, cough and shortness of breath.  Salbutamol in Ventolin Inhaler is a rapid-acting bronchodilator, providing relief within 5 minutes, but has a short duration of action, lasting 4-6 hours and is used as a reliever medication for severe asthma, delivered into the lungs as an aerosol with each actuation (puff), by a CFC-Free propellant.

What does Ventolin Inhaler contain?

Ventolin inhaler 100mcg contains the active ingredient salbutamol sulphate in suspension in a metered-dose inhaler.  Ventolin also contains the non-CFC propellant 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFA 134a), which delivers a dose of 100mcg salbutamol as an aerosol into the lungs each time you actuate (press down) your inhaler.  Each inhaler contains at least 200 actuations.

Treating asthma with Ventolin Inhaler

Ventolin inhaler 100mcg contains salbutamol, a beta agonist and bronchodilator that is used to relieve symptoms of acute asthma caused by bronchospasm, which is contraction of the muscle surrounding the small airways of the lungs or bronchioles.  Salbutamol in Ventolin Inhaler binds to beta 2 receptors on the smooth muscle of the bronchioles causing the muscle to relax and the airways to widen (bronchodilation) making it easier to breathe and relieving symptoms of asthma like wheezing, shortness of breath, tightness of the chest and cough.  Ventolin inhaler 100mcg can be used to relieve symptoms of asthma attack caused by exposure to an allergen like cats or pollen or any other trigger like cold air or cigarette smoke.  Ventolin inhaler 100mcg is a “reliever” inhaler because it has a rapid onset (within 5 minutes) but is short-acting and is a rescue medication that can be used if an asthma attack happens or to avoid an asthma attack.  Ventolin inhaler 100mcg can also be used to prevent symptoms developing in exercise induced or allergy induced asthma by using before exercise or exposure to the allergen.  Ventolin inhaler 100mcg is a metered-dose inhaler that delivers salbutamol 100mcg in an aerosol with each actuation.  It will not treat the underlying cause of asthma and you will most likely be taking a regular “preventer” medication such as an inhaled corticosteroid.

What are the side effects of Ventolin Inhaler?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Ventolin Inhaler 100mcg include headache, tremor, tachycardia (rapid heartbeat); less common side effects include, palpitations mouth and throat irritation, muscle cramp.

When should Ventolin Inhaler not be used?

You should not use Ventolin Inhaler 100mcg if you:

• are allergic to salbutamol or any ingredients in Ventolin Inhaler
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
• are taking medicines that interact with Ventolin Inhaler including non-selective beta-blockers like propranolol, xanthines like theophylline or aminophylline for asthma, corticosteroids like beclometasone and prednisolone for asthma, other beta 2 agonists, such as salmeterol, diuretics like furosemide for heart failure

What is paradoxical bronchospasm?

Inhaled asthma bronchodilator medications can cause paradoxical bronchospasm, which is when the inhaled medication taken to relieve or prevent bronchospasm actually makes it worse, causing wheezing, shortness of breath and tightness of the chest.  If this happens you stop using your Ventolin Inhaler, inform your doctor and take their advice.

How should Ventolin Inhaler be taken?

You should use your Ventolin Inhaler 100mcg as needed for an asthma attack at any time of day, with or without food, by taking one or two puffs up to 4 times daily and no more than 8 puffs in 24 hours.  If you are using your Ventolin Inhaler more than 3-4 times a week this may indicate that your asthma is not well controlled and you may need to review your medication.  You can also use your Ventolin Inhaler to prevent allergy or exercise induced asthma by taking 2 puffs 15 minutes before exercise or exposure to a known allergen.

How many puffs to take from your Ventolin inhaler?

You should take one or two puffs from your inhaler when needed to relieve symptoms if an asthma attack happens, or if you suffer from exercise-induced asthma, take one or two puffs before you begin to exercise.  Do not take more puffs than recommended by your doctor as this will increase risk of side effects.

How to use your Ventolin inhaler

Follow the instruction provided with your Ventolin inhaler.

1. Remove the mouthpiece cover and shake the inhaler.
2. Breathe out as far as is comfortable and then place the mouthpiece in your mouth. 
3. Start to inhale and press down on the top of the inhaler to release a dose of salbutamol while still breathing in through your mouth until your lungs are full and then hold your breath for a few seconds.
4. Remove the inhaler and breathe normally. 
5. Replace the mouthpiece cover. 
6. Rinse your mouth after use.

Note:  You can use a spacer device to help you inhale correctly. 

How often should you use your Ventolin Inhaler?

You should take one or two puffs of your Ventolin Inhaler as recommended by your doctor and as needed.  The effects should last for between 4 and 6 hours. 

Missed dose of Ventolin Inhaler

You should only use your Ventolin Inhaler to relieve symptoms of asthma.  However, if your doctor has advised you to take regular puffs from your Ventolin Inhaler 100mcg and you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose. 

How should Ventolin Inhaler be stored?

You should store your Ventolin Inhaler 100mcg below 30°C in a cool dry place.  Protect your inhaler from frost, it will not work properly if it gets cold and keep away from direct sunlight.  Always replace the mouthpiece cover when you are not using your inhaler.