Ventolin

A ventolin inhaler is used by people with asthma to relieve their condition and to prevent further asthma attacks.

The ventolin inhaler contains a bronchodilator – it acts on the airways in the lungs which have been constricted, causing asthma symptoms. The bronchodilator helps keep the airways open, allowing air to move in and out more easily. This helps to relieve chest tightness, wheezing and coughing.

Does the ventolin inhaler contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)? – no. The propellant used is a hydrofluoroalkane. These are not harmful to you or the environment.

Anyone who has asthma might be prescribed a ventolin inhaler, so long as it is suitable for them. The inhaler can be used in the specific case of asthma symptoms, or as regular treatment. Children and adults can use ventolin inhalers, but directions for use will be different. You should check the “Warnings” tab for a full and comprehensive list of who can and can’t use the ventolin inhaler.

To get Ventolin you need an assessment from a doctor. You can obtain this and your ventolin inhaler online from DrEd.

For adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over:

• To relieve asthma : one or two puffs
• To prevent asthma : two puffs 10-15 minutes before exercise or exposure to a “trigger”

For children under 12 years of age:

• To relieve asthma : one puff (two if required)
• To prevent asthma : one puff 10-15 minutes before exercise or exposure to a “trigger” (two if required)

Generally:

The maximum dose is 8 puffs in a 24-hour period.

• If you take more puffs than recommended, you may feel shaky and your heart may beat quickly. These effects should wear off within a couple of hours, but it is best to consult your doctor.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if this is near the time scheduled for your next dose, do not double up to make up for the missed dose. Just skip the forgotten dose and continue treatment as normal.
• Do not stop taking the inhaler without your doctor’s permission.
• Do not use more than the maximum dose. If the treatment isn’t working and your symptoms are severe, seek medical assistance immediately.
• You should shake the inhaler well before use, particularly if it is new.

Do I need to clean my inhaler? – yes, this will help ensure it works as well as possible. You should clean your inhaler once a week. You should remove the metal canister from the plastic case and remove the mouthpiece cover. Wash the plastic case under warm water and dry it thoroughly, both inside and outside. Then you can put the inhaler back together. You should not put any metal part in water.

When do I need to replace the inhaler? – you should replace it as soon as the dose counter reads 020. If the counter reads 000, throw the inhaler away. In addition, check the expiration date on the inhaler, and do not use it after this date.

Fewer than 1 in 10,000 patients experience an allergic reaction to a ventolin inhaler. Symptoms include swelling of the face, further difficulty breathing and itchy skin. You should seek medical assistance immediately:

• Fast heart palpitations
• Uneven heartbeat

Fewer than 1 in 10 people will experience these effects:

• Feeling shaky
• Headache
• Mouth and throat irritation
• Muscle cramps
• A low level of potassium in your blood
• Increased blood flow to your extremities
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Changes in behaviour i.e. excitability

Side effects such as chest pain and angina may also occur, although the frequency of these is not known.

If the medication is not working as effectively as you think it should, consult your doctor.

You must not use the ventolin inhaler if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. See the patient information leaflet for more details.

You should talk to your doctor before using the ventolin inhaler if the following apply to you:

• You have high blood pressure
• You have an overactive thyroid
• You have a history of heart problems i.e. angina
• You are taking other medicines for asthma
• You are taking medication to regulate your heartbeat

You should consult a doctor before using a ventolin inhaler if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant.

Ventolin inhalers are unlikely to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. However, you should not undertake these activities until you know how the inhaler affects you. There is no evidence that the treatment is addictive in any way. However, if you find yourself using the inhaler more frequently than advised, this may be a sign that the treatment is not working effectively. In this case, you should consult your doctor.

Ventolin comes in 100 microgram doses which is the usual dosage for adults, adolescents and children over four years of age for the treatment of acute episodes of asthma. The doses are:

• One puff (100mcg) or two puffs (200mcg) of Ventolin during acute episodes
• Two puffs 15 minutes before exercise to prevent the symptoms of bronchospasm such as wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness

If during a sudden asthma attack you find these dosages aren’t enough to control your symptoms, you can take more salbutamol. You can take up to 10 puffs but need to wait 30 seconds before the next puff, ensuring you shake the inhaler between uses. 

If your dosage is not enough to control your asthma you should call 999 or seek medical attention.

The metered actuation you may see listed on the packaging refers to the fact the inhaler delivers a specific amount of the salbutamol to the lungs. The medicine is self-administered and delivered to the lungs using an aerosol. Ventolin is available in 60 or 200 metered inhalations.

Is Ventolin HFA the same as Ventolin? – yes. The active ingredient in both inhalers is salbutamol sulphate, also known as albuterol sulphate. The active ingredient relieves bronchospasm and its symptoms. It acts within minutes and can last up to 6 hours.

The HFA inhalers are not propelled by CFCs which are harmful to the environment. Instead the Ventolin HFA is propelled by Hydrofluoroalkane (HFA). The CFC inhalers are being phased out as part of an international agreement called the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. HFA inhalers are used in the same way.

Ventolin HFA is available in the UK. There are other brands available in the UK:

• Airomir
• Asmalal
• Easyhaler
• Pulvinal
• Salamol
• Easi-Breathe
• Salbulin