Ventolin Inhaler

Ventolin inhaler (also known as albuterol, salbutamol) is a medication that is used to treat asthma, exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, and COPD. It works by opening the medium and large airways in the lungs.

Indications for use

  • Asthma attacks, including exacerbations of severe bronchial asthma;
  • Long-term maintenance therapy of bronchial asthma;
  • Bronchospasm attacks associated with exposure to an allergen or caused by physical exertion;
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), accompanied by reversible airway obstruction, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

How to use Ventolin inhaler?

The drug is intended only for inhalation through the mouth. Each dose contains 100 mg of salbutamol.

Use the drug as recommended by a doctor.

The action of salbutamol in most patients lasts 4 to 6 hours.

Patients who find it difficult to synchronize inhalation using a metered-dose aerosol inhaler can use a spacer. Children and infants are recommended to use a pediatric spacer device with a face mask.

  • Stopping an attack of bronchospasm for adults: the recommended dose is 100 or 200 mcg; children – 100 mcg. If necessary, the dose can be increased to 200 mcg. Do use the Ventolin inhaler more often 4 times/day unless recommended by a doctor. The need for using additional doses of salbutamol indicates a worsening of the condition;
  • Prevention of attacks of bronchospasm associated with exposure to an allergen or caused by physical exertion: adults – 200 micrograms 10-15 minutes before exposure to a provoking factor or load; children – 100 mcg10-15 minutes before exposure to a provoking factor or load. If necessary, the dose can be increased to 200 mcg;
  • Prolonged maintenance therapy for adults:-up to 200 mcg 4 times / day; children – up to 200 mcg 4 times / day.

Before using the inhaler for the first time, or if you have not used the inhaler for a week or longer, remove the cap from the mouthpiece by slightly squeezing the cap from the sides, shake the inhaler well and spray twice into the air to make sure that the inhaler is working.

  1. Remove the cap from the mouthpiece by slightly squeezing the cap from the sides;
  2. Inspect the mouthpiece inside and out to make sure it is clean;
  3. Shake the inhaler well;
  4. Hold the inhaler between the index finger and thumb in an upright position, with the bottom up, with the thumb resting on the base under the mouthpiece;
  5. Take a slow, deep exhale, grasp the mouthpiece with your lips, without clenching it with your teeth;
  6. Taking the deepest breath through the mouth, simultaneously press the top of the inhaler to release one inhaled dose of salbutamol;
  7. Hold your breath for a few seconds, remove the mouthpiece from your mouth, then exhale slowly;
  8. To receive the second dose, hold the inhaler in an upright position, wait about 30 seconds and then repeat paragraphs 3-7;
  9. Close the mouthpiece tightly with the protective cap.

Do not be in a hurry when performing stages 5, 6 and 7. You should start breathing in as slowly as possible, just before pressing the inhaler valve. For the first few times, it is recommended that you practice in front of the mirror. If you see a “fog” coming from the top of the inhaler or from the corners of the mouth, then you should start all over again from stage 2.

If you have difficulty using the inhaler, you need to see a doctor.

You should clean the inhaler at least 1 time per week:

  1. Remove the metal can from the plastic case and remove the mouthpiece cover.
  2. Thoroughly rinse the plastic case and the mouthpiece cover under a stream of warm water.
  3. Dry the plastic case and the mouthpiece cover completely, both externally and internally. Do not overheat.
  4. Place the metal can in the plastic case and put on the mouthpiece cover. Do not immerse metal can in water.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to any component of the drug;
  • Management of preterm birth;
  • Threatening abortion;
  • Children under 2 years of age.

Use with caution: pregnancy, lactation, heart defects, aortic stenosis, coronary heart disease, severe chronic heart failure, arterial hypertension, thyrotoxicosis, tachyarrhythmia, myocarditis, pheochromocytoma, glaucoma, renal or hepatic failure, decompensated diabetes mellitus, concomitant use of non-selective blockers.

Overdose

Symptoms: decreased blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, muscle tremor, metabolic changes, hypokalemia. With an overdose, it is necessary to control the concentration of potassium in the blood serum.

Side effects

  • Hypersensitivity reactions, including angioedema, urticaria, bronchospasm, decreased blood pressure and collapse;
  • Hypokalemia;
  • Paradoxical bronchospasm;
  • Irritation of the oral mucosa and pharynx;
  • Tremor, headache, hyperactivity;
  • Tachycardia, palpitations, peripheral vasodilation, arrhythmias (including atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia and extrasystole);
  • Muscle cramps.

Drug interactions

Do not combine Ventolin with drugs that contain levosalbutamol.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines that you are currently taking, especially:

  • digoxin;
  • any other inhaled medicines or bronchodilators;
  • antidepressants – doxepin, amitriptyline, desipramine, imipramine, nortriptyline, etc.;
  • beta-blockers – atenolol, carvedilol, labetalol, metoprolol, propranolol, sotalol, etc.;
  • diuretics;
  • MAO inhibitors – isocarboxazid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, linezolid, methylene blue injection, tranylcypromine, etc.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with Ventolin, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Special instructions

Ventolin inhaler should not be the only or main component of therapy for unstable or severe bronchial asthma.

The increased need for using the medication indicates a worsening of the course of the disease. In such cases, you need to see your doctor to review your treatment plan.

Therapy with β2-adrenoreceptor agonists can lead to hypokalemia.

Caution is required in the treatment of severe asthma attacks. In such situations, it is recommended to control the concentration of potassium in the blood serum.

Salbutamol dose can cause paradoxical bronchospasm with increased wheezing immediately after inhalation. This condition requires immediate treatment using an alternative release form of salbutamol or another short-acting inhaled bronchodilator. If this happens, the drug should be canceled immediately.

If you observe no effect from the use of a previously effective dose of Ventolin for at least 3 hours, you should consult a doctor and discuss the need for any additional measures.