Ventolin general information
What is Ventolin used for?
Ventolin inhaler 100mcg (CFC-Free) is used to treat symptoms of wheezing and shortness of breath caused by asthma and other respiratory conditions, like chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. Ventolin inhaler 100mcg (CFC-Free) is a “reliever” inhaler to improve breathing and is a rapid but short-acting rescue medication that can be used if an asthma attack happens or to avoid an asthma attack, if you suffer from allergy or exercise induced asthma.
How does Ventolin work?
Ventolin Inhaler 100mcg (CFC-Free) is a metered-dose inhaler that delivers salbutamol 100mcg in an aerosol with each actuation. Salbutamol (also known as Albuterol) is a β2 agonist that acts on the small airways of the lungs (bronchioles) and works as bronchodilator by relaxing the muscles to widen the airways. This reduces bronchospasm (contraction or the airways) removing symptoms of asthma such as tightness of the chest, wheezing and shortness of breath.
What does Ventolin contain?
Ventolin Inhaler 100mcg (CFC-Free) contains the active ingredient salbutamol sulphate (also known as Albuterol) in suspension. Ventolin also contains the non-CFC propellant 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFA 134a), which delivers 100mcg salbutamol as an aerosol into your lungs each time your actuate (press down) your inhaler. Each inhaler contains at least 200 actuations.
Ventolin for relieving asthma attack
Ventolin Inhaler 100mcg (CFC-Free) contains the bronchodilator salbutamol (also known as Albuterol) that relaxes and widens the muscles of the airways reducing bronchospasm or narrowing of the airways. Ventolin is a reliever inhaler that is used only to relieve symptoms, such as tightness of the chest, wheezing and shortness of breath that can happen during an asthma attack. It is not a preventer inhaler and should not be used to prevent or treat the underlying cause of asthma or other diseases of the airways.
Ventolin for exercise-induced asthma
Ventolin (also known as Albuterol) Inhaler 100mcg (CFC-Free) contains the bronchodilator salbutamol that relaxes and widens the muscles of the airways, reducing bronchospasm or narrowing of the airways. This can happen during exercise and is called exercise-induced asthma. You can use Ventolin Inhaler 100mcg (CFC-Free) to prevent exercise-induced asthma by taking one or two puffs before you exercise.
What are the side effects of Ventolin?
Ventolin Inhaler 100mcg (CFC-Free) is generally well tolerated but it is always possible that you may experience side effects such as, headache, tachycardia (rapid heart beat), tremor (shaky or tense feeling). Less common side effects include, mouth or throat irritation, muscle cramps, peripheral vasodilatation (blood vessels expanding under the skin) and palpitations.
When should Ventolin not be used?
You should not use Ventolin Inhaler 100mcg (CFC-Free) if you are:
- allergic to salbutamol or any of the other ingredients in your ventolin inhaler
- pregnant or breast feeding, without discussion with your doctor
- using β-blocking agents, such as propranolol
How many puffs to take from your Ventolin inhaler?
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?
Remove the mouthpiece cover and shake the inhaler, breathe out as far as is comfortable and then place the mouthpiece in your mouth press down on the top of the inhaler to release a dose of salbutamol while still breathing in through your mouth and hold your breath for a few seconds, then breathe normally. Replace the mouthpiece cover.
How often should you take Ventolin?
You should take one or two puffs of your Ventolin Inhaler (CFC-Free) as recommended by your doctor and as needed. The effects should last for between 4 and 6 hours.
Missed dose of Ventolin
If your doctor has advised you to take regular puffs from your Ventolin Inhaler 100mcg (CFC-Free) and you miss a dose of, 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 be stored?
Your Ventolin Inhaler (CFC-Free) should be stored below 30°C. 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.