Ventolin (salbutamol, bronchodilator agent)

Ventolin is the brand name of the drug salbutamol. Salbutamol is a bronchodilator. Salbutamol works by binding to β2 adrenergic receptors on the smooth muscles that line the airways, allowing them to relax and let more air into the lungs. It works quickly and for a short duration, which makes it one of the drugs of choice for asthma in adults and children.

Uses

What is Ventolin used for?

Ventolin is treats the following conditions:

• Bronchial asthma
• Bronchitis
• Emphysema

How should I take Ventolin?

Ventolin is available as an oral tablet, syrup, nebule, and inhaler. The oral tablet should be taken by mouth without chewing or crushing. It should be taken on an empty stomach, at least one hour before meals or two hours after meals.

The syrup should be measured using the included medical-grade measuring cup. Do not use a regular household spoon, as this may not measure the correct dose.

The inhaler should be shaken well before each use. Breathe deeply and slowly after administering a puff of the inhaler. Hold your breath for about 10 seconds then exhale fully. Always cover the mouthpiece when not in use and store it pointing down. Wash the inhaler at least once a week to avoid contamination.

The nebule needs a nebulizer machine. Do not drink the solution orally. Follow the directions for setting up the nebulizer and filling the medicine cup. Be sure to place the mouthpiece securely around your nose and mouth and take deep breaths until the medication is used up completely.

How do I store Ventolin?

This product is best stored at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store it in the bathroom or the freezer. 

There may be different brands of this drug that may have different storage needs. So, it is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.

You should not flush this product down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Additionally, it is important to properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Precautions & Warnings

What should I know before using Ventolin?

Before using this drug, tell your doctor if you are/have:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Taking any other medicines. This includes any prescription, OTC, and herbal remedies.
• An allergy to any of the ingredients of this product.
• Any other illnesses, disorders, or medical conditions.

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies using salbutamol in pregnant women. However, animal studies show little to no risk to the fetus. Salbutamol may prolong labor when taken at higher doses. This drug should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus, as determined by your doctor.

Salbutamol may be excreted in breast milk. Therefore, this drug should be used while breastfeeding only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the child, as determined by your doctor.

Side Effects

What side effects can occur when using Ventolin?

Like all drugs, this product may have side effects. If they occur, side effects are generally mild and resolve once treatment is finished or the dose is lowered. Some reported side effects include:

Life-threatening adverse reactions:

• Paradoxical bronchospasm ** discontinue Ventolin immediately

However, not everyone experiences these side effects. In addition, some people may experience other side effects. So, if you have any concerns about a side effect, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions

What drugs may interact with Ventolin?

This medication may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects. 

To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. 

Drugs with known interactions:

• Beta-blockers
• Non-potassium-sparing diuretics
• Digoxin
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Tricyclic antidepressants

If you experience an adverse drug interaction, stop taking this drug and continue taking your other medication. Inform your doctor immediately to reevaluate your treatment plan. Approaches include dose adjustment, drug substitution, or ending therapy.

Does food or alcohol interact with Ventolin?

This drug may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.

What health conditions may interact with Ventolin?

This drug may interact with underlying conditions. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. Therefore, it is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have, especially:

• Heart disease
• Thyrotoxicosis
• Diabetes mellitus

Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. Therefore, you should always consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using any medication.

What is the dose of Ventolin for an adult?

For relief of acute bronchospasms

• Metered-dose inhaler: Actuate 100 to 200 mcg.
• Rotacap with Rotahaler: Actuate 200 to 400 mcg.
• Syrup: Take 10 mL three to four times per day, gradually increasing the dose to 20 mL if needed.
• Tablet: Take 4 mg, gradually increasing the dose to 8 mg if needed.

For the prevention of exercise-induced or allergen-induced bronchospasm

• Metered-dose inhaler: Actuate 100 to 200 mcg before exposure or activity.
• Rotacap with Rotahaler: Actuate 200 to 400 mcg before exposure or activity.

For chronic therapy

• Metered-dose inhaler: Up to 200 mcg four times per day.
• Nebule: Initially 2.5 mg by wet inhalation and may be increased to 5 mg and may be repeated four times per day.

For severe airway obstruction

• Nebule: Administer 40 mg per day with strict medical supervision.

What is the dose of Ventolin for a child?

For relief of acute bronchospasms

• Metered-dose inhaler: Actuate 100 mcg.
• Rotacap with Rotahaler: Actuate 200 mcg.
• Syrup:
  • 12 years and above: Give 5 to 10 mL three to four times per day.
  • 6 to 12 years: Give 5 mL three to four times per day.
  • 2 to 6 years: Give 2.5 to 5 mL three to four times per day.
• Tablet:
  • 12 years and above: Give 2 to 4 mg.
  • 6 to 12 years: Give 2 mg.
  • 2 to 6 years: Give 1 to 2 mg.

For the prevention of exercise-induced or allergen-induced bronchospasm

• Metered-dose inhaler: Actuate 100 mcg before exposure or activity. May be increased to 200 mcg if necessary.
• Rotacap with Rotahaler: Actuate 200 mcg before exposure or activity.

For chronic therapy

• Metered-dose inhaler: Up to 200 mcg four times per day.
• Nebule: Initially 2.5 mg by wet inhalation and may be increased to 5 mg and may be repeated four times per day.

How is Ventolin available?

This drug is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:

• MDI 100 mcg/inhalation
• Rotacap 200 mcg
• Syrup 2 mg/5 mL
• Tablet 2 mg
• Nebule 2.5 mg/2.5 mL

What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.