Ventolin inhaler
Ventolin is a patented brand of Glaxo Group of Companies. It contains salbutamol as its active ingredients. It also contains dichlorodifluoromethane, oleic acid and trichlorofluomethane as excipients.
Action Mechanism
Ventolin inhaler 100mcg is a bronchodilator that relieves breathing difficulty associated to bronchospasm and asthmatic attacks. It relaxes the muscles of your airways thereby reducing wheezing and chest tightening.
As a preventive medication, 1 to 2 puffs of Ventolin inhaler can prevent exercise induced asthma. For patients with the same type of condition, your doctor will advise you to puff Ventolin inhaler before undergoing exercise or other extensive activities.
Indications and Mode of Administration
Ventolin inhaler is indicated for the prevention and treatment of wheezing and other breathing problems associated to the following conditions:
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Exercise induced asthma
Ventolin Inhaler relaxes the airway muscles and relieves shortness of breath by enhancing the opening of breathing passages. Before starting your medication, be sure to read the information leaflet or ask your doctor on its proper use. Test the spray of your inhaler prior to your first use, or if you haven’t use the product for more than 2 weeks. Your spray is ready and safe for use if there appears a fine mist on your test sprays.
Proper use of the product requires that you shake the canister well before using, inhale by mouth and use it according to the dosage instruction directed by your health care provider.
Contraindications and Cautions
Ventolin inhaler is not appropriate for some medical conditions and those patients who have shown allergic reactions to salbutamol or other excipients of the product. Pregnant and breastfeeding moms must exercise extra caution in using this medication. Pregnant mothers who needed to manage asthmatic attacks during pregnancy must continuously use the medication with doctor’s proper guidance.
Your doctor may adjust your dosage if you have any of the following medical conditions.
- Liver disorder
- Kidney problem
- Heart condition
- Thyroid problem or undergoing treatment for such condition
- Elevated high blood pressure or undergoing treatment for such condition
Ventolin make you dizzy and decrease your attentiveness level. Do not use this medication if you are driving or operating machinery.
Ventolin Side Effects
Side effects to Ventolin may include headaches; throat irritation; dryness of mouth or throat; cough; dizziness; and muscle pain. Immediately seek your doctor if any of these conditions persists.
Side effects to Ventolin are not generally experienced by everybody using the medication. Patient condition and other factors such as age and other medicine intakes are some of the factors that can affect the tolerance of the medicine.
Seek medical attention if you observe worsening of your breathing condition including pounding or irregular heartbeat and chest pain. Likewise, signs of allergic reactions such as hives; rash; swelling in the face, throat or tongue must be given medical intervention right away.
Ventolin Interactions:
Ventolin may have interactions with other medicaments that may result in adverse medical reactions and increased tendency in the occurrence of harmful side effects. Inform your doctor if you are using other inhalers or other medicines such as diuretic pill, digoxin, beta blockers (atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol), MAO inhibitors (phenelzine, selegiline, rasagiline), antidepressant remedy (doxepin, imipramine, amitriptyline) and other brands of bronchodilators.
The aforementioned list of medicines that may have adverse reactions to Ventolin inhaler are not complete. If you have worry about medicament interactions, your Doctor can give you detailed information on how to manage these side effects without eliminating your other medication.
Interesting Facts:
Another form of Ventolin inhaler is available in your pharmacy, it is called Ventolin HFA. Ventolin HFA uses hydrofluoroalkane to propel your medication. HFA is preferred over CFG propelled Ventolin because it is environmental friendly.