Ventolin Information
Generic Name
The generic name of Ventolin is Salbutamol.
Uses for Ventolin
Ventolin (Salbutamol) is used treat and prevent wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and troubled breathing brought on by asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other lung diseases. Ventolin (Salbutemol) inhalation also is used to prevent breathing difficulties (bronchospasm) during exercise. Ventolin (Salbutamol) is in a class of medications called beta-agonists or bronchodilators. It works by relaxing and opening air passages in the lungs, making it easier to breathe.
How to Use Ventolin
Before you use the Ventolin (Salbutamol) inhaler for the first time, read the written instructions that come with it. Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist to show you how to use it. Practice using the inhaler while he or she watches.
Before using the aerosol inhaler for the first time and any time it has not been used in more than 4 weeks, test spray the inhaler. Do this by spraying 4 times into the air.
To use the aerosol inhaler, follow these steps:
1. Shake the inhaler well.
2. Remove the protective cap.
3. Exhale (breathe out) as completely as possible through your nose while keeping your mouth shut.
4. Open Mouth Technique: Open your mouth wide, and place the open end of the mouthpiece about 1-2 inches from your mouth.Closed Mouth Technique: Place the open end of the mouthpiece well into your mouth, past your front teeth. Close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece.
5. Take a slow, deep breath through the mouthpiece and, at the same time, press down on the container to spray the medication into your mouth. Be sure that the mist goes into your throat and is not blocked by your teeth or tongue. Adults giving the treatment to young children may hold the child's nose closed to be sure that the medication goes into the child's throat.
6. Hold your breath for 5-10 seconds, remove the inhaler, and exhale slowly through your nose or mouth. If you take two puffs, wait two minutes and shake the inhaler well before taking the second puff.
7. Replace the protective cap on the inhaler.
8. After each treatment, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash.
If you have difficulty getting the medication into your lungs, a spacer (a special device that attaches to the inhaler) may help; ask your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist for more information.
Use only the adapter that comes with your canister. Do not use the adapter with any other product canister.
Side Effects of Ventolin
Ventolin (Salbutamol) may cause side effects. Side Effects of Ventolin (Salbutamol) may include tremor, nervousness, shakiness, dizziness, excitement, headache, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, nosebleed, increased appetite, upset stomach, vomiting, stomach pain, muscle cramps, cough, dry mouth, throat irritation.
The following side effects of Ventolin (Salbutamol) are less common but may be more serious. You should contact your doctor immediately if you expereince any of the following: rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat, chest pain or discomfort, severe rash, hives, itching, increased difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, swelling, hoarseness. Ventolin (Salbutamol) may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Precautions when taking Ventolin
Before Using Ventolin (Salbutamol) you should inform your doctor of the following:
If you are allergic to albuterol or any other medications.
What prescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: beta blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin), labetalol (Normodyne), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), nadolol (Corgard), and propranolol (Inderal); digoxin (Lanoxin); diuretics ('water pills'); and other inhaled medications used to relax the air passages. Also tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the following medications or who have stopped taking them within the past two weeks: antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil), amoxapine (Asendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin (Adapin, Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), protriptyline (Vivactil), and trimipramine (Surmontil); and monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, including phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
What nonprescription medications you are taking, including ephedrine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, and pseudoephedrine. Many nonprescription products contain these medications (e.g., diet pills and medications for colds and asthma), so check labels carefully. Do not take any of these medications without talking to your doctor (even if you never had a problem taking them before).
If you have or have ever had an irregular heartbeat, heart disease, high blood pressure, narrowing of the digestive tract (for the extended-release product only), an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism), diabetes, or seizures.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking albuterol, call your doctor.
Other Notes about Ventolin
Inhalation devices require regular cleaning. Once a week, remove the medication container from the plastic mouthpiece, wash the mouthpiece with warm tap water, and dry it thoroughly.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
If you Miss a Dose of Ventolin
If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Storage of Ventolin
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication. Avoid puncturing the aerosol container, and do not discard it in an incinerator or fire.
