Ventolin (Albuterol or Salbutamol)

What is Ventolin?

Ventolin is a sympathomimetic (beta adrenergic receptor agonist) bronchodilator. It relaxes the muscles in the airways and increases air flow into and out of the lungs.

What is Ventolin used for?

Ventolin is used to prevent or treat bronchospasm in patients with reversible obstructive airway disease. It also prevents exercise induced bronchospasm.

How does Ventolin work?

Normally, air goes into and comes out of the lungs through airways. However, when there is an asthma attack, the muscles around the airways narrow down. This makes it difficult for the patient to breathe properly. This is known as bronchospasm.

The beta agonists present in the drug induce beta receptors in the body. This causes muscles to relax. Muscles then open up the airways, allowing more air to get into the lungs.

How to use Ventolin

Ventolin should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems and may increase the risk of asthma-related death.

Ventolin is usually taken using an inhaler or nebulizer. If you are taking the medicine with an inhaler, use only the inhaler provided with the medicine, else you may not get the right dose. Your doctor may advice you to take the medicine in a different way. Follow your doctor’s instructions wisely.

Make sure that you carry Ventolin with you at all times. You might require it at any time of the day.

Ventolin warnings and precautions

Do not use Ventolin if you are allergic to albuterol. Prior to taking Ventolin, tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, overactive thyroid, diabetes, heart disease or congestive heart failure, heart rhythm disorder, or epilepsy.

Pregnant and lactating women should not use the drug without consulting their doctors.

Rinse immediately if it gets into your eyes and seek medical attention right away.

What do I do if I have missed a Ventolin dose?

If you have missed your Ventolin dose you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Ventolin overdose?

If you have taken a Ventolin overdose you should seek medical attention.

Ventolin interactions

Before taking Ventolin, consult your doctor if you are taking drugs like digoxin (Lanoxin, Digitalis), a beta-blocker such as metoprolol (Lopressor), atenolol (Tenormin), or propranolol (Inderal); a diuretic (water pill); an antidepressant such as doxepin (Sinequan), amitriptyline (Elavil, Etrafon), imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil) or nortriptyline (Pamelor); an MAO inhibitor such as phenelzine (Nardil), isocarboxazid (Marplan), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate); other bronchodilators such as bitolterol (Tornalate), levalbuterol (Xopenex), pirbuterol (Maxair), salmeterol (Serevent), terbutaline (Brethine, Bricanyl), isoetherine (Bronkometer), isoproterenol (Isuprel Mistometer) or metaproterenol (Alupent, Metaprel).

Also, do not start using a new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Ventolin side effects

Ventolin side effects include breathing difficulty; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat; bronchospasm; uneven heart beats; nervousness; high blood pressure; muscle weakness, leg discomfort; extreme thirst and increased urination; and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Ventolin, contact your doctor.

Diarrhea, headache, nervousness, dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth, cough, sore throat, hoarseness, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle pain are some less serious side effects of Ventolin.