Ventolin is an asthma medicine that belongs to the class of short-acting bronchodilators that act by opening up the lung airways for immediate relief from shortness of breath or wheezing. It has proven to be successful in both preventive treatments and in relieving acute asthma attacks. Despite this, Ventolin usually isn’t prescribed for everyday use in controlling asthma or providing relief in case of similar breathing problems. Thus, unlike long-acting bronchodilators, Ventolin’s preventive use is primarily aimed at exercise-induced asthma or exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB for short).
What’s on this page?
Salbutamol, also known as albuterol, the active substance of Ventolin has proven to be very effective in opening up the medium and large airways in the lungs, thus providing instant relief in case of either asthma or related conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD for short). In form of an inhaler, Ventolin spray is propelled by hydrofluoroalkane, which makes it state of the art inhaler, unlike the older generation of CFC inhalers.
Why is Ventolin good for me?
Ventolin is prescribed primarily for those conditions which make it hard to get enough air in the lungs. Asthma, bronchitis or CPOD all affect the body in different ways, but what they have in common is that they eventually lead to the narrowing of the airways leading the air into the lungs. In case of an asthma attack, this symptom worsens sometimes completely eliminating the possibility of breathing in. This is where Ventolin comes in.
The active substance of Ventoline inhalator is called salbutamol or albuterol. It acts by expanding medium and large airways in the lungs, allowing you to breathe easier. If used for instant relief in case of an asthma attack, Ventoline will act fast, diminishing symptoms within minutes. And in case of preventive use, it will help keep the airways expended and thus prevent an acute asthma attack.
Just like Bricanyl Turbohaler based on terbutaline, Ventoline is also a beta-2-stimulant that affects beta-2 receptors within the respiratory tract, which in turn send signals to the surrounding muscles, relaxing them and providing instant relief.
When should I use it?
The use of Ventolin will be recommended by a certified medical professional and it should never be used otherwise. Once the prescription is obtained, either via direct meeting or through an online clinic, you should always keep Ventolin close by. Ideally, the medicine should be used only for the treatment and instant relief of acute asthma attacks, but you can also use it just prior to exercising or engaging in sports activities when you know that an asthma attack will be likely.
How is it Used?
Ventolin comes in two different forms – inhaler spray and disks. These forms are used in somewhat different ways and in different dosages, so each one comes with the guide that will provide you with instructions. Additionally, your doctor might give you some additional info, especially if there are some contraindications. However, you can still get all the relevant info on the package leaflet.
Ventolin inhaler
In case of an asthma attack, the recommended dosage is 0.1 or 0.2mg, depending on the severity of the attack. This dose equals one or two breaths from the inhaler. For preventive use, two breaths from the inhaler are recommended, roughly 10 minutes before the start of the physical activity.
Ventolin disks
The standard dose for Ventolin disks is always 0.2mg. However, you shouldn’t take more than 6 doses per day. In case of preventive use, instructions are the same as with spray – use the medicine 10 minutes before the start of the exercise. Since disks are somewhat easier to use, they are more often prescribed to young children who might struggle with using an inhaler.
Side effects and contraindications
What are Ventolin Side Effects?
Since every individual responds differently to different active substances, side effects of Ventolin can manifest in some patients who use it. However, most people shouldn’t have any kind of trouble when using this asthma medicine, aside from some occasional mild unwanted effects.
The most common side effects of Ventolin include:
- Headache
- Increase in pulse
- Trembling
These symptoms manifest in around 10% of people who used Ventolin. In addition, around 1% of patients can experience symptoms like dizziness and restlessness. Even though these symptoms are not dangerous in themselves, they might be indicative of some more serious conditions, so it is still advisable to consult with a doctor. In less than 1%, an allergic reaction might develop. Although this is considered a very rare side effect, it is especially important to talk with a doctor immediately in order to treat symptoms of allergic reaction and recommend a different treatment, not based on albuterol.
Who should not use it?
Although Ventolin is very safe, with only 10% of patients showing unwanted side effects, there are still certain individuals who should not be using this medicine. This is the case if you are diagnosed with some of the following conditions:
- Diabetes
- Fast metabolism
- Cardiovascular diseases
In addition, you should also consult with your doctor about using Ventolin if you’re currently using medicines belonging to some of the following groups:
- Beta blockers
- Medicines aimed at the heart and cardiovascular system
- Medicines that break down potassium levels in the blood
Ventolin and pregnancy
Pregnant women can still use this medicine, without any problems, although it is recommended to consult with doctor thoroughly before making a choice to use Ventolin. The same goes for breastfeeding. Despite the fact that this medicine is very safe, when the health of your child is in question, it is always best to not take any unnecessary risks. So, the opinion from your doctor should be the most important factor.
However, if you already experienced some issues related to your pregnancy, and especially if you’re at risk of premature birth, Ventolin is not recommended. Be sure to mention all the potential issues to your doctor.
Why is it good for me?
The biggest advantage of Ventolin is that it acts extremely quickly, providing you an almost instant relief in case of an asthma attack, mitigating the extremely unpleasant symptoms and potentially even saving your life, in case of a very severe asthma attack.
Whether you’re using an inhalator or a disk, the medicine is very practical, easy to use, and easy to carry in your bag or pocket. What’s more, in both form, there is a visible counter that shows you how many doses you have left, so you will never run out of medicine – just take a quick glance on the counter after every use and check how soon you might need a refill.
In addition, with great success in both preventive use (for exercise-induced asthma) and immediate relief, this medicine is rather flexible and it allows you to participate in everyday activities, without having to worry whether your asthma might cause a problem at some point.
How can I buy Ventolin in the UK?
If you think Ventolin might be what you need to get your asthma under control and move on with the daily activities and the small joys of life unimpeded by your condition, the first thing you need to do is consult with a doctor. You can do this either directly on a face to face meeting, or through an online clinic. Within the UK, Ventolin is a prescription-only medicine and cannot be purchased over-the-counter, so be careful of the vendors which might try to sell it to you directly.
If you choose to go through an online clinic, you will be asked to fill in a questionnaire that certified medical expert will then use to determine whether you’re suitable for Ventolin treatment. In accordance with doctor’s prescription, the logistics team will send the medicine directly to your doorstep. Online clinics are especially suitable if you’re running low and need a refill as soon as possible. Most online clinics in the UK can deliver Ventolin within 24 to 48 hours and at a price which is in line with what you might expect in regular pharmacies.
