What is Ventolin?

Written by: Hussain Abdeh MPharm: 2211840

Published on: 04/05/2021

Updated on: 07/06/2021

Breathing conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be very debilitating problems to live with, sometimes making it difficult for sufferers to do very basic activities.

Fortunately, there are a large range of medicines available to help sufferers cope with these chronic medical conditions, allowing them to carry on with their daily lives. Ventolin inhalers are the most commonly used inhalers for the symptoms of asthma and COPD, alleviating the wheezing and breathlessness that these conditions often cause.

In this article, we will look at the different types of Ventolin inhalers available, who should use them and how, as well as the possible side effects that come with them.

What is Ventolin?

Ventolin is a brand of inhaler that works to relieve the symptoms of breathlessness and wheezing that are brought on by conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It can also be taken to prevent an asthma attack and COPD symptoms from occurring if you use it before exercising.

There are two types of the Ventolin inhaler, the evohaler and the accuhaler. Both contain the active ingredient salbutamol and have the same benefits as generic salbutamol inhalers. There are various other brands of inhalers that also contain salbutamol as the active ingredient and work in the same way as Ventolin.

Ventolin is also available in a generic version, Salamol inhaler also contains salbutamol as the active ingredient and is usually cheaper in price.

What is Ventolin used for?

The Ventolin blue reliever inhaler is only available on prescription. To effectively relieve your breathing difficulties, it is important to always use this medicine exactly as your doctor, pharmacist or nurse tells you.

Depending on whether you use a Ventolin Accuhaler or a Ventolin Evohaler, you may be required to use a different dose. Children may also be told to use a lower dose than adults.

The table below shows the normal recommended doses for adults and children when using both the evohaler and the accuhaler.

Ventolin Dose

Please make sure that you read the patient information leaflet thoroughly before you start to use your inhaler.

If you have any questions as to how to use your inhaler, or you are unsure of the dose you should take, please speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

How does Salbutamol treat asthma?

A medical condition such as asthma or COPD narrows the airways, which makes it much harder for air to pass in and out of the lungs.

Ventolin inhalers contain a medicine called salbutamol as the active ingredient. Salbutamol is a short-acting beta 2 agonist, which works by stimulating the beta 2 receptors in the lungs. Doing this relaxes the muscles in the airways and helps to open them up. This makes it much easier to breathe.

There are two different types of asthma inhalers: preventers and relievers. Ventolin inhalers are known as reliever inhalers. This means that they work to relieve your symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, as and when they flare up. You can also take them before exercising or coming into contact with a trigger (such as dust or animal fur), to prevent breathing problems.

For anyone that has been diagnosed with asthma it is important to know exactly how to use ventolin to provide instant relief from asthma symptoms and sudden asthma attacks.

Types of Ventolin inhalers

Both the Ventolin Accuhaler and the Ventolin Evohaler contain salbutamol as the active ingredient. They also both work to relive symptoms such as wheezing and breathing difficulties. The terms ‘evohaler’ and ‘accuhaler’ mean that there are no CFC propellants contained in the inhalers. 

Ventolin Evohaler

However, the appearance and usage of these two inhalers are not the same. The Ventolin Evohaler is a standard asthma inhaler, which contains a canister of the medicine that you need to push down as you breathe in. After inhaling the medicine, you should hold your breath for a few seconds to give it time to work. This can swiftly and effectively relieve the symptoms of asthma and COPD.

Ventolin Accuhaler

In contrast, the Ventolin Accuhaler is a more compact device. It is a round container that stores a dry powder. When using the accuhaler, you do not need to push down on a canister to release the medicine. Instead, you just place the mouthpiece to your lips, breathe in deeply through your mouth and then hold your breath for approximately 10 seconds. After this, you breathe out slowly and your symptoms should have been alleviated. 

Some people find that the Ventolin Accuhaler is easier to use, because it does not require them to synchronise their breathing with pushing down on a canister. For this reason, the accuhaler is often recommended for children.

There are many different ventolin alternatives, all of which contain the same active ingredient, Salbutamol. Your doctor will decide which brand or version of salbutamol is best suited to manage your asthma symptoms.

What are the side effects of using Ventolin?

Like any medicine, Ventolin comes with the risk of certain side effects, although it is important to remember that these will not affect everyone who uses these inhalers.

Salbutamol inhalers like Ventolin come with quite a low risk of side effects. If you have used your inhaler as instructed by your doctor, pharmacist or asthma nurse, it is very unlikely you will experience any adverse reactions to the medicine.

As is the case with all medicines, you should always make sure that you read the patient information leaflet, which will accompany your inhaler. This leaflet will contain a comprehensive list of potential side effects, as well as details on what to do if you get them.

If you or your child has used the inhaler as instructed and the symptoms are not improving or are getting worse, you should call 999 or go to A&E straight away.

Common side effects

Common side effects of salbutamol occur in more than 1 in 100 people who have taken one or two puffs from the inhaler:

• Muscle cramps
• Feeling shaky
• Headaches
• A temporarily faster heartbeat without chest pain

These side effects are not normally a cause for concern and should ease over time as you continue to use the inhaler.

You should speak to your doctor if they do not go away or start to concern you.

The above list is not exhaustive, for more information on ventolin side effects, we recommend reading our detailed medical guide.

Who shouldn’t take Ventolin?

Ventolin is one of the most renowned brands of inhalers and provides fast and effective relief from asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It can be used by adults and children of all ages. However, it may not be safe for everyone to use.

You should not use this inhaler without speaking to your doctor first if:

• You are allergic to salbutamol or any other medicines
• You are currently taking any other medicines, including those that do not need a prescription
• You have galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption

Please talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse if you have any questions.

When should I take Ventolin?

A Ventolin inhaler should be carried on you at all times, you should take a puff of your Ventolin inhaler whenever you start to experience asthma symptoms, or during an asthma attack.

Asthma Symptoms

Take 1 or 2 puffs of your Ventolin inhaler when you start to experience symptoms of asthma such as:

• Coughing
• shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Tightness of the chest

During an Asthma Attack

If you experience a sudden onset of an asthma attack, you should immediately use your Ventolin inhaler. You can take up to 10 puffs of your Ventolin during an asthma attack, ensure to leave 30 seconds between each puff for maximum effect.

Symptoms of an asthma attack include:

• Increased heartbeat
• Breathlessness
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Faster breathing
• Dizziness
• Fainting

Is Salbutamol a steroid?

Salbutamol is not a steroid, it is classed as a bronchodilator which relaxes the muscles in the airways, allowing air to pass through to the lungs more freely.

Can I use Ventolin every day?

Whilst using your Ventolin inhaler everyday is unlikely to be harmful, you should speak to your doctor if you are using it more than 4 times weekly. Your doctor will likely prescribe a preventer inhaler that will help your body to build up a tolerance to asthma symptoms. 

Using a preventer inhaler every day will reduce the likelihood of needing to use your Ventolin everyday.

How quickly does Ventolin start to work?

Ventolin gets to work immediately after inhaling and continues to work for 3-5 hours.

How often should I use my inhaler?

You should use your inhaler whenever you start to experience symptoms such as wheezing, breathlessness, tightness of the chest.

How long should I use my inhaler for?

Asthma requires a long term treatment plan, it is liekly that you will need to use your reliever inhaler for years. You should carry your inhaler with you at all times.

What happens if I stop using my Inhaler?

You should not stop using your inhaler or carrying it with you at all times, even if you are not experiencing any symptoms. Asthma attacks can occur out of nowhere with no warning. A reliever inhaler provides instant relief in the event of an asthma attack.

Can I drink alcohol whilst using Ventolin?

Yes, there is no known interaction between alcohol and ventolin. It is safe to consume alcohol whilst using Ventolin.

References:

https://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/allergy-asthma/a8236/ventolin-salbutamol/

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-22577/ventolin-hfa-inhalation/details

Ventolin Accuhaler Patient Information Leaflet - https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.849.pdf

https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/salbutamol-inhaler/

https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/inhalers-medicines-treatments/inhalers-and-spacers/preventer/#whatispreventer