Ventolin is prescribed for treating and/or preventing bronchospasm in patients suffering from asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Exercise-induced asthma can also be prevented by using the drug.
Ventolin (albuterol sulfate) is classified as an adrenergic bronchodilator. It becomes effective by dilating the muscles in the airways, making them expand, and then increasing the flow of air in the lungs to facilitate easy breathing. The drug provides quick relief for breathlessness and wheezing.
Before using Ventolin, get proper guidance from your physician, and follow the recommended guideline for use. The medicine should be inhaled orally every four to six hours. However, the dosage of each patient varies according to the health problem and the way they respond to treatment. You shouldn’t use this drug for more than the prescribed duration and dosage.
For patients (4 years and above) suffering bronchospasm, the recommended dosage is two oral inhalations that must be repeated within four to six hours. Some patients may require a single oral inhalation every four hours. Frequent inhalations aren’t advisable.
In the case of patients suffering asthma due to sporting activities, use two oral inhalations fifteen or thirty minutes before any type of sports.
Use a spacer for this medicine. You can get more info about it from a pharmacist or a physician. You will be given two types of inhalers. One serves as a controller for everyday use while the other acts as a rapid-reliever for periods when your breathing becomes worse.
Before inhaling the medicine, shake the container properly. Carry out a test spray during the following periods:
If the inhaler produces fine mists, it means that the sprayer is functioning well. Avoid spraying it into the eyes.
If your physician prescribes 2 inhalations, you must wait for a minimum of 60 seconds between each inhalation. Don’t use other types of inhalers with Ventolin. If you must do so, allow 60 seconds before each use.
A health professional will tell instruct you on what should be done in case:
Ensure you inform your physician if the symptoms become worse or do not get any better.
Patients must adhere to these precautionary measures when inhaling Ventolin:
Contact a physician if you observe the following:
Hypersensitivity to the pill is rare, but call in for an emergency if you develop these symptoms:
In case you forget to inhale a dosage, do it immediately you remember especially if it’s close to the time you should inhale the next one. Otherwise, skip it completely. Remember to inhale your next dose on time. Avoid double dosing because it won’t replace the missed one.
Call 911 if someone inhales an overdose of Ventolin. Indications of an overdose are:
Avoid using other quick-relieving inhalers with Ventolin. If your physician needs to administer more adrenergic medicines, they should do so with caution as it may lead to serious cardiovascular problems.
They inhibit beta-agonists from acting, but might also cause serious bronchospasm in people who are suffering asthma.
Beta-agonists can severely worsen diuretics that don’t limit potassium secretion in urine. Examples include:
Ventolin inhaler must be stored in a cool, dry place. It should not be kept in your bathroom where it would be exposed to moisture. Also, ensure you place the mouthpiece facing down while storing. This may be different for different brands, so make sure you read the instructions for storage on the brand you purchase.
Don’t puncture the container or put it in an open flame or intense heat. All medications should be kept far from the reach of pets and children.
Avoid flushing medicines in the toilet or kitchen sink unless the manufacturer says so. Discard the medicine upon expiration or when you’re no longer undergoing therapy. Ask the waste disposal service in your locality about the best way to discard the drug.
You can buy Albuterol from an online pharmacy. The prices are discounted, so you can afford it even when the local prices are expensive. The pharmacy delivers high-quality generic drugs to any part of the world. Also, licensed pharmacists will dispense the drugs. Therefore, even with no prescription, an online pharmacy can attend to you.
