Ventolin

Ventolin is a ‘reliever inhaler’. This means you take it when you’re having symptoms of an asthma attack to help improve them. This is different from a ‘preventer inhaler’, which you take regularly to avoid asthma attacks.

The active ingredient in Ventolin is called ‘salbutamol’. It’s a type of medication called a ‘short-acting beta-2 agonist’. This means it temporarily relaxes the smooth muscles in your airways, making it easier to breathe when you’re experiencing asthma symptoms.

Ventolin works by relaxing your airways during an asthma attack, making it easier to breathe and improving symptoms. It does this because the salbutamol it contains binds to receptors in the smooth muscle of your lungs. This causes the muscles to relax and widen your airways, making breathing easier.

Ventolin gets to work in just 5 minutes and lasts for 4 to 6 hours. The World Health Organisation features Ventolin’s active ingredient, salbutamol, on its list of ‘essential medicines’ because it’s such a safe and effective treatment. Ventolin should be safe for you as long as it’s been approved by a doctor and you use it properly.

Please note: In the past, reliever inhalers like Ventolin were regularly prescribed on their own. However, recent changes to guidelines in the UK mean this is no longer recommended. Ventolin should only be prescribed in combination with a preventer inhaler, or in some cases, a combination inhaler.

The first step to using your Ventolin inhaler is to test it. You should do this before using it for the first time, or if it’s been more than 5 days since you last used it.

Testing your inhaler

To test your inhaler:

1. Remove the mouthpiece cover.
2. Shake the inhaler.
3. Aim it away from you and press the canister to release 2 puffs.

Using your inhaler

Once you’ve tested your inhaler, follow these steps:

1. Make sure you’re standing or sitting up.
2. Remove the mouthpiece cover.
3. Shake the inhaler.
4. Hold the inhaler so it’s upright, and your finger is on the canister, and your thumb is under the bottom.
5. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and between your teeth, but do not bite the inhaler.
6. Start to breathe in and then press down on top of the canister and continue to breathe in deeply.
7. Hold your breath for a few seconds or as long as you can comfortably.
8. If your doctor has recommended 2 puffs, repeat steps 3 to 7.
9. Replace the mouthpiece cover before storing your inhaler, and make sure it clicks into place.

When to take Ventolin

Ventolin is a reliever inhaler, which means it should only be used when you have asthma symptoms, such as:

• coughing
• wheezing
• shortness of breath
• chest tightness

Your doctor may also tell you to take it before being exposed to known asthma triggers, such as exercise or pet hair.

Ventolin dosage

Since 1 puff is 100 micrograms, the dosage of Ventolin is:

• 1 to 2 puffs (100 to 200 micrograms) each time you use it
• no more than 4 puffs (800 micrograms) in 1 day

Your doctor will let you know how many puffs you need.

Like any medication, Ventolin can cause side effects for some people who use it.

Common side effects that may affect up to 1 in 10 people are:

• feeling shaky
• headaches

Uncommon side effects that may affect up to 1 in 100 people include:

• mouth and throat irritation
• muscle cramps

Rare side effects that may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people are:

• low blood potassium levels
• increased blood flow to your fingers and toes, known as peripheral dilatation

Very rare side effects that may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people are:

• changes to your sleep patterns
• changes to your behaviour, such as feeling restlessness or excitability

Allergic reactions, which may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people, include the following symptoms:

• swelling of your face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, which may make it hard to swallow or breathe
• itchy rash
• feeling faint and lightheaded
• collapsing

If you have an allergic reaction, stop taking Ventolin Evohaler and see a doctor straight away.

A full list of Ventolin side effects can be found in the patient information leaflet that comes with your inhaler.

Talk to your doctor as soon as possible if you feel your heart beating faster or stronger than usual (palpitations) – this is usually harmless and stops after you have been using Ventolin for a while. Your heartbeat might feel uneven or give an extra beat. This may affect up to 1 in 10 people. If any of these happen to you, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.

Unless you’re having symptoms of an allergic reaction, do not stop using your Ventolin inhaler unless told to do so.

How long Ventolin side effects last

Most side effects of Ventolin should wear off within 30 minutes to several hours after you use it. This is because the effects of Ventolin wear off after 4 to 6 hours. Some effects, like headaches, may last longer.

What to do if you get Ventolin side effects

What you need to do about side effects depends on which side effects you get and how long they last, for example:

• mild, short-term side effects will go away on their own within a few hours, so you do not need to do anything
• if you get a headache lasting longer than a few hours, taking over-the-counter painkillers should be enough
• if you get a faster, stronger heartbeat than usual, talk to a doctor as soon as possible
• if you get symptoms of an allergic reaction, stop using your Ventolin and contact a doctor as soon as possible or call 999 in an emergency

Not everyone can safely use Ventolin. That’s why it’s important to have a doctor approve your treatment. Some existing health conditions or other medications can stop Ventolin from working properly or cause dangerous reactions.

Contraindications – health conditions that make Ventolin unsafe

Do not use Ventolin if you have:

• an allergy to salbutamol or any other ingredients
• previously gone into early labour or threatened abortion

Tell your doctor before using Ventolin if you have:

• high blood pressure
• an overactive thyroid
• a history of heart problems

Other warnings

It is important to understand if you can take Ventolin in the following situations:

• food and drink – you can take Ventolin with or without food
• pregnancy and breastfeeding – tell your doctor before you start taking Ventolin if you think you might be pregnant, you’re breastfeeding, or you’re planning to get pregnant
• driving – you can drive or use heavy tools or machinery while taking Ventolin

Medications that may interact with Ventolin, making it unsafe

Before using Ventolin, tell your doctor about any prescribed, over-the-counter, or herbal medications you are currently taking or plan to take. Do not use Ventolin if you take:

• xanthine derivatives like theophylline or steroids that treat asthma
• diuretics

Tell your doctor if you are taking:

• medications for an irregular or fast heartbeat
• other medications for asthma

There are a few ways you can request Ventolin treatment, including online from services like Asda Online Doctor or from an NHS doctor.

Can I buy Ventolin online?

Yes, you can request repeat treatment with asthma inhalers like Ventolin online from Asda Online Doctor:

1. Complete a short, 5-minute consultation questionnaire.
2. A doctor will check if a repeat of your Ventolin inhaler is right for you.
3. If your treatment request is approved, your medication can be posted to your door, or you can collect it from a local Asda Pharmacy if you prefer.

Please note: You have to already be using Ventolin to get repeat treatment from Asda Online Doctor. If you would like to start treatment, make an appointment to see your regular GP.

Requesting a repeat Ventolin inhaler from Asda Online Doctor is a fast and convenient service, which means you can get your medication without the need for a face-to-face appointment.

Can I buy Ventolin over the counter?

No, Ventolin is a prescription-only medication. This means you need a doctor to approve treatment before you can use it. This is to make sure Ventolin is a safe and effective treatment, and that you’re properly protected from asthma symptoms and attacks.

Can I get Ventolin on the NHS?

Yes, you can request Ventolin treatment on the NHS. You’ll need to make an appointment with your usual GP to discuss asthma treatment options. If you have not already been diagnosed with asthma, you can talk to your GP about your concerns and any symptoms. They can help check if you do have asthma and need treatment.

Ventolin is not the only reliever inhaler available. There are a few treatment options which a doctor can help you choose between.

Alternatives offered by Asda Online Doctor

There are several types of inhalers. Asda Online Doctor offers 3 other reliever inhalers. Once a doctor has approved you to start one of these, you can request repeat treatment online through us:

• generic Ventolin (salbutamol) – this contains exactly the same medication as Ventolin with the same effectiveness, safety, and so on, and the only difference is that salbutamol is not branded, so it tends to be cheaper
• Fostair – this is a combination inhaler usually used as a preventer inhaler, containing corticosteroids but it can also be used as a reliever inhaler, like Ventolin
• Symbicort – just like with Fostair, Symbicort contains corticosteroids and can be used as a reliever as well as a preventer

Ventolin vs Salamol and salbutamol

Ventolin, Salamol, and salbutamol all contain the same active ingredient, which is also called salbutamol. Ventolin and Salamol are just branded versions of salbutamol. This means that they work in the same way but may cost more than generic salbutamol.

All of these inhalers have the same effectiveness, dosages, and possible side effects. The only difference is in the names and pricing.

Ventolin vs Terbutaline

Terbutaline is another short-acting beta-2 agonist medication, like salbutamol in Ventolin. Since they use different active ingredients, how well they work and which side effects they cause may be different for different people.

A doctor can help you decide which reliever inhaler is most appropriate for you.