Ventolin Inhaler

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Ventolin Inhaler (albuterol) belongs to the group of expectorant pharmaceuticals that are used to treat respiratory diseases.

How does it work?

Albuterol is a beta-2 adrenergic agonist. It has the ability to stimulate β-two adrenergic receptors. The latter have the property to have a noticeable bronchodilator effect, focusing in the blood vessels of the bronchi and expanding them.

It has an invaluable property to prevent and interrupt arising bronchospasm. It is able to reduce the resistance that occurs in the respiratory tract, while the vital capacity of the lungs increases.

Albuterol reduces the release of histamines, contributes to the expansion of the coronary arteries of the circulatory system, while lowering blood pressure is not observed.

The drug has the property of facilitating the work of the lower parts of the respiratory system – the lungs and bronchi.

Indications

This medicine is intended for fast (5 minutes) relief of severe bronchospasm. It is used for diseases such as:

  • bronchial asthma, including with bronchospasm;
  • chronic obstructive bronchitis, COPD;
  • emphysema.

Ventolin Inhaler gives short-term (4-6 hours) bronchodilation with airway obstruction, which is reversible.

Contraindications

  • The drug is not used if the patient has ever had a hypersensitivity (allergy) to one of the components included in its composition;
  • Do not use the inhaler if you suffer from severe cardiovascular disease;
  • It is used in pediatrics from the age of 4 years.

Pregnancy and lactation

Ventolin can be used in pregnant women in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Breastfeeding during the treatment with this drug should be stopped.

Dosage and administration

The drug is used to inhale an aerosol.

In order for the drug to get into the respiratory throat when inhaling:

  • shake the spray can;
  • exhale as much as possible from the lungs;
  • insert an aerosol mouthpiece into your mouth, clasping it with your lips on all sides;
  • click on the bottom of the can while taking a deep breath;
  • hold your breath for as long as possible.

The recommended dose is 1 inhalation. The action will come in about 5 minutes.

If 1 dose does not improve the patient’s condition, inhale one more dose with the interval of at least 30 seconds.

To prevent an attack during exercise or contact with an allergen, 2 doses of the drug are inhaled.

With prolonged maintenance therapy, 2 inhalations are inhaled 4 times a day (maximum daily dosage).

Children from 4 to 12 years old take 50% of the adult dose.

Overdose

Overdoses of albuterol can cause intensified side effects:

  • tachycardia, weakness, hypokalemia;
  • increase in blood pressure;
  • cramps, muscle tremors.

An overdose requires symptomatic treatment. Beta1-blockers may be prescribed.

Side effects

Ventolin inhaler can cause the following side effects:

  • allergic reactions – edema, allergic urticaria, paradoxical bronchospasm, tremors, seizures, hyperactivity;
  • tinnitus;
  • hypotension, collapse;
  • hypokalemia, lactic acidosis;
  • irritation of the mucous membrane of the throat and oral cavity;
  • vasodilation;
  • nausea, vomiting;
  • tachycardia, arrhythmias, increased blood pressure;
  • myocardial ischemia;
  • fever, injuries.

Drug interaction

It is not recommended to combine albuterol and non-selective b-adrenergic receptor blockers, such as propranolol.

Albuterol is not contraindicated in patients who take monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

Special instructions

In patients with severe or unstable bronchial asthma, the use of bronchodilators should not be the main or only method of therapy.

If the usual dose of albuterol becomes less effective (the effect of the drug should last at least 3 hours), the patient should consult a doctor.
Frequent use of albuterol can lead to increased bronchospasm, sudden death, in connection with which it is necessary to take breaks of several hours between doses of the drug.

An increased need for short-duration beta2-adrenoreceptor agonists to control the symptoms of bronchial asthma indicates an exacerbation of the disease. In such cases, the patient’s treatment plan should be reviewed.

Patients should be instructed on the proper use of the Ventolin inhaler.