Ventolin (salbutamol)

The generic name of this medication is salbutamol and it is marketed under the name Ventolin®.

How does this medication work? What are its effects?

Salbutamol belongs to the class of medications calledbronchodilators, and more precisely to that of agonists β2-adrenergic. This medication is used to treat asthma, chronic bronchitis, and some other respiratory disorders.

Salbutamol inhalations are also used to prevent asthma attacks caused by exercise. It works by relaxing the muscles in the walls of the small airways in the lungs. This helps open the airways and makes breathing easier.

This medication is available under various brand names or in different presentations, or both. A specific brand of this medication may not be available in all forms or may not have been approved for all of the conditions discussed here. Also, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions mentioned in this article.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for a condition that is not listed in this medication information article. If you have not yet discussed this with your doctor, or if you are not sure why you are taking this medication, consult your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor first.

Do not give this medication to anyone, even someone who has the same symptoms as yours. This medication may harm people for whom it has not been prescribed.

How should this medication be used?

Aerosol inhaler: The usual dose for relieving asthma symptoms is one (1) to 2 inhalations (also called “puffs”) for people aged 12 and over and one puff for children aged 6 to 11. Additional bursts may be needed to relieve the symptoms of a more intense attack.

The usual dose for the long-term treatment of asthma is one (1) to 2 puffs (or 1 puff for children aged 4 and over) 4 times per day. The maximum daily dose is 8 puffs for adults and 4 puffs for children.

For the prevention of exertional asthma, the usual dose is 2 puffs before exercise for adults and 1 puff before exercise for children.

Solution used in the nebulizer: For people over 12 years of age, the usual dose is 2.5 mg to 5.0 mg up to 4 times per day. For children between 5 and 12 years of age, the usual dose is 2.5 mg up to 4 times per day.

Diskus: The usual dose for relieving asthma symptoms for adults and children 4 years of age and older is one (1) inhalation as needed. The usual dose for the long-term treatment of asthma is one (1) inhalation 3 to 4 times per day. The maximum daily dose is 4 puffs per day. For the prevention of exertional asthma, the usual dose is one (1) inhalation 15 minutes before exercise.

Several factors can be taken into account in determining the dose a person needs: weight, health, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose other than those listed here, Do not change how you take the medication without consulting the doctor first.

To make sure you get the right dose of this medication, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care professional to explain how to properly use an inhaler, Diskus, or nebulizer.

Children's use of these inhalation systems depends on their ability to learn how to use these devices appropriately. During inhalation, children should be assisted or supervised by an adult who knows how to use the device properly. For inhalers, your doctor may recommend using a Spacer to make sure the medication is being used appropriately.

It is very important not to exceed the prescribed dose. If this medication works for less than 3 hours or if you notice a sudden worsening of your breathing, contact your doctor immediately. If you need to use more medication than usual, contact your doctor.

Always have your salbutamol inhaler within reach so that you can use it immediately in the event of an asthma attack.

It is important that you use this medication exactly as directed by your doctor. If you use inhaled salbutamol on a regular basis and miss a dose, take your dose as soon as possible and follow your usual schedule afterwards. If it is almost time for your next dose, don't worry about the missed dose and go back to the usual dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for missing a dose. If you are unsure what to do after missing a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature and out of the reach of children. The contents of the aerosol inhaler are under pressure and may explode if heated. Do not place the bottle in hot water, near radiators, stoves, or other heat sources. Diskus should be stored in a dry place at a temperature equal to or less than 30°C. The solution for the ventilator and the nebules should be kept away from light. Respirator solution that has not been used within one month of opening the container should be discarded with appropriate precautions.

Do not dispose of medication in wastewater (e.g. not in the sink or in the toilet bowl) or with household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of unused or expired medications.

What forms does this medication come in?

Respirator solution

1 mL of isotonic solution contains salbutamol sulfate equivalent to 5 mg of salbutamol base. Non-medicinal ingredients : dilute sulfuric acid, 0.01% w/v benzalkonium chloride and water for injections. The pH was adjusted to 3.4 to 4.4.

Nebules P.F..

1 mg per mL
Each dose unit of sterile isotonic solution contains salbutamol sulfate equivalent to 2.5 mg of salbutamol base in 2.5 mL. Non-medicinal ingredients : dilute sulfuric acid, sodium chloride and water for injections. The pH was adjusted to 3.5 to 4.5.

2 mg per mL
Each dose unit of sterile isotonic solution contains salbutamol sulfate equivalent to 5 mg of salbutamol base in 2.5 mL. Non-medicinal ingredients : dilute sulfuric acid, sodium chloride and water for injections. The pH was adjusted to 3.5 to 4.5.

Diskus

Each blister contains 200 mcg of salbutamol (as sulfate). Non-medicinal ingredients : lactose, milk protein used as a support.

Inhaler

Each inhaler aerosol contains a microcrystalline suspension of salbutamol sulfate in the propellant HFA-134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane). Each inhaler aerosol is a pressurized pump that includes an aluminum container and a metering valve. Each container is embedded in a blue plastic actuator. A cap is placed over the tip of the actuator when not in use. Each pressure on the valve releases 100 mcg of salbutamol (in the form of sulfate). Non-medicinal ingredients : none. Without chlorurofluorurocarbon.

In what cases is this medication not recommended?

Do not use salbutamol by inhalation under the following circumstances:

• an allergy to salbutamol or to any of the ingredients of the medication;
• an allergy to lactose, milk protein, or milk (for Diskus only)

What are the possible side effects of this medication?

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an adverse response to a medication when taken at normal doses. It can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

At least 1% of people using this medication have reported the following side effects. Many of these side effects can be managed and a few may go away on their own over time.

Consult your doctor if you experience these side effects and if they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to give you advice on what to do if these side effects occur:

• a cough;
• sleep disorders;
• dizziness;
• sleepiness;
• dry or irritated throat;
• increased heart rate (usually temporary)
• fatigue;
• hot flashes;
• headaches;
• irritability;
• nausea;
• a state of nervousness;
• restlessness;
• tremors;
• viral infections of the nose and throat (fever, sore throat, runny nose)
• weakness.

Most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, but they could cause serious problems if you don't see your doctor or get medical attention.

Talk to your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• difficulty urinating
• high blood pressure;
• muscle cramps;
• a feeling of rotation of the body;
• signs of reduced potassium levels in the blood (e.g., irregular or very strong heartbeats, constant muscle cramps, muscle pain, or weakness)
• vomiting.

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. One answer like:

• chest pain or discomfort
• severe dizziness;
• symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (e.g., hives; swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat; swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing; fainting; increased wheezing or chest tightness)
• a deterioration in respiratory problems.

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Consult your doctor if you notice a symptom that concerns you while taking this medication.

Are there any other precautions for use or warnings?

Before using medication, be sure to tell your doctor about any medical conditions or allergies you may have, what medications you are using, and any other important facts about your health. Women should mention if they are pregnant or breastfeeding. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Asthma control: If your usual dose of this medication doesn't seem to be as effective as it used to be, or if you use more of the medication than in the past, your asthma may get worse. If this happens, contact your doctor.

Diabetes: Administering salbutamol through a nebulizer may increase blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Breathing difficulty: In some people, this medication and some other inhaled medications may cause breathing difficulties and increased wheezing. If this occurs, stop using this medication and seek immediate medical attention.

Heart diseases: When used by people with heart conditions, salbutamol can cause heart complications like certain heart conditions, heart rhythm abnormalities, and high blood pressure.

If you have any of these conditions, you should discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Lowered blood potassium levels: The administration of salbutamol may cause a decrease in potassium levels in the blood. If you experience weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, nausea, or vomiting while taking this medication, tell your doctor. If needed, your doctor will do blood tests to measure your potassium levels.

Seizures: Salbutamol may increase the risk of seizures, especially for people with seizure disorders. If you have seizures, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Thyroid disease: salbutamol can increase the activity of the thyroid gland. This can be a problem for people with an overactive thyroid.

If you havehyperthyroidism (a condition in which the thyroid gland is overactive), discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Use of anti-inflammatory agents: According to current clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of asthma, you should also use anti-inflammatory medications (e.g. corticosteroids such as beclomethasone, budesonide, or fluticasone) if you take more than 3 doses of salbutamol per week (not including doses used to prevent exertional asthma). If your asthma worsens (if you need to use salbutamol more frequently or if it stops working), contact your doctor.

Pregnancy: Although salbutamol is often used during pregnancy, there are no well-controlled studies to demonstrate its safety. This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor.

Breastfeeding: It is not known whether salbutamol passes into breast milk. If you are taking this medication while breast-feeding, it may affect your baby. Consult your doctor to find out if you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using the salbutamol inhaler has not been established for children under 4 years of age. Neither the safety nor the effectiveness of the solution used in the nebulizer has been established for children under 5 years of age. All children should be supervised by an adult when using this medication.

Very rarely, this medication can cause hyperactivity, sleep disorders, and changes in children's behavior. If this occurs, contact the child's doctor.

Seniors: Older adults may be more likely to experience low blood potassium levels or heart problems when using salbutamol. Your doctor may suggest a lower dose to reduce the risk of these problems.

Can other agents interact with this medication?

An interaction could occur between salbutamol and any of the following drugs:

• aminophylline
• atomoxetine;
• beta-blockers (e.g. propranolol, labetalol, nadolol, sotalol)
• betahistine
• Caffeine
• carvedilol
• some diuretics (e.g. hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide)
• dextroamphetamine
• digoxin
• dipivefrine
• dobutamine
• Dopamine
• epinephrine
• methylphenidate
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g. phenelzine, tranylcypromine, moclobemide, selegiline)
• The Nabilone
• naphazoline
• noradrenaline
• other bronchodilators (e.g. salmeterol, terbutaline)
• oxymetazoline
• phenylephrine
• pseudoephedrine
• theophylline
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline, desipramine, nortriptyline)
• xylometazoline
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If you are taking any of these medications, consult your doctor or pharmacist. In your case, your doctor may ask you to:

• stop taking any of the medications;
• replace one of the drugs with another;
• change how you take one or both medications
• change nothing at all.

The interference of one medication with another does not always lead to the interruption of taking one of them. Ask your doctor what to do in case of drug interactions.

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