Ventolin: what it is for, dosage and side effects

Ventolin is used to treat breathing problems caused by asthma or other breathing problems , such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) . It also treats symptoms such as chest tightness, shortness of breath, or wheezing or strident breathing. On the other hand, it helps prevent some problems such as breathing difficulties from allergies or even asthma attacks when exerting oneself. In children, it is very common when they have bronchitis or bronchiolitis.

What this medicine does is that it relaxes the muscles in the walls of the airways and thus improves breathing.

Ventolin in inhaler

Ventolin is normally supplied as an inhaler and is administered directly by mouth , but it can also be presented as a disk.

The inhaler sprays a dose of powder into the mouth. To use it, you must first shake it well. Once done, it is inserted into your mouth and you must inhale while pressing the inhaler , neither before nor after. In this way, it reaches the lungs directly. To avoid expelling the medicine, it is advisable to hold your breath for a few seconds, for example you can count to 10. This prevents the medicine from being exhaled in the breath. If you need to apply a second dose, you must wait for at least half a minute (another 30 seconds). The Ventolin inhaler is usually presented in doses of 100 mg each application and each inhaler will have 200 applications.

Disc ventolin

The disc ventolin is much less popular and less widely used. It is a disc that delivers the necessary amount of medicine, also by inhalation. However, its use is different. The lever that appears on the disc must be pressed so that it deposits the powdered medicine in the nozzle. Once this is done, it is inhaled. In the same way as with the inhaler, afterwards it is advisable to hold on for a few seconds so as not to exhale the medicine.

To take Ventolin, it is important to follow the doctor’s instructions regarding its duration and not to stop treatment first.

Tips for using Ventolin correctly

First of all you must know how to use it. If this is the first time you use it, you will have to remove the cap from the mouthpiece (by pressing gently on the sides), shake it well and make a pulse to check that it works properly. You should do the same if you have stopped using Ventolin for a long time and have used it again. Removing the nozzle will also help you check that it is clean.

To use it, it must first be shaken thoroughly. It is held vertically with the push-button upwards and is inserted into the mouth, between the teeth but without biting it, closing the lips on the device so that nothing comes out. Then you should press the inhaler all the way in as you inhale. Next, close your mouth holding your breath and take the inhaler out, letting go of squeezing. It is advisable, as we have seen before, to hold your breath for a few seconds (as long as possible) to avoid exhaling the medicine. Once used, you should place the protector on the mouthpiece to prevent it from getting dirty.

Children will need help to do so. It is important to teach them the steps to follow in terms of breathing. When they are very young or babies, an adapted mask that covers their nose and mouth may be used to facilitate application.

The dose of Ventolin to take is generally one application (100 mg) or two (200 mg) in adults , in the case of an acute attack or to prevent one before exercise. In the case of children, only one application will be made , unless the doctor indicates otherwise.

In any case, the maximum dose of Ventolin should not be exceeded, which is 8 applications (800 mg) in one day (24 hours). Do not exceed the dose indicated by the doctor or take more regularly. If the condition worsens, consult your doctor who will, in any case, increase the dose.

The time of application of Ventolin when it is carried out constantly will always depend on the condition and the doctor’s instructions. There are cases in which a Ventolin application is needed every four hours or even every three. Ventolin in children and babies should always be used under the indications of the pediatrician. If in these cases you forget a dose, do not take double, better wait for the next dose.

However, in adults it is most common to use it only when an asthma attack or respiratory distress occurs or, as we have seen, to prevent, for example, before exercise.

If breathing worsens after using Ventolin, treatment should be stopped immediately and seek medical advice as soon as possible. It is also important to see a doctor if the effect does not last as long as it should or is not being as effective as at first.

Like the rest of medicines, Ventolin has possible adverse effects and that is why it should not be abused.

The side effects that it can cause are:

• Palpitations
• Headache.
• Nervousness or even trembling in the hands.
• In children, it can cause hyperactivity.
• Difficulty getting to sleep.
• Inflammation of the sinuses.
• Throat pain.

If any of these symptoms appear. check with your doctor.

• Ventolin is contraindicated in people with hypersensitivity to Salbutamol or any of the excipients.
• If you have any cardiovascular disease, thyroid or diabetes you should consult your doctor.
• The pregnant and lactating should not use Ventolin unless so directed by the gynecologist.

We must not forget that it is a drug that is prescribed with a prescription and, therefore, cannot be purchased without it. However, if you have ever used it and stopped using it, it is advisable to dispose of it at a pharmacy. If you have to take it again, it is advisable to buy a new one. You should not inhale it unless directed by the doctor and always follow the instructions for treatment, duration and dosage.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Ventolin: what it is for, dosage and side effects , we recommend that you enter our category of Medication and medical tests .