Description
Ventolin
If dry cough, constant shortness of breath, wheezing, or other symptoms of asthma bother you or your child, try using Ventolin. Actuation inhaler Ventolin will deliver the active ingredient Albuterol in the respiratory tract, dilate the bronchi and quickly relieve unpleasant symptoms.
Prescribing Information
Ventolin relaxes the bronchial muscles and improves pulmonary function. The drug is prescribed to patients of 4 years of age and older for:
- Relief, prophylaxis or control of chronic bronchopulmonary disorders.
- Prevention of bronchospasm, caused by airway narrowing, which occurs because of increased physical activity.
Patients, who suffer from regular bronchospasms, should always carry the inhalation spray with them. The drug should be used immediately if any symptoms of asthma occur, or at least 15 minutes before physical activity.
Dosage
Ventolin inhalation device is provided with an unregulated metering valve. Each pressng of the valve results in the release of 100 mg of the active substance Albuterol. The drug is introduced only via the inhaled route.
To dilate the bronchi and reduce the symptoms of asthma, one Ventolin inhalation is usually sufficient. If such a dosing regimen does not allow controlling bronchospasms, a single dose can be increased to two puffs.
The recommended Ventolin dose is used as needed, yet no more than 4 times a day. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 800 mg of Albuterol. Increasing demand for the drug may be a sign of bronchopulmonary disorder aggravation.
Interactions
Patients who use Ventolin inhalation aerosol and plan to use other drugs may begin a combined therapy only after consulting a doctor.
If it is not recommended by the doctor, Ventolin can not be used with other inhaled bronchodilators. The combined use of Ventolin with Amitriptyline, Clomipramine, Doxepin, Protriptyline and other tricyclic antidepressants can cause serious cardiovascular side effects.
Before starting asthma treatment, tell your doctor about any medications you use, including antidepressants, cardiac glycosides, beta-blockers, and diuretics. This will improve the efficacy of treatment of bronchopulmonary or other diseases and reduce the risks of adverse reactions.
Side effects
Use of Ventolin or any other inhaled bronchodilators may cause side effects, although not in all patients. Adverse reactions of Ventolin are dose-dependent. They are usually of mild or moderate intensity.
The list of common side effects of Ventolin includes: fast heart rate, headache and tremor of skeletal muscle (especially in the hands). Other adverse reactions of inhalation therapy may be: itchy throat, lowering of blood pressure, hyperactivity, increased bronchial responsiveness or a rash with severe itching.
Patients on Ventolin, especially for a long time, are at increased risk of hypokalemia (decreased level Potassium in the blood). Hypokalemia can cause or aggravate cardiovascular side effects.
Tips
During the use of Ventolin, it is recommended to periodically measure potassium bloodlevel. Especially if the patient takes diuretics, or steroids for the treatment of asthma. The use of potassium-containing dietary supplements will prevent hypokalemia.
Ventolin begins to effectively dilate the airways in 5-10 minutes after administration. Therefore, inhalation aerosol should be used immediately after the appearance of the first bronchospasm symptoms, without waiting for them to get more severe. Ventolin activity persists for up to 6 hours after administration.