Ventolin
Albuterol Sulfate
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Ventolin
Ventolin is a prescribed bronchodilator drug intended for relieving symptoms of asthma and other pulmonary diseases, particularly Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Ventolin reduces pulmonary obstruction by relaxing smooth muscles of the bronchioles, causing them to dilate and thus improving airflow.
Ventolin has a strong spasmolythic effect and can also be used to treat exercise-induced bronchial spasms. It is used to relieve asthma attacks and breathing difficulties induced by various factors and in some other cases not specified in instructions.
Therapeutic Uses of Ventolin
Ventolin Inhalers are also referred to as ‘Ventolin puffers’, since using one lies in ‘puffing’ the Ventolin spray into the mouth and inhaling it.
If you feel like you must start using this drug, make sure you have a prescription and follow your doctor’s recommendations. Consult a qualified specialist on how many ‘puffs’ each day you must have. This depends on many factors, particularly how severe your case is and how well the drug works.
Direction of use of Ventolin
Ventolin must be used under the supervision of an experienced physician. If this is the first time you are using it, keep track of your condition before and after use. Depending on the effect’s strength, your doctor should give you recommendations as to how many times a day you’d better use Ventolin.
It takes a bit of time for patients to learn how to properly inhale the medicine. Particularly, you must learn to control your breath during inhalation. If you fail to breathe in correctly, the medicine may not reach the lower bronchioles and therefore you it will not work.
Shake the inhaler well before using it. If you are using Ventolin for the first time, test-spray it 3-4 times, pointing it away from your face. You must do the same thing if you have not used the drug for more than 2 weeks or if you have accidentally dropped the inhaler.
Open the mouthpiece and breathe out. Put the mouthpiece into your mouth, close your lips and press down on the canister as you breathe in. Do not be in a hurry while breathing in! When you have breathed in fully, hold your breath for 10-12 seconds, then breathe out slowly.
It is mandatory that you clean your inhaler on a regular basis. Failure to do so may fail you dangerously in case of a severe asthma attack. If you are not sure how to do it, consult your healthcare provider. Particularly, cleaning lies in keeping the actuator in a proper condition by rinsing and drying it thoroughly.
Dose of Ventolin, if Missed
Dosage is individual. It is your doctor who determines it, and you must follow it strictly. If you have missed a dose, do not take a double dose. Use the medicine as scheduled or earlier if you have tight chest.
How to Store Ventolin
Store your inhaler in a cool and dry place. Do not expose it to heat, direct sunlight or incandescent objects. Keep the drug safely away from children! Replace the mouthpiece
More Information About Ventolin
Ventolin interacts with some medicines, so please, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drug types: antidepressants, diuretics, beta-blockers, MAO inhibitors or other bronchodilators. Also, you must notify your doctor if you are undergoing (or have just undergone) treatment for heart diseases, blood pressure disorders, thyroid problems, renal/hepatic disorders or diabetes.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Ventolin
It is very important to have Ventolin with you all the time, wherever you are.
If suddenly you feel it is not working any more or it takes a larger dose to alleviate tight chest than earlier, contact your doctor immediately. This may be a sign of your condition getting worse, which may require a different kind of treatment.
Do not use Ventalin if you are allergic to albuterol. Signs of allergy include swelling, watery eyes, skin rash, reddening, itching. Some sensitive people have more serious anaphylactic reactions, such as fatigue, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, faintness. If you have any signs of allergy, stop using Ventolin and consult your doctor.
If you are planning pregnancy or are already pregnant, do not use Ventolin without professional advice. Albuterol can be harmful for an unborn baby. This drug is not recommended for nursing mothers, because it may pass into breast milk.
Do not take a larger dose or more frequently than required. If you think you have taken too much, call your doctor. Signs of an overdose include increased heart rate, arrhythmia, panting, chest pain (sometimes irradiating to extremities), anxiety, nervousness, tremors, headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea. Overdose can be fatal!
Possible Adverse Effects
Apart from allergy, Ventolin can cause other serious side effects. For instance, in some people this drug can trigger an affect opposite to what’s expected. There have been cases of breathing problems getting more severe instead of improvement. In some cases, these symptoms appear after starting a new canister. Some patients show signs of an overdose mentioned above.
Ventolin may cause potassium level to drop, which can result in tremors, muscle weakness, fatigue, faintness, irregular heartbeat, etc.
In some cases, albuterol can cause blood pressure to jump. Signs of high blood pressure include headache, humming in your ears, dimming of vision, uneven heartbeat, fear, anxiety, nervousness, faintness, nausea, seizures, etc.
Less disturbing adverse effects include poor sleep, runny nose, cough, muscle weakness or pain, indigestion.