Ventolin Evohaler

What is Ventolin?

Ventolin Evohaler contains the active ingredient salbutamol sulfate, which belongs to a class of drugs known as fast-acting bronchodilators (SABAs).

Mechanism of Action

During an asthma attack, the muscles surrounding the airways tighten and the lining becomes inflamed, making it hard to breathe. Salbutamol works by stimulating receptors in the lungs, which causes the tight muscles to relax. This opens up the airways (bronchodilation), allowing more air to flow in and out, thereby rapidly relieving symptoms like wheezing and breathlessness. Think of it like a key unlocking a tight chest, allowing you to breathe freely again.

What is Ventolin Used For?

Ventolin Evohaler is used to treat breathing problems in people with asthma and similar conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Its main uses are:

• Relieving acute asthma symptoms: To quickly ease breathlessness, wheezing, and chest tightness during an asthma attack.
• Preventing exercise-induced asthma: Used 10-15 minutes before physical activity to prevent symptoms from occurring.
• Managing symptom flare-ups: As part of a personalised asthma action plan for when symptoms worsen.

Before Using Ventolin

Talk to your doctor before using Ventolin if you have any of the following:

• Heart problems (e.g., irregular heartbeat, angina)
• High blood pressure
• An overactive thyroid gland
• You are taking other asthma medications like theophylline or steroids
• You are taking diuretics ("water tablets")

Ventolin Contraindications

Do not use Ventolin Evohaler if:

• You are allergic to salbutamol sulfate or any of the other ingredients listed in Section 9.
• You are experiencing premature labour or a threatened abortion.

Special Population Considerations

Elderly Patients

• Older patients may be more sensitive to the effects of salbutamol, especially if they have pre-existing heart conditions.
• Dose adjustment may be necessary.

Children

• Ventolin can be used by children under medical supervision.
• Younger children may require a spacer device for effective use.

Ventolin and Other Medicines

Tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking, especially:

• Beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol): Can reduce the effect of Ventolin.
• Diuretics (water tablets): May increase the risk of low potassium levels.
• Other medicines for irregular heartbeat: Concurrent use requires careful monitoring.
• Other asthma medicines: Such as theophylline or steroids.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

If you are pregnant, breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, you must ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine. They will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing it.

Driving & Machine Operation

Ventolin is not expected to affect your ability to drive or use machines. However, if you experience side effects like dizziness or shakiness, you should avoid these activities until you feel normal again.

Ventolin Ingredients

• Active Substance: Salbutamol Sulfate (equivalent to 100 micrograms salbutamol per puff).
• Other Ingredient: HFA 134a (norflurane), a propellant gas.
• Allergen Warning: This medicine contains fluorinated greenhouse gases.

How to Use Ventolin Evohaler

It is crucial to use your inhaler correctly to get the full dose of medicine into your lungs. Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist should show you how to use it.

Ventolin Dosage Guidelines

Maximum Dose: Do not exceed 800 micrograms in 24 hours (e.g., two puffs up to four times a day).

Administration Instructions

1. Stand or sit upright. Remove the mouthpiece cover by gently squeezing the sides and pull. Check it's clean.
2. Shake the inhaler well 4-5 times.
3. Breathe out fully, away from the inhaler.
4. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips around it. Do not bite.
5. As you start to breathe in slowly and deeply, press down firmly on the canister to release one puff.
6. Continue to breathe in slowly, then hold your breath for about 10 seconds or as long as comfortable.
7. Breathe out slowly. If a second puff is needed, wait 30-60 seconds and repeat steps 2-6.
8. Replace the cap after use.

Cleaning: Clean the plastic casing at least once a week by rinsing under warm water. Do not put the metal canister in water. Dry thoroughly before reassembling.

Missed Dose Management

Ventolin is used "as required" for symptom relief, so there is no fixed schedule. If you are using it regularly as prescribed and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one.

Overdose Information

If you take more Ventolin than prescribed, contact a doctor immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include:

• A fast or irregular heartbeat
• Feeling shaky or tense
• Headache
• Hyperactivity

Possible Side Effects

Like all medicines, Ventolin can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Very Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

• Feeling shaky
• Headache

Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

• Mouth and throat irritation
• Muscle cramps

Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)

• Low blood potassium
• Peripheral dilatation (increased blood flow to limbs)

Very Rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people)

• Allergic reactions (swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing; itchy rash; collapse)
• Changes in sleep or behaviour (restlessness, excitability)

You can report side effects directly via the UK Yellow Card Scheme.

How to Store Ventolin

• Store below 30°C. Protect from frost and direct sunlight.
• The canister is pressurised. Do not expose to temperatures above 50°C, puncture, or burn it, even when empty.
• Keep out of sight and reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack.

Pack Information

Each Ventolin Evohaler pack contains an aluminium canister fitted with a metering valve, placed inside a plastic actuator with a dust cap. Each canister provides 200 puffs of 100 micrograms salbutamol (as salbutamol sulfate).

Important Note on Dose Counting

The Evohaler does not have a dose counter. After 200 puffs (whether inhaled or tested), the inhaler will not deliver the correct dose. Shaking or floating the inhaler is not a reliable way to check how much is left. You should keep track of the number of puffs used.

Where Can I Buy Ventolin Evohaler Online in the UK