Ventolin

The Ventolin inhaler is indicated in adults, adolescents, and children from 4 to 11 years, in the following cases:

• Rescue medication in mild, moderate, or severe asthma.
• Prevention of bronchospasm (shortness of breath or wheezing) induced by physical exercise or before exposure to a known and unavoidable allergenic stimulus.

Always use this seasonal inhaler exactly as your doctor has told you. If in doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist again.

Remember to use your medicine.

Your doctor will indicate the duration of your Ventolin treatment. Do not stop treatment earlier.

The Ventolin inhaler pressurized inhalation produces a fine mist that must be inhaled into the lungs. Make sure you know how to use the inhaler correctly. If you have any problems, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

The recommended dose to relieve an acute attack is:

Adults: one application (100 micrograms) or two applications (200 micrograms).

Children 12 years and older: one application (100 micrograms) or two applications (200 micrograms).

Children under 12 years: one application (100 micrograms). Your doctor can increase it up to two applications (200 micrograms).

The use of the Ventolin inhaler should not exceed four times a day. The need for additional use or a sudden increase in dose indicates a worsening of asthmatic disease.

The recommended dose to prevent an attack during exercise is:

Adults: one application (100 micrograms) or two applications (200 micrograms) before exercise.

Children 12 years and older: one application (100 micrograms) or two applications (200 micrograms) before exercise.

Children under 12 years: one application (100 micrograms) before exercise. Your doctor may increase up to two applications (200 micrograms) before exercise.

The recommended dose for continued use is:

Adults, children from 12 years old and under 12 years old: up to two applications (200 micrograms) four times a day.

Generally, the maximum dose to be taken in 24 hours is 8 applications (800 micrograms).

Instructions for use:

The Ventolin inhaler produces a fine mist that is inhaled through the mouth to the lungs. Your doctor or pharmacist should tell you how to use the inhaler device. If in doubt, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Checking the inhaler:

Before using the inhaler for the first time, remove the mouthpiece protector by gently squeezing the sides, shake the inhaler thoroughly, and release two doses into the air to ensure the functioning of the inhaler. If the inhaler has not been used for 5 or more days, shake it thoroughly and release 2 doses into the air to make sure it works.

Inhaler use:

Remove the mouthpiece guard by gently squeezing the sides.

Check that there are no foreign particles inside and outside the inhaler, including the mouthpiece.

Shake the inhaler well to make sure that any foreign particles are removed and that the contents of the inhaler are mixed properly.

Hold the inhaler vertically between the index and thumb fingers, placing the thumb on the base, below the mouthpiece. Give as much air as reasonably possible.

Then insert the mouthpiece into the mouth, between the teeth, closing the lips on the device, but without biting it.

Immediately after starting to breathe in, press the inhaler to release the salbutamol, and continue to breathe deeply and constantly.

Hold your breath, take the inhaler out of your mouth, and remove the index finger from the top of the inhaler. Continue to hold your breath as long as reasonably possible.

If another inhalation is to be administered, hold the inhaler upright, and wait for approximately half a minute before repeating steps 3 to 7.

Put on the mouthpiece guard by pushing firmly and snapping shut so that the cap is in place.

Like all medicines, this asthma treatment inhaler can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Some people may be allergic to medicines. If you experience any of the following symptoms immediately after using Ventolin, stop treatment, and notify your doctor as soon as possible.

Symptoms to watch out for:

Allergic reactions: they are very rare in patients using Ventolin. The signs include:

• A sudden appearance of "whistles" or tightness in the chest
• swelling of the eyelids, face or lips
• skin rash (hives) or hives anywhere on the body
• A sudden feeling of weakness or dizziness (can lead to collapse or loss of consciousness).
• Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. Stop using Ventolin.

The adverse effects associated with salbutamol classified by organ, system, and frequency are indicated below. The meaning of the terms used to describe the frequency of adverse effects is as follows:

Tell your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

Immune system disorders

• Very rare: hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions including angioedema (skin reactions with erythema, edema, and itching), urticaria, bronchospasm (narrowing of the bronchial walls with decreased air intake), hypotension and collapse.

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

• Rare: hypokalemia (low levels of potassium in the blood).

Therapy with agonists can lead to potentially severe hypokalemia.

Nervous system disorders

• Common: tremor, headache (headache).
• Very rare: hyperactivity (agitation and excitability).

Cardiac disorders

• Common: tachycardia (increased heart rate).
• Uncommon: palpitations (irregular heartbeat).
• Very rare: cardiac arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, and extrasystoles (heart rhythm disorders).

Although it is not known exactly how often it occurs, some people may occasionally experience chest pain (due to heart problems such as angina). Tell your doctor if you develop these symptoms while you are being treated with salbutamol, but do not stop taking it unless you are told to do so.

Vascular disorders

• Rare: peripheral vasodilation (dilation of the size of the peripheral blood vessels).

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

• Very rare: paradoxical bronchospasm (narrowing of the bronchial walls with decreased air intake).

Gastrointestinal disorders

• Uncommon: mouth and throat irritation.

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders

• Uncommon: muscle cramps.