Ventolin

Uses
Ventolin (Salbutamol) is used by patients suffering from various respiratory conditions, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It can also be used to prevent breathing difficulties (bronchospasm) during exercise. Ventolin relaxes the smooth muscle in the lung and dilates airways to improve breathing. The inhaler enables the drug to reach deep into the lungs for maximum benefit.

Dosage and administration
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your physician. This medicine may come with an instruction leaflet. Ask your physician, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have. Before using, be sure that the canister is properly inserted into the inhaler unit and shake well. Exhale slowly and deeply. Unless your physician has told you otherwise, position the mouthpiece between your lips and try to rest your tongue flat. Your physician may have told you to hold the inhaler 1 or 2 inches (2 or 3 centimetres) away from your open mouth or may have instructed you to use a special spacing device.

As you start to take a slow deep breath, press the canister and mouthpiece together at exactly the same time to administer a dose of this medicine. Continue inhaling slowly and deeply and hold your breath for as long as comfortable, then exhale slowly through pursed lips or through your nose. If more than 1 inhalation is to be used, wait a few minutes and repeat the above process. Keep the spray away from your eyes.

Side effects
Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include fast heartbeat, nervousness, tremors, headaches, difficulty sleeping, or nausea. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your physician. Check with your physician as soon as possible if you experience rashes, hives, itching, wheezing, or increased difficulty breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your physician, nurse, or pharmacist.

Precautions
If after using this medicine you do not feel relief, see your physician immediately. Do not use if you have a history of hypersensitivity to any of its components. Do not use Beta Blockers in conjuction with this medication. Only use during pregnancy if the benefit to the mother is greater than the possible risk to the foetus.