What is a Ventolin inhaler?

A Ventolin inhaler is a small, handheld device used to help asthma patients breathe easier. It’s an aerosol canister that releases medication through the mouthpiece, helping with breathing. A Ventolin inhaler is used by people who suffer from asthma to relieve the symptoms of their condition.

Asthma is a respiratory condition where the lining of your bronchial tubes swell up when you breathe in irritants. Ventolin inhalers are used to prevent asthma symptoms and can be effective when it comes to controlling your asthma attacks.

The inhaler delivers the medication salbutamol in order to help people breathe more easily. The Ventolin inhaler works by opening the airways to relieve and prevent asthma symptoms brought on by common triggers. These triggers include: exercise, dust, pollen, dogs, cats, cold temperatures (find out more about dealing with winter asthma) and cigarette smoke. Some patients can have more specific triggers that can worsen their asthma symptoms.

Ventolin Evohaler is a brand name for the salbutamol inhaler, otherwise known as the blue reliever inhaler. It is produced by GSK pharmaceuticals and comes packaged in a distinctive white and blue box.

The Ventolin inhaler contains a medicine called salbutamol sulfate. This belongs to a group of medicines called fast-acting bronchodilators. Bronchodilators help the airways of your lungs open and stay open for longer. This makes it easier to breathe and helps relieve symptoms of wheeze and breathlessness that occur in asthmatics.

Is Ventolin A Steroid?

No, Ventolin contains salbutamol, which is not a steroid.

How do you use a Ventolin inhaler?

When Ventolin is prescribed by your doctor, they will give you explicit instructions on how to use it. It is important that you follow the instructions exactly.
Generally, the following five basic steps are to be followed to use a Ventolin inhaler:

Before using your Ventolin inhaler, it is important to breathe as slowly as possible and settle down the rhythm of your breathing.

Stand or sit upright
Remove the Ventolin inhaler mouthpiece cover, gently squeezing the sides with your thumb and forefinger to pull apart
Shake the inhaler four/five times
Hold the Ventolin inhaler upright, with the thumb on the base below the mouthpiece
Breathe out as far as comfortable
Place the mouthpiece in your mouth, between your teeth and close your lips around it
Breathe in through your mouth and then press down on the top of the canister (whilst still breathing in steadily and deeply
Hold your breath and remove the inhaler from your mouth

If you need to take another puff, wait about a minute and a half, and always replace the mouthpiece cover following use.

Young users may need help to operate the inhaler.

Weak-handed users may find it easier to hold the Ventolin inhaler with both hands.

Useful information about Asthma can be found at Asthma UK.

4 puffs a day is the maximum dosage. Consult a doctor before taking more puffs, in case of any difficulty in its mechanism or operation, you can use the Salamol Easi-Breathe inhaler.

How Does Salbutamol Work?

When you breathe in (inhale), muscles at the back of your throat (the vocal cords) and in your airways (bronchi) tighten. In people who have asthma, this tightening causes the muscles to spasm and constrict. The result is that it becomes difficult for them to draw air into their lungs and breathe properly.

Salbutamol containing inhalers work by relaxing these muscles so that your air passages open up and you can breathe more easily, therefore known as relievers.

Salbutamol belongs to a class of drugs called bronchodilators, which are compounds that provide a therapeutic effect in obstructive respiratory diseases by causing the relaxation of smooth muscles in the walls of narrowed airways. In other words, agonist drugs widen breathing passages and bring down inflammation in the lungs.

Side effects of Ventolin inhaler?

Ventolin inhalers are generally well tolerated and side effects are rare. Ventolin inhalers can commonly cause:

● Headache

● Faster heart rate.

● Tremors

Contact your doctor immediately if any of the following serious side effects are experienced:

● Muscle pain.

● Extreme heart rate.

● Extreme dizziness.

● Fainting.

You can check the complete list of side effects on the Ventolin Inhaler Online Patient Information Leaflet.

Before using the inhaler, let your doctor know in the following cases:

Pregnant.
Breastfeeding.
Trying to get pregnant.

Interactions of Ventolin inhaler with alcohol and food?

Ventolin has been shown to have no interactions with food or alcohol, but drinking too much coffee may cause tremors. This is because both act as stimulants. If you notice this side effect then you should reduce your caffeine intake.

Any interactions of Ventolin inhaler with other drugs?

You should not use a Ventolin inhaler if you are taking other medications for asthma or if you are taking medication to regulate your heartbeat.

This is not an exhaustive list, please always speak to your doctor or Pharmacist if you are concerned about any other medication interacting with your Ventolin inhaler.

If you are taking other medications for asthma or heart disease, it’s best to avoid using a Ventolin inhaler. You can view useful information for the same question on the BNF Salbutamol Interactions page.

How Long Does The Ventolin Inhaler Last?

With a Ventolin Evohaler inhaler, 3-5 hours of relief will be provided. The inhaler contains 200 puffs. It is important that only the prescribed dosage is used as this will ensure that you do not overdose on medication.

Our efficient Asthma tracker for reliever inhaler can assist you in keeping track of your inhaler use.

Is there any reason why I would not be able to buy Ventolin inhalers online?

There are various reasons you may not be able to buy a Ventolin inhaler online, such as:

● It is a prescription-only medication, so if the doctor has not given you permission then Ventolin Evohaler inhaler cannot be purchased online.

● The pharmacy is not registered on GPhC.

● If you’re pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, let your doctor know before purchasing this inhaler.

If you are experiencing any of the side effects, contact your GP before continuing this medication.

Some patients are sensitive to the effects of Salbutamol and may experience more side effects when using the Ventolin inhaler. In this case a doctor might prescribe you an alternative medication.

What's the difference between Salbutamol and Ventolin inhalers?

Ventolin inhalers contain Salbutamol and are used to treat asthma. These are fast-acting bronchodilators and help your airways stay open to relieve chest tightness, wheezing and coughing.

Salbutamol inhalers contain the same active ingredient as the Ventolin inhaler. Ventolin is just a more common brand of the salbutamol inhaler but works in the same way. Salbutamol is the generic name like for instance Paracetamol, while Ventolin Evohaler is the brand name (for instance Panadol).

Another brand of Salbutamol inhaler is Salamol. These inhalers cost less than a Ventolin Evohaler, however are rated slightly lower by patients.

Salamol inhalers are an affordable brand name of salbutamol. However, patients have rated Ventolin Evohaler inhalers slightly higher. You can purchase both from e-Surgery after an online consultation.

Can I buy a Ventolin inhalers online?

Yes, Ventolin Inhalers are available to buy online from registered online pharmacies. You can contact e-Surgery for a safe and discreet Ventolin Inhaler prescription. A questionnaire will be required before the prescription.

Before placing your order, ensure to check for the green GPhC logo at the bottom of the website. You can view more information on the GPhC website to check if the online pharmacy is registered.

How should I store my Ventolin inhaler?

Please read the Online Ventolin Inhaler Patient Information Leaflet for specific instructions on how to store your inhaler.

It is important to store Ventolin inhalers in a clean, dry place at room temperature. You can check the Ventolin Inhaler Patient Information Leaflet for instructions on cleaning your inhaler. Never use a Ventolin inhaler after the expiry date stamped on the canister of the Ventolin inhaler.

If I buy Ventolin inhalers, how should I clean them?

To see a step by step guide on cleaning your blue inhaler, read our article on Cleaning Your Ventolin Inhaler. This outlines exactly how to properly clean your inhaler.

How to clean a Ventolin inhaler:

Take out the metal canister from the blue plastic Ventolin inhaler casing and remove the mouthpiece cover.
Clean the blue plastic Ventolin inhaler casing thoroughly under warm running water. DO NOT: Let the metal canister come into contact with water.
Dry the blue plastic Ventolin inhaler casing thoroughly, outside and inside.
Place the metal canister back into the blue plastic Ventolin casing.
Test the blue Ventolin inhaler now by releasing a puff into the air.
Put the mouthpiece cover back on.

Where can I find out more information about Ventolin inhalers?

For any more questions regarding buying Ventolin inhalers online, don’t hesitate to use our completely free Ask-a-Pharmacist service. At e-Surgery, our pharmacists provide expert assistance regarding any information on Ventolin Inhalers.