How to use Salbutamol inhaler?

Ensure to read and understand the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using Ventorlin Inhaler (Salbutamol). If there are any doubts ask your doctor or pharmacist.

When you use the medication for the first time, prime the inhaler by pumping two test sprays in the air. If you haven't used the inhaler in 10days or more you should do the same prior to use. If you see a fine mist then your inhaler is working properly. Take care not to spray into your eyes.

Always keep the inhaler upright when you load the dose.After each use the inhaler cap needs to be replaced.

As directed by your doctor inhale this medication by mouth usually 4 to 6 hours as needed. Your dosage will be decided upon your medical condition, age, your response to the medication.

Do not take in doses which are either larger or for longer than what is recommended by your doctor. Make sure to take Salbutamol inhaler regularly to get the most benefit from it.
If you are using it for exercise induced asthma, inhale as directed by your doctor, usually 2 puffs 15 to 30 minutes prior to exercise.

A spacer device is recommended to use with this medication. .  If you are prescribed to use 2 puffs then you need to wait at least one minute between the puffs. If you are prescribed other inhalers at the same time, wait at least a minute apart between each medication.

Number of inhalations used has to be noted down and discard the canister once the labeled number of inhalations on the package has been reached, even if it still has medication left in the canister. Do not wash the inhaler device or put any part of it in water, just wipe it clean with a cloth.

You must learn about your inhalers as to which ones to be used when your breathing gets difficult (quick relief medication) and which inhaler to use everyday (controller medication).

Precautions

Prior to taking Salbutamol inhaler inform your doctor if you have

• any allergies to it or any other allergies
• irregular heartbeat
• angina
• heart attack
• high blood pressure
• seizures

Ventorlin Inhaler (Salbutamol inhaler) may make you dizzy. Consumption of alcohol or marijuana can increase the risk of drowsiness. Do not operate machinery, drive a car or do anything that require alertness until you can do it safely.  Understand how this medication affects you.  Do not take any alcoholic beverages.

If you are having surgery prior to your surgery, inform your doctor or the dentist of all the products (prescription, non- prescription medications, herbal products, vitamin and supplements) you are taking.

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing an infant. Discuss with your doctor the benefits and the risks involved.

Side effects

Your doctor prescribed this medicine after carefully analyzing the benefits over the risks involved. Most people do not experience any serious side effects.

• shaking (tremor)
• nervousness
• mouth / throat dryness or irritation
• nausea
• headache
• dizziness
• changes in taste
• cough

Ventorlin Inhaler (Salbutamol) may increase your blood pressure. Keep your blood pressure under check regularly and inform your doctor if the results are high.

Inform your doctor immediately if you experience these rare but serious side effects mentioned below.

• fast pounding heart beat
• rapid breathing
• confusion
• irregular heart beat
• chest pain

if you experience sudden wheezing get medical help immediately.

A serious allergic reaction is extremely rare with Ventorlin Inhaler (Salbutamol).  In case you show the following symptoms get to the emergency clinic

• itching
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing
• swelling in the face, throat, tongue, throat
• rash

Interactions

Inform your doctor about any medications that you are taking including prescription medications, over the counter medications, vitamins, supplements and herbal remedies.  Do not start, stop and change the dosage of any medicine without your doctor's permission.

Some of the medications may interact with Ventorlin Inhaler (Salbutamol inhaler) is

• levalbuterol
• furosemide
• mifepristone
• insulin and other diabetic medicines