What is Ventolin?
Ventolin is one of the brand names for the drug Albuterol, also known as Salbutamol. The drug is a short-acting Beta-2- adrenergic receptor agonist. It belongs to a class of prescription medicine known as bronchodilators, which are used for the prevention and treatment of bronchospasms.
Bronchospasm is a condition characterized by the narrowing or constriction of the respiratory airways. It is seen in asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Ventolin works by causing relaxations of the smooth muscle of the respiratory airways. The relaxation of these muscles allows the patient to breathe freely due to decreased resistance of airflow into the lungs.
Ventolin comes in different forms: tablets, syrup, and aerosol. The tablets contain 2mg Salbutamol sulfate, while each 5ml of the syrup contains 2mg Salbutamol sulfate. The inhaler form comes in a pressurized metered dose that delivers 100 micrograms of Salbutamol sulfate on each actuation.
Uses and Indications for Ventolin
The drug is approved for treating symptoms associated with difficulty in breathing (bronchospasms) in asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in individuals who are at least four (4) years of age. It is also prescribed for the prevention of bronchospasms that are caused by vigorous exercise (EIB) in people who are 4 years or older.
Ventolin is not approved for treating bronchospasms in children who are below 4 years old because there is no adequate data to support its safety or efficacy in children of that age range.
Dosage and Administration of Ventolin
Ventolin inhalers, syrup, and tablets should be used via the oral route. Also, it should be used as directed by your physician because the dosage depends on your health condition.
For prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasms
Children (4-12) years of age: 1 puff (inhalation) of the inhaler 10-20 minutes before the exertion. One puff (inhalation) is equivalent to 100mcg of Salbutamol sulfate. This dose can be increased to 200 mcg if necessary.
Adults and children greater than 12 years of age: 2 inhalations 15-20 mins before the challenge is sufficient.
For relief in acute cases of bronchospasms
The dosage for adults and children who are 4 years or older is 1 or 2 oral inhalations every 4-6 hours. Two inhalations every 6 hours or 1 inhalation every 4 hours is good. More frequent inhalations than those prescribed by your doctor do not increase their efficacy. They will rather increase your risk of having the adverse effects of the drug.
For chronic cases of bronchospasms
Adults and childrenwho are at least 4 years of age should take 2 inhalations four times daily. The dose should not exceed 4 times in a 24-hour period. More frequent inhalations or inhalations in greater amounts are not recommended.
Precautions
Patients should adhere to these warnings before using Ventolin:
● Do not use the drug if you have allergies to Salbutamol (Albuterol). It is important to note that Bronchodilators should not be used as a single therapy or main treatment in people with unstable or severe asthma.
● Ensure you inform your doctor if you have any history of the following:
○ Thyroid gland/hormone disorders. The drug should be used with caution to avoid thyrotoxicosis.
○ Diabetes (hyperglycemia)
○ High blood pressure or other forms of cardiomyopathies like ischemic heart disease, arrhythmia, and severe heart failure. It should be used with extreme caution. Patients who fall into this category should be assessed for chest pain and dyspnea which could be of cardiac or respiratory origin.
○ Hypokalemia (lower than normal levels of potassium in your blood). People on beta-2- adrenergic agonist therapy usually experience hypokalemia which could be fatal. Close monitoring of serum potassium levels should be considered.
● It is necessary to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant any time soon before using Ventolin. It should only be used in pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risk.
● It is not known whether the drug is excreted into breast milk. It is therefore imperative that you discuss with your doctor if you’re a breastfeeding mother before taking Ventolin.
Side Effects Associated with Ventolin
The following side effects have been reported in people who are using Ventolin:
● Difficulty in sleeping
● Drowsiness
● Anxiety
● Irritation of the throat or dry throat
● Coughing
● Dizziness
● Hyperactivity especially in children
● Faster than normal heartbeat
● Severe headache
● Flushing
● Irritability
● Nausea
● Nervousness
● Weakness
● Restlessness
● Pounding heartbeat
● Viral infections of respiratory origin that can also lead to fever, sore throats, and runny nose.
● Tremors
Other side effects of the drugs include:
● Wheezing
● Vomiting
● Chest pain
● Painful urination
● Stomach upsets
● Choking or breathing problems.
● Sinus pains
● Back pains
● General body pains.
Missed Dose & Overdose
If you miss a dose of this drug, do not take a double dose. Wait for your next dosing time.
The common symptoms of an overdose of Ventolin include tremors, tachycardia, and metabolic acidosis. If you experience severe symptoms of these, including wheezing, call your doctor.
Drug Interactions
Ventolin is known to interact with over 400 drugs, five pathological conditions, and alcohol.
Some of the drug interactions of Ventolin include:
● Metformin
● Furosemide
● Tramadol
● Hydrochlorothiazide
● Advair Diskus
● Trazodone
● Budesonide/formoterol
● Hydroxyzine
● Prednisone
It has interactions with the following diseases:
● Diabetes: Ventolin causes a mild to moderate increase in blood glucose concentration. These interactions can become more harmful at higher doses than recommended. Large intravenous doses of Albuterol have been reported to worsen pre-existing diabetes mellitus and or ketoacidosis.
● Hypokalemia: This refers to the decrease in blood potassium levels below the physiological reference range. Ventolin can cause clinically significant hypokalemia which can be life-threatening if not used with caution and in cases of overdose. Laboratory tests and regular monitoring is advised.
● Heart disorders: Ventolin can trigger heart palpitations, tachycardia, peripheral vasodilation, and alterations in ECG patterns such as (QT interval elongation and T-wave flattening). Also, higher doses of the drug have been known to cause or exacerbate myocardial ischemia, angina, and cardiac arrhythmias. Therefore, it should be used with caution in people with cardiovascular conditions. Close monitoring is advised.
● Kidney diseases: Ventolin is excreted by the kidneys. However, a dysfunctional kidney could lead to its longer retention in the blood. This longer retention could lead to more toxicity and adverse reaction. Laboratory tests and modified doses are advised in patients with renal impairment.
● Seizures: Ventolin usage may cause CNS stimulation in people with seizure disorders. Though the effects are mild, the drug should be used with caution especially when administered orally.