Ventolin 2mg/5ml Syrup

Salbutamol (also called albuterol) is a bronchodilator. It relaxes and opens the airways so that breathing is easier.

Salbutamol tablets and syrup are used to prevent and treat wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and coughing caused by lung conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

It controls symptoms but does not cure the condition.

Take salbutamol as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, at about the same times each day.

• Swallow long-acting (extended-release) tablets whole with water. Do not split, chew or crush them.
• Use a proper measuring spoon or syringe for the syrup.
• Do not take more, or more often, than prescribed.
• Keep taking it even when you feel well. Do not stop without talking to your doctor.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next dose is nearly due. Never take a double dose.

Common side effects include:

• shakiness or nervousness
• headache or dizziness
• muscle cramps
• trouble sleeping
• feeling sick or changes in appetite

Get medical help straight away if…

• you have a fast, pounding or irregular heartbeat, or chest pain
• your breathing or wheezing gets worse
• you have a rash, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue, or trouble swallowing

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have heart disease, an irregular heartbeat or high blood pressure
• have an overactive thyroid, diabetes or seizures
• are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding
• take or have recently taken (within 2 weeks) antidepressants or MAO inhibitors
• take any other medicines or supplements

Keep in the original, tightly closed container at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of the reach of children.

Tell your doctor if your symptoms get worse or salbutamol stops working as well as before – your condition may need review. Rarely, salbutamol can cause sudden wheezing; stop and call your doctor if this happens.