Ventolin Inhaler 100mcg/dose Inhaler

Salbutamol relaxes the muscles around the airways so they open up and air can move in and out more easily. It is used to relieve and prevent symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath.

Some people also use it shortly before exercise to stop breathing problems starting. It controls symptoms but does not cure the lung condition.

Use salbutamol exactly as your doctor, nurse or pharmacist tells you. Ask them to check your inhaler technique.

• Before first use, or if the inhaler has been dropped or not used for a while, prime it by shaking and spraying into the air away from your face as the leaflet explains.
• Breathe out fully, seal your lips around the mouthpiece, breathe in slowly as you press the canister, then hold your breath for about 10 seconds.
• Clean the inhaler regularly as the leaflet describes. Never put a dry-powder inhaler in water.
• Use the dose counter, if there is one, so you do not run out.
• If you need your reliever more often than usual, or it stops helping, speak to your doctor soon, as your treatment may need review.

Common side effects include:

• shakiness or trembling
• a fast heartbeat that settles quickly
• headache
• nervousness, feeling sick, throat irritation or cough

These often ease as your body gets used to the medicine.

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• new or worse breathlessness, wheezing straight after using the inhaler, or chest pain
• a fast, pounding or irregular heartbeat that does not settle
• muscle weakness, cramps or pain (possible low potassium)
• severe dizziness
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, a rash, or difficulty breathing or swallowing (a serious allergic reaction)

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

• have had an allergic reaction to salbutamol or another medicine (some powder inhalers contain milk protein)
• have heart problems, an irregular heartbeat or high blood pressure
• have an overactive thyroid
• have diabetes
• have low potassium levels or have had seizures
• take beta blockers, digoxin, water tablets (diuretics), certain antidepressants or other breathing medicines
• are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding

Keep it in its original container at room temperature, away from heat and moisture, and out of the reach of children. Do not puncture an aerosol canister or put it near a fire, even when empty.

Worsening asthma: needing salbutamol more often than usual is a sign your condition is not well controlled. See your doctor.

Emergency: call for emergency help if your breathlessness is new or getting worse, you have chest pain, or the inhaler is not helping.

Do not use more than prescribed: extra doses can cause a fast heartbeat and shakiness.