Ventolin – what it is, what it is for and its effects!

Ventolin belongs to a class of drugs known as bronchodilators, and more specifically, β-adrenergic agonists. This medication is used to treat asthma, chronic bronchitis and other respiratory disorders. Inhaled Ventolin is also used to prevent asthma attacks caused by exercise. It works by relaxing the muscles in the walls of the small airways in the lungs. This helps to open the airways and make breathing easier.

Uses for ventolin:

Ventolin is used to treat bronchospasm or wheezing in patients with reversible obstructive airway disease such as asthma. Ventolin belongs to the family of drugs known as adrenergic bronchodilators.

Adrenergic bronchodilators are medications that open the bronchi (air passages) in the lungs. They relieve coughing , wheezing, shortness of breath and troubled breathing by increasing the flow of air through the bronchial tubes. This medication is only available with a prescription from your doctor.

Precautions before using Ventolin:

When deciding to use a drug, the risks of taking the drug must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies:

Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic or unusual reaction to this medicine or any other medicine. Also tell your healthcare professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as foods, dyes, preservatives or animals. For over-the-counter products, carefully read the label or package ingredients.

Pediatric:

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated specific pediatric problems that would limit the usefulness of Ventolin in children 2 years of age and older.

Geriatric:

There is no information available on the relationship of age to the effects of Ventolin in geriatric patients. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related heart problems , which may require caution and a dose adjustment for patients receiving Ventolin .

Pregnancy:

Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR no animal studies have been performed and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women .

Breast-feeding:

There are no adequate studies in women to determine infant risk when using this medication while breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breast-feeding.

Ventolin interactions with medications:

While some drugs should not be used together, in other cases two different drugs can be used together, even though an interaction may occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose or other precautions may be necessary.

When taking this medicine, it is especially important for your healthcare professional to know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions were selected based on their potential significance and are not necessarily inclusive.

Use of this medication with any of the following medications is generally not recommended, but may be necessary in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both medicines.

• Amineptina;
• Amitriptyline;
• Amitriptylinoxide;
• Amoxapine;
• Atomoxetine;
• Clomipramina;
• Desipramine;
• Dibenzepina;
• Doxepina;
• Imipramine;
• Iobenguane I 123;
• Levalbuterol;
• Lofepramine;
• Melitraceno;
• Nortriptilina;
• Opipramol;
• Protriptilina;
• Tianeptine;
• Trimipramina.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both medicines may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both medicines.

Other medical problems:

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Be sure to let your doctor know if you have any other medical issues, especially:

• Diabetes;
• Heart or blood vessel disease ;
• Heart rhythm problems (eg, arrhythmia) ;
• Hypertension (high blood pressure);
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid);
• Hypokalemia (low potassium in the blood);
• Convulsive Disorders – Use with caution. It can make these conditions worse.

This section provides information on the proper use of various products that contain Ventolin . May not be specific to Ventolin . Please read carefully. Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor.

Do not use more and do not use more than your doctor has prescribed. Also, do not stop taking this medication or any asthma medication without telling your doctor. Doing so can increase the chance of breathing problems. Swallow the prolonged-release tablet with water or liquids.

Do not break, crush or chew the tablet. Measure the oral fluid with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe or medicine cup. The average household teaspoon may not contain the right amount of liquid.

Ventolin dosage:

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or instructions on the label. The information below includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to.

The amount of medicine you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take a day, the time allowed between doses, and the time you take the drug depend on the medical problem you are using the drug for.

What to do if you miss a dose of Ventolin:

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not do double doses.

Ventolin storage:

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture and direct light. Avoid freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Do not keep out-of-date medication or medication that is no longer needed. Ask your healthcare professional how to dispose of any medication you do not use.

Precautions when using Ventolin:

It is very important for your doctor to check your or your child’s progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and check for any unwanted effects.

This medicine can cause paradoxical bronchospasm, which means your breathing or wheezing will get worse. Paradoxical bronchospasm can be fatal. Check with your doctor right away if you or your child has a cough, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or wheezing after using this medication.

You or your child may also be taking an anti-inflammatory medication, such as a steroid, along with this medication. Do not stop taking your anti-inflammatory medication, even if your asthma seems better, unless your doctor tells you to.

Ventolin can cause allergic reactions . Stop using the medication and see your doctor immediately if you or your child develops a rash, hives , itching, swelling, or any type of allergic reaction after taking this medication.

Hypokalemia (low blood potassium) may occur while you are using this medication. Check with your doctor right away if you or your child has more than one of the following symptoms: seizures; decreased urine; dry mouth; increased thirst; cardiac arrhythmia; loss of appetite; mood change; muscle pain or cramps; nausea or vomiting; numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips; shortness of breathe; or unusual tiredness or weakness.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications for appetite control, asthma, colds, coughs, hay fever or sinus problems, and herbal or vitamin supplements .

Ventolin side effects:

Along with the necessary effects, a drug can cause some undesirable effects. While not all of these side effects can occur, if they do, they may need medical attention. Check with your doctor right away if any of the following side effects occur:

More common:

Trembling in the legs, arms, hands or feet;
tremor or tremor of hands or feet.

Less common:

Fast, irregular, fast or fast heartbeat.

Bottom:

• Cough;
• difficulty breathing;
• difficulty swallowing;
• hives or welts;
• hoarseness;
• large swelling of the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs;
• noisy breathing;
• skin redness;
• shortness of breathe;
• rash;
• slow or irregular breathing;
• swelling of the mouth or throat;
• chest tightness;
• wheezing.

Unknown incidence:

• Agitation;
• Anxiety;
• arm, back or jaw pain;
• blurry vision;
• chest pain or discomfort;
• confusion;
• convulsions;
• extra heartbeats;
• fainting;
• hallucinations;
• headache;
• irritability;
• dizziness;
• mood or mental changes;
• muscle pain or cramps;
• muscle spasm or jerking of all extremities;
• nervousness;
• Nightmares;
• beating in the ears;
• restlessness;
• sudden loss of consciousness;
• sweating;
• total body shake;
• unusual feeling of excitement;
• vomit.

Some side effects may occur that usually do not require medical attention. These side effects may disappear during treatment as your body adapts to the medicine. In addition, your healthcare professional can tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your healthcare professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome, or if you have any questions about them:

Less common:

• Dizziness;
• feeling of heat;
• irritability;
• nausea;
• redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally upper chest;
• insomnia;
• difficulty holding or releasing urine;
• difficulty sleeping;
• unable to sleep;
• Raro;
• Somnolence;
• unusual drowsiness;
• Unknown incidence.

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, consult your healthcare professional.

Other information of the drug ventolin:

Always consult your physician to ensure that the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.