Please note the max amount of rescue inhalers a UK pharmacy can dispense is 6 every 6 months. Even using this much is discouraged and a sign of poorly controlled asthma. If you are using this many inhalers, you should be also using a preventer inhaler such as Clenil. If it has been less than 6 months since your last UK order of 6 rescue inhalers, your order will be changed to another brand shipped from India automatically by our system.

Ventolin (albuterol or salbutamol) is typically used as a fast-acting rescue inhaler to treat bronchospasm in asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The medication is available in several forms:

• Syrups
• Tablets
• Fluid for injection/IV use
• Fluid for nebulizer use
• Inhalers

The vast majority of Ventolin use is by inhaler, in which the medication is delivered directly to the lungs, where it is most needed. Nebulizer use is also fairly common, though it is not as convenient as inhalers. Availability of tablets and syrups varies by location, while IV fluids are generally reserved for hospital use.

Getting the Most from Ventolin

Ventolin, like any rescue inhaler, is used as-needed to reduce or eliminate symptoms of bronchospasm. It can be safely used by otherwise-healthy patients age 4 and up. It may be used in addition to long-term maintenance treatments, such as corticosteroid inhalers, but should not be used in addition to other fast-acting treatments, such as epinephrine, without doctor approval.

Treatment is most effective when the inhaler is used properly:

• New inhalers should be primed by shaking the inhaler well and expelling 4 puffs into the air before use.
• Inhalers should be primed again if unused for longer than 2 weeks.
• Administer 1 to 2 puffs as needed when symptoms of bronchospasm begin.
• Inhale each puff as slowly and steadily as possible.
• Hold each puff for at least 10 seconds.
• Wait 30 to 60 seconds before administering a second puff.

Results are usually noticeable just seconds after use, but it may take up to 20 minutes for full effects to be felt. Effects should last 4 to 6 hours. Patients are generally advised not to use the inhaler more than every 4 to 6 hours, and to seek medical attention if bronchospasm is not eliminated. However, if medical attention is not readily available, the inhaler may be administered again after 20 minutes if breathing is still difficult; the risk of overdose is very small compared to the risks associated with asphyxiation.

Some individuals who suffer from exercise-induced bronchospasm use Ventolin as a preventive measure. The medication is administered in the same way, but instead of taking puffs to relieve existing symptoms, puffs are taken 20 to 30 minutes prior to anticipated symptoms--that is, prior to exercise or other activity which usually triggers an attack. Effectiveness can vary greatly between individuals; some are able to prevent attacks completely, while others notice no difference at all.

Treatment typically lasts as long as Ventolin is needed and produces good results, which is usually very long term, often for the remainder of life. If Ventolin inhalers begin to lose effectiveness, speak with a doctor about other options. Many patients find nebulized Ventolin to be more effective than inhalers.

Ventolin Side Effects

Side effects associated with Ventolin are the same as those encountered with any albuterol inhaler. Most side effects are mild and not cause for concern unless severe, and may stop occurring as treatment continues if the inhaler is used with any regularity.

Common side effects include:

• Restlessness
• Tremor
• Headache
• Mild nausea
• Dizziness
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Heartburn

Less commonly Ventolin may produce more serious, and often more subtle, adverse effects, which do warrant medical attention, including heart beat changes, high blood pressure, low potassium levels and increased blood sugar. Warning signs include:

• Confusion
• Extreme thirst
• Increased urination
• Muscle pain or weakness, particularly in legs
• Severe headache
• Vision changes
• Chest pain
• Tinnitus (ringing in ears)
• Uneven, pounding, or very rapid heart beat
• Seizures

Also very rarely Ventolin may produce paradoxical bronchospasm, which actually worsens the bronchospasm. This calls for emergency medical attention, and additional Ventolin should not be administered. Paradoxical bronchospasm typically occurs with the first use of a new inhaler.

Ships from the UK with tracking.

Albuterol Nebules (albuterol, also salbuterol or salbutamol) are a bronchodilator used in both human and veterinary medicine. The medication is in a fluid designed for nebulization, meaning patients will need to have a nebulizer on hand to use it; it will work very poorly used in any other way. Albuterol Nebules are for use in patients aged 4 years old and up, though the dosage strength will vary to some extent in patients under age 12 and in smaller pets.

This product is most commonly used to treat asthma, though it is also used in COPD, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and other breathing ailments. It only stops immediate bronchospasm; it will not provide long-term benefit in any conditions.

What to Expect from Albuterol Nebules

The first step in starting treatment with Albuterol Nebules is acquiring a nebulizer; these range from around 20 dollars to several hundred, depending on quality. They range from battery-powered, handheld devices to large machines that require a supply of electricity to operate. In some areas a prescription is required to purchase a nebulizer. The choice ultimately depends on finances and personal preference.

Once you have a nebulizer you can get started. Each package of Albuterol Nebules contains a number of ampules, usually wrapped in packs of 5 in foil packaging. This is done because the medication is sensitive to light; once opened, the ampules should be used in 3 months.

Strength is difficult to generalize. The medication is available in 1.5, 2.5, 4, and 5 mg (see Ventolin Nebules if the strength needed is not on this page). As a general rule, if doctor instructions are not available, patients should start with 1.5 mg for patients age 4 to 11 and 2.5 mg for patients age 12 and up. Small pets may require even smaller doses; check with a veterinarian.

To use the ampules:

• Break a single ampule off from the other ampules it was packaged with.
• Twist the top of the ampule off to open it.
• Gently squeeze the fluid into the cup on the nebulizer.
• Inhale gently---depending on severity, it may take just a few inhalations or the whole ampule.
• Do not exceed one ampule in 4 hours.

Leaving excess fluid in the nebulizer depends on the type of nebulizer; some are designed to hold it indefinitely, while others---particularly smaller, handheld types---require cleaning after each use. If needed, the empty vial from which the medication was first expressed can be used to hold excess medicine; simply squeeze it, insert the tip in the fluid, and stop squeezing---it should suck up the extra medication. Medication stored in this manner should be used in the next day or two.

Important Precautions

Many patients find Albuterol Nebules makes them rather jittery, with relatively mild symptoms such as:

• Feeling anxious
• Flushing or hot flashes
• Muscle cramps
• Tremor or shaking
• Dry mouth
• Weakness or dizziness
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep

One thing patients should not do is use more than an entire ampule in 4 hours; doing so can lead to overdose, which may not be apparent until the medication is already taken. Overdose signs include:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Significant muscle tremor
• Significant increase in rate of breathing

Certain other medications may interfere with Albuterol Nebules' effectiveness; check with a doctor of pharmacist if unsure. Simultaneous use of any strong stimulants, such as other types of rescue inhalers, large doses of caffeine, or street drugs such as cocaine can considerably increase risk of serious side effects or overdose.

There is some evidence that Albuterol Nebules (or any albuterol product) use can cause blood pressure to raise or drop, and can interfere with potassium levels in the blood. Both of these conditions can be concerning and warrant attention by a doctor.

The effects of Albuterol Nebules on unborn or nursing babies is unclear; women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should use only as needed.