Ventolin (salbutamol)
"A standard reliever inhaler to treat the symptoms of asthma."
What is Ventolin (salbutamol)?
The blue Ventolin inhaler gives you a dose of salbutamol sulphate to help relieve asthma symptoms.
Is Ventolin (salbutamol) a preventer or reliever?
Ventolin (salbutamol) is a reliever inhaler to help treat the symptoms of asthma.
How does it work?
The Ventolin inhaler contains the active ingredient salbutamol sulphate, which helps you breathe more easily. It works by relaxing the muscles that surround your airways, which helps them to open wider. When your airways are more open, your asthma symptoms should improve.
How to use Ventolin (salbutamol)
- Get into an upright position, either standing or sitting.
- Take off the inhaler’s mouthpiece cover and make sure it's clean.
- Give the inhaler 4-5 good shakes.
- Now, position your thumb on the base of the inhaler and your fingers on top of the canister, holding it upright. Your hand should form a 'C' shape.
- Exhale fully until comfortable, then place the mouthpiece between your teeth. Seal your lips around it without biting.
- Begin breathing in through your mouth and just as you start your breath, push down on the canister's top to release the medicine.
- Keep breathing in deeply and steadily. Once you've taken your full breath, hold it for as long as you comfortably can.
- After 30 seconds, you can take your second puff by repeating the process.
- Finally, make sure you put the mouthpiece cover back on to protect it.
Always read the patient information leaflet before use.
Once you've completed your short consultation, we can recommend and prescribe the dosage that's right for you. A salbutamol inhaler isn’t a regular treatment. You usually take 1-2 puffs when you need them, up to 4 times a day. However, you shouldn’t take more than 8 puffs within 24hrs. Ventolin comes in one strength: 100mcg.
Effectiveness
As long as you follow the ‘How to use’ instructions, your Ventolin salbutamol inhaler should provide immediate relief.
Side effects of Ventolin (salbutamol)
Like all medications, some people may experience side effects while using Ventolin. As it’s a medicine you inhale, it may irritate your throat or cause thrush in the mouth. To help avoid this, you can use what’s called a spacer device.
Other possible side effects include headaches, a racing heart or hands shaking (tremors). However, not everyone will experience these and they’re likely to pass within a few hours.
For full details of side effects and correct use, please see the Ventolin patient information leaflet. And if you’re worried about side effects, you can contact us in your Patient Record.
Product features
Effective fast-acting relief from asthma symptoms
Can be used as required
Its active ingredient is salbutamol sulphate
What is Ventolin (salbutamol)?
The blue Ventolin inhaler gives you a dose of salbutamol sulphate to help relieve asthma symptoms.
Is Ventolin (salbutamol) a preventer or reliever?
Ventolin (salbutamol) is a reliever inhaler to help treat the symptoms of asthma.
How does it work?
The Ventolin inhaler contains the active ingredient salbutamol sulphate, which helps you breathe more easily. It works by relaxing the muscles that surround your airways, which helps them to open wider. When your airways are more open, your asthma symptoms should improve.
How to use Ventolin (salbutamol)
- Get into an upright position, either standing or sitting.
- Take off the inhaler’s mouthpiece cover and make sure it's clean.
- Give the inhaler 4-5 good shakes.
- Now, position your thumb on the base of the inhaler and your fingers on top of the canister, holding it upright. Your hand should form a 'C' shape.
- Exhale fully until comfortable, then place the mouthpiece between your teeth. Seal your lips around it without biting.
- Begin breathing in through your mouth and just as you start your breath, push down on the canister's top to release the medicine.
- Keep breathing in deeply and steadily. Once you've taken your full breath, hold it for as long as you comfortably can.
- After 30 seconds, you can take your second puff by repeating the process.
- Finally, make sure you put the mouthpiece cover back on to protect it.
Always read the patient information leaflet before use.
Once you've completed your short consultation, we can recommend and prescribe the dosage that's right for you. A salbutamol inhaler isn’t a regular treatment. You usually take 1-2 puffs when you need them, up to 4 times a day. However, you shouldn’t take more than 8 puffs within 24hrs. Ventolin comes in one strength: 100mcg.
Effectiveness
As long as you follow the ‘How to use’ instructions, your Ventolin salbutamol inhaler should provide immediate relief.
Side effects of Ventolin (salbutamol)
Like all medications, some people may experience side effects while using Ventolin. As it’s a medicine you inhale, it may irritate your throat or cause thrush in the mouth. To help avoid this, you can use what’s called a spacer device.
Other possible side effects include headaches, a racing heart or hands shaking (tremors). However, not everyone will experience these and they’re likely to pass within a few hours.
For full details of side effects and correct use, please see the Ventolin patient information leaflet. And if you’re worried about side effects, you can contact us in your Patient Record.
Select a medication and complete our simple, confidential online consultation
A clinician will review your answers and, if suitable, prescribe treatment
Choose next-day delivery, or click & collect from your local pharmacy
Ventolin (salbutamol) FAQs
-
Who can use Ventolin?
Your doctor or clinician will tell you if this medicine is right for you. However, it won’t be safe to use if:
- You’ve needed hospital admission in the last 12 months due to asthma symptoms.
- Your asthma symptoms have ever caused you to receive intensive care treatment.
- You’re allergic to salbutamol sulfate or any of the other ingredients in this medicine.
If any of these do apply to you, our clinicians won’t be able to prescribe Ventolin.
-
Can I use Ventolin while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Our clinicians won’t be able to prescribe a salbutamol inhaler for you if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
-
Where can I buy Ventolin?
You can’t buy a Ventolin inhaler over the counter at a pharmacy. You’ll need a prescription for the treatment, even if you’re using an online service.
One of our clinicians can prescribe this medication after a short online consultation where we make sure it’s right for you. It only takes a few minutes.
Once approved, you can pay for your prescription online for discreet home delivery or to pick up from any Well Pharmacy.
It’s a good idea to have two inhalers, in case you run out, forget to request a repeat prescription, or lose one.
-
What should I do if I get Ventolin side effects?
If you experience any side effects with a salbutamol inhaler, you should get in touch with your GP, pharmacist, or asthma nurse.
You’ll need to do this promptly and stop using your treatment immediately if your breathing or wheezing gets worse straight after taking this medicine.
-
Ventolin warnings
Before you start using a Ventolin salbutamol inhaler, you should let your GP, asthma nurse or pharmacist know if you're experiencing active asthma symptoms like:
- Difficulty breathing during everyday activities such as talking, eating, or sleeping
- Persistent coughing, wheezing or chest tightness
- Limited physical activity
If this is the case, the advice might be to begin or increase a preventer medication, such as an inhaled corticosteroid.
It’s also important to say if:
- You have any blood pressure issues or an overactive thyroid gland.
- You have a history of heart conditions, including irregular heartbeat, rapid heartbeat, or angina.
- You’re already taking any medications for asthma, particularly xanthine derivatives (like theophylline) or steroid treatments.
- You're using diuretics (water tablets), which are sometimes prescribed for high blood pressure or heart conditions.
-
Using Ventolin with other medications
As with all medications, Ventolin can interact with certain other medicines. So, it’s important you let your clinician, or pharmacist know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines, or any recreational drugs you’re taking regularly.
-
How to dispose of Ventolin inhalers
Always take any empty or unwanted inhalers to your pharmacy. They'll be able to dispose of them safely.
-
Alternative asthma treatments
Alongside prescribed medications, there are certain lifestyle adjustments you can also make to help manage your asthma. If you smoke or vape, quitting is particularly important as it can significantly lower your chances of getting asthma symptoms or attacks.
Some activities can also help you manage your asthma. Yoga and mindfulness can all help build strength, promote relaxation, and support better breathing. They can complement, but not replace, your regular asthma treatments.
