Ventolin (salbutamol)

Taking Ventolin

To relieve asthma: 1-2 puffs at a time as required, up to 4 times a day. Do not take more than 8 puffs in a 24hr period.

Always take Ventolin as prescribed. If you have any questions, contact us via your account.

How it works

The active ingredient in Ventolin (salbutamol sulphate) relaxes the muscles around your airway, allowing them to open. This should ease asthma symptoms.

Effectiveness

Your symptoms should ease immediately if the inhaler is used correctly.

Correct inhaler use

1. Stand or sit upright when using your inhaler. Remove the mouthpiece cover and check inside to ensure it's clean. Shake the inhaler 4-5 times.
2. Hold the inhaler upright with your thumb on the base and fingers on the top of the canister – your hand should make a C shape. Breathe out as far as is comfortable and place the mouthpiece in your mouth, between your teeth. Close your lips around it and don't bite.
3. Breathe in through your mouth – just after you start to breathe in, press down on the top of the canister to release a puff of medicine. Continue breathing in steadily and deeply. Hold your breath for as long as is comfortable.
4. Wait 30 seconds and repeat to take another puff. Replace the mouthpiece cover after use.

Side effects

Can cause an increased heart rate, tremor (shaking hands) and headaches. These usually pass in a few hours at most.

For full information on side effects, see the patient information leaflet. If any side effects concern you, contact us via your account.

Safety: taking other medicines

You should be able to use Ventolin alongside other medicines. However, it is important that you let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you are taking so that we can prescribe Ventolin safely.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have ever needed intensive care treatment for your asthma, or have been admitted to hospital because of your symptoms in the last year, our doctors will be unable to prescribe you Ventolin.