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    Ventolin (salbutamol)

    On this page

    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 Patient Record.

    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 Patient Record.

    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.

    Find the right asthma treatment for you
    View treatment

    How our service works

    1. Complete our simple, confidential online consultation

      5 mins

    2. One of our clinicians confirms your suitability and notifies you by email

      About 30 mins (Mon-Sun 9am-5pm)

    3. Choose delivery or collection

      Next day delivery

      Collect in your local ParcelShop​​​​​​​

    What our patients say

    Meet our clinical team

    Based in our London office, our doctors and independent pharmacists have years of experience caring for patients in NHS hospitals, GP surgeries or in community pharmacies. Any one of the team may provide you with advice, your prescription or aftercare via private message.

    Meet the whole team
    • Dr Kieran Seyan  - Meet the clinical team at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor

      Dr Kieran Seyan

      GMC: 6104204

    • Dr Gigi Taguri  - Meet the clinical team at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor

      Dr Gigi Taguri

      GMC: 6129350

    • Dr Mitra Dutt- Meet the clinical team at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor

      Dr Mitra Dutt

      GMC: 6077868

    • Dr Neel Patel

      Dr Neel Patel

      GMC: 7085151

    Meet the whole team

    Delivery & collection information

    • Standard delivery

      Free

      Delivered within 2-3 working days.

    • Next-day delivery

      £4.95

      Orders approved before 5pm Monday-Friday will arrive within 1-2 working days. Orders approved between 5pm Friday and 12pm Sunday will usually arrive on Monday or Tuesday.

    • Standard ParcelShop collection

      Free

      Collect from 7000+ convenient ParcelShops in 2-3 working days.

    • Next day ParcelShop collection

      £2.95

      Collect next day from 7000+ convenient ParcelShop locations, if approved before 5pm Monday-Friday. Saturday and Sunday orders, collect Monday if approved before 12pm Sunday or Tuesday if ordered after 12pm. 

    • London same-day collection

      Free

      Order before 5pm Monday-Friday to collect in pharmacy the same day. Subject to the availability of your treatment in your selected London pharmacy.

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