Ventolin

Fact Checked

Medically reviewed by Kenny Cheuk Yin Cheung, Pharmacist

Last updated on 13/10/2021.

GENERIC NAME: Salbutamol

CHINESE NAME: 喘樂寧

DRUG CLASS: Bronchodilator

SUB CLASS: Short-acting beta-2 agonists

USED FOR: Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), bronchospasm

AVAILABLE DOSAGE FORMS:
– 100mcg (metered-dose inhaler)
– 200mcg (accuhaler)– 2.5mg/2.5ml (nebulizer)
– 1mg/ml (IV infusion)

What is Ventolin for?

Ventolin is a brand product that contains Salbutamol, which is a type of bronchodilator. It works by relaxing the muscles in the throat to open up the airways for easier breathing. It is used to relieve acute symptoms (e.g. shortness of breath, wheezing) that occurs in asthma and COPD.

How to use it?

Ventolin is used as an metered-dose inhaler (MDI), dry powder inhaler (DPI, e.g. accuhaler) or nebulizer, but each inhaler works in a slightly different way. Intravenous infusion is used only in severe conditions under the direction of a physician.

Listed below are the usual dosages for adults, whereas the doses for children vary with their ages and the intentions for uses. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.

Inhalation of aerosol (MDI or DPI)
100-200 mcg (2 puffs for MDI / 1 puff for DPI) for acute relief. Inhalation can be repeated every 4-6 hours as needed. To prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm, you can use 15-30 minutes before exercise.

Inhalation of nebulised solution
2.5 mg every 4-6 hours as needed.

What are the side effects of Ventolin?

Common side effects of Ventolin include headache, nervousness, pharyngitis and tremors.

Who should not take Ventolin?

People who are allergic to Salbutamol or any component of the formulation.

Pharmacist Tips:

– Inhaler technique is needed to make sure Ventolin is taken up correctly. You can consult your doctor or pharmacist.
– If you are using more than 4 times a day, it could be a sign that your asthma is not controlled. Speak to your healthcare professional and they may suggest a stronger bronchodilator for your situation.

Common dosing schedule:
Please consult your doctor or pharmacist for the correct technique on using the inhalation devices.

This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.

Some common medications Ventolin may interact with:
– Sympathomimetics, e.g. Xylometazoline
– Beta-blockers, e.g. Atenolol, Propranolol
– Diuretics, e.g. Frusemide, Hydrochlorothiazide
– Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, e.g. Selegiline
– Tricyclic antidepressants, e.g. Doxepin

Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.

Where to buy Ventolin in Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, Ventolin metered-dose inhaler is a pharmacy only medicine and can be purchased without a prescription in a pharmacy under the supervision of a pharmacist. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.

In Hong Kong, Ventolin accuhaler, nebulizer and IV infusion are prescription only medicine, and require a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.

For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk

Need more information?

For detailed information about the use of Ventolin in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.

Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.