Ventolin is a drug that relieves attacks of bronchial asthma and other reversible diseases with bronchial obstruction. Its active substance is salbutamol.

Pharmacological action of Ventolin

According to the instructions for Ventolin, its active component affects beta-2 receptors, which causes dilatation of the bronchi during bronchospasms. The drug has a slight effect on beta-1 adrenergic receptors of the heart. The drug's antiallergic property is explained by stopping the release of histamine and other mediators from mast cells.

About 10-20 percent of the inhaled amount of Ventolin reaches the lower respiratory tract. Most of the dose, accordingly, settles in the nasopharynx or delivery device. The required amount of the drug penetrates the systemic bloodstream, while the drug metabolism process does not occur in the lungs. Binding to blood proteins is 10 percent. Ventolin's action begins a few minutes after inhalation and lasts 4-6 hours.

The drug is metabolized by the liver and excreted in the urine (90 percent) in its original form and in the form of a phenol sulfate compound. The drug also leaves the body with bile. Most of the drug is eliminated within 72 hours. It must be taken into account that Ventolin penetrates the placental barrier according to the instructions.

Indications for the use of Ventolin

According to the instructions for Ventolin, the main indications for its use are:

• Bronchial asthma (to eliminate attacks);
• Attacks of bronchospasm due to physical exertion or allergic reactions;
• Obstructive pulmonary diseases such as bronchitis, emphysema, and others (for long-term therapy).

Methods of using Ventolin and dosage

For bronchospasm, Ventolin is prescribed for inhalation to adult patients at a dose of 100-200 mcg per dose. For preventive purposes, 200 mcg is prescribed three to four times a day. If the patient is expected to come into contact with an allergen or undergo physical activity, the recommended dosage of the drug is 200 mcg 15 minutes before the expected irritant effect.

In general, the number of doses of this form of medication should not exceed 8-10 times. If treatment does not bring the expected results, it is necessary to review and adjust its regimen. To increase the effectiveness of the drug, spacers can be used.

Side effects of Ventolin

According to the instructions, Ventolin has the following side effects:

• Headache;
• Slight tremor of the limbs (hands);
• Vasodilation and increased heart rate;
• Paradoxical bronchospasm;
• Excitement and excessive increase in activity in children;.
• Heart rhythm disturbances;
• Allergic symptoms: bronchospasm, angioedema, arterial hypotension.

Contraindications to the use of Ventolin

The drug is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to its components during pregnancy that occurs with complications. Ventolin nebulas, tablets, syrup, and aerosol are prescribed with extreme caution during lactation because the safety of the drug for Trans Wellness Pharmacy infants has not been sufficiently studied.

Ventolin overdose

In case of overdose, the patient may experience the following symptoms:

• Tachycardia;
• Reduced blood pressure;
• Excitation;
• Vomit;
• Tachyarrhythmia;
• Muscle tremors;
• Hallucinations;
• Convulsions;
• In the blood: lactic acidosis, hypokalemia, leukocytosis, hypophosphatemia;
• Respiratory alkalosis.

In case of a drug overdose, symptomatic treatment is carried out, and drugs from the group of cardioselective beta-blockers are prescribed.

Ventolin overdose

Ventolin cannot be combined with non-selective beta blockers. It enhances the effect of drugs that stimulate the central nervous system. It also increases the risk of developing arrhythmia during the use of cardiac glycosides. The drug is not contraindicated in patients taking MAO inhibitors.

The likelihood of tachyarrhythmias increases when taken simultaneously with theophylline and other xanthines.

The combination of the drug with drugs for inhalation analgesia and levodopa can provoke ventricular arrhythmias.

Concomitant use with anticholinergic drugs may cause an increase in intraocular pressure. A side effect of Ventolin, such as hypokalemia, may increase when taking diuretics and glucocorticosteroids.