Ventolin

• Reduces respiratory distress due to asthma
• Helps prevent asthma attacks
• Fast acting and provides four to six hours of relief
• Also for use in children

Ventolin contains the active ingredient salbutamol. This medicine belongs to a group of fast-acting bronchodilators. This medicine allows the muscles in the airways to relax during an asthma attack. By opening the airways, Ventolin makes it easier to breathe. It also relieves chest tightness, wheezing and cough. This medicine provides about four to six hours of relief.

Ventolin is used to treat:

• Asthma and similar conditions.

This includes relieving and preventing asthma symptoms brought on by exercise or other triggers, such as house dust, pollen, cats, dogs and cigarette smoke.

Ventolin is an inhalation medicine. It is available in two variants: Ventolin Evohaler 100 and Ventolin Accuhaler 200. The doctor will recommend the right variant for you depending on your symptoms.

It is important to follow the instructions given by your doctor or pharmacist when using Ventolin. The general guidelines for use are as follows.

Ventolin Evohaler 100

• Prepare the inhaler for use according to the instructions in the package leaflet.
• Breathe out gently as far as comfortable. (Do not breathe out through the mouthpiece.)
• Place the mouthpiece gently between your lips and breathe in through your mouth.
• Just after starting to breathe in, press down on the top of the canister to release a dose of medicine.
• Do this while still breathing in steadily and deeply.
• Hold your breath and take the inhaler from your mouth. Continue holding your breath for a few seconds, or as long as is comfortable. Then breathe out gently.
• If you are to take a second inhalation, repeat the above steps.
• Close the inhaler according to the instructions in the package leaflet.

Ventolin Accuhaler 200

• Prepare the Accuhaler for use according to the instructions in the package leaflet.
• Before you use the inhaler, breathe out as far possible (away from the Accuhaler).
• Place the mouthpiece gently between your lips and breathe in evenly and deeply through the inhaler (not your nose) to make sure the powder is completely inhaled.
• Take the Accuhaler from your mouth.
• Hold your breath for about 10 seconds, or as long as is comfortable.
• Then breathe out gently.
• Close the Accuhaler according to the instructions in the package leaflet.

Dosage

Dosage varies per person and is determined by a doctor for each specific patient depending on the symptoms. The general guidelines for use are as follows.

Ventolin Evohaler 100:

• Adults and adolescents (12 years and older):

To relieve asthma - the usual starting dose is one to two inhalations (100-200 micrograms) once a day.

To prevent asthma - the usual starting dose is two inhalations (200 micrograms) 10 to15 minutes before exercise or exposure to a trigger.

• Children aged 4 to 12 years (use with spacer if necessary):

To relieve asthma - the usual starting dose is one inhalation (100 micrograms) once a day. This dose may be increased to two inhalations (200 micrograms) if necessary.

To prevent asthma - the usual starting dose is one inhalation (100 micrograms) 10 to15 minutes before exercise or exposure to a trigger.

For regular treatment - the usual starting dose is two inhalations (200 micrograms) up to four times a day.

The maximum dose for adults and children from 4 years of age is eight inhalations (800 micrograms) in a 24-hour period. Tell your doctor if your medicine does not seem to be working as well as usual.

• Babies and children under 4 years of age:

The starting dose is one inhalation of Ventolin 100 with the Babyhaler (special spacer with mouth mask). Administer a second inhalation after five minutes if relief is not evident.

Ventolin Accuhaler 200:

• Adults and adolescents (12 years and older):

To relieve asthma - the usual starting dose is one inhalation (200 micrograms) once a day as needed. Maximum daily dose: 800 micrograms (four inhalations).

To prevent asthma - the usual starting dose is one inhalation (200 micrograms) 10 to15 minutes before exercise or exposure to a trigger.

• Children aged 4 to 12 years:

To relieve asthma - the usual starting dose is one inhalation (200 micrograms) once a day as needed.

To prevent asthma - the usual starting dose is one inhalation (200 micrograms) 10 to15 minutes before exercise or exposure to a trigger.

For regular treatment - the usual starting dose is one inhalation (200 micrograms) four times a day.

For more information on dosage, see the package leaflet.

Alcohol/driving

This medicine does not interact with alcohol and will normally not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.

Used too much/forgot to take/stop taking Ventolin

If you use more Ventolin than prescribed, consult a doctor or pharmacist if you experience any effects listed in the package leaflet.

If you forget to take a dose, skip the missed dose and continue your dosing schedule as usual. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one.

Do not stop using Ventolin without consulting a doctor first.

Ventolin is not suitable for everyone. Do not use this medicine if:

• You are allergic to salbutamol or any other ingredient in this medicine (see section ‘What Ventolin contains’).

When should this medicine be used with caution?

Consult a doctor before using Ventolin if:

• You need to use more of this medicine to get relief. This can be a sign that your asthma is getting worse.
• You have, or have had, heart problems such as irregular heartbeat or angina.
• You have an overactive thyroid gland or weak heart muscle.
• You are taking digoxin.

Tooth decay, also known as caries, has been reported with the use of salbutamol. Be extra vigilant with oral hygiene (especially in children) and have regular dental check-ups.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Consult a doctor before using Ventolin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Other medicines and Ventolin

Other medicines may influence the effects of Ventolin, or Ventolin may affect other medicines (see the package leaflet for more information).

Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken other medicines, including herbal remedies and medicines obtained without a prescription. The doctor will know what medicines you should avoid mixing Ventolin with.

Medicines can cause side effects, although some people may not experience any. Side effects that are known to be associated with Ventolin include:

Common:

• Shaking, trembling.
• Headache.
• Increased heart rate.

Uncommon:

• Fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations).
• Muscle cramps.
• Mouth or throat irritation.

For a complete list of side effects, see the package leaflet. Consult a doctor if the side effects are severe or if you experience side effects that are not listed in the package leaflet.

Ventolin Evohaler 100:

• The active substance is salbutamol (100 micrograms per inhaled dose), in the form of salbutamol sulfate, the equivalent of 100 micrograms salbutamol.
• The other ingredient is tetrafluoroethane (HFA 134a).

Ventolin Accuhaler 200:

• The active substance is salbutamol (200 micrograms per inhaled dose).
• The other ingredient is lactose monohydrate (which contains milk proteins).

The manufacturer of Ventolin Evohaler 100 is:

Glaxo Wellcome, SA Avda Extremadura 3
Poligono Industrial Allendeduero
09400 Aranda de Duero
Spain

The manufacturer of Ventolin Accuhaler 200 is:Glaxo Wellcome Production Zone Industrielle No.2
23 Rue Lavoisier, la madeleine
27000 Evreux
France

Read the package leaflet before use.