What is Ventolin Evohaler?
The Ventolin Evohaler contains the active ingredient salbutamol sulphate, which is a fast-acting bronchodilator. It’s used to treat asthma and to prevent it after exercise. It works by opening up the breathing tubes of the lungs to make breathing easier, in addition to reducing feelings of a tight chest, breathlessness and wheezing.
How to use this product
To help identify that the inhaler is ventolin, there is an embossed letter V on the plastic case. The Ventolin Evohaler produces a fine mist, which you inhale through your mouth into your lungs. Each evohaler canister provides 200 puffs. When using the inhaler for the first time, test that it’s working. Remove the mouthpiece cover by gently squeezing the sides with your thumb and forefinger and pull apart. To make sure that it works, shake well and point the mouthpiece away from you and press the canister to release two puffs into the air. If you have not used the inhaler for 5 days or more, shake it well and release two puffs of medicine into the air.
It’s important to breathe as slowly as possible just before using your inhaler. Stand or sit upright when using your inhaler. Remove the mouthpiece cover. Check inside and outside to make sure that the mouthpiece is clean and free of objects. Shake the inhaler 4 or 5 times to ensure that any loose objects are removed and that the contents of the inhaler are evenly mixed. Hold the inhaler upright with your thumb on the base, below the mouthpiece. Breathe out as far as is comfortable. Do not breathe in again yet.
Place the mouthpiece in your mouth between your teeth. Close your lips around it. Do not bite. Breathe in through your mouth. Just after starting to breathe in, press down on the top of the canister to release a puff of medicine. Do this while still breathing in steadily and deeply. Hold your breath, take the inhaler from your mouth and your finger from the top of the inhaler. Continue holding your breath for a few seconds, or as long as is comfortable.
If your doctor has told you to take two puffs, wait about half a minute before you take another puff. After use, always replace the mouthpiece cover straight away to keep out dust. Replace the cover by firmly pushing and clicking into position. Practise in front of a mirror for the first few times. If you see a ‘mist’ coming from the top of your inhaler or the sides of your mouth you should start again.
Young children may need help and their parents may need to operate the inhaler for them. Encourage the child to breathe out and operate the inhaler just after the child starts to breathe in. Practise the technique together. Older children or people with weak hands may find it easier to hold the inhaler with both hands. Put the two forefingers on top of the inhaler and both thumbs on the bottom below the mouthpiece. If this does not help, your doctor, nurse or pharmacist will be able to advise you.
Adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over, to relieve asthma, take one or two puffs. To prevent asthma, take two puffs 10-15 minutes before exercise or exposure to a “trigger”. For regular treatment, take two puffs up to 4 times a day. The maximum dose is 8 puffs in a 24 hour period. Children under 12 years of age, to relieve asthma, take one puff or two puffs if required. To prevent asthma, take one puff 10-15 minutes before exercise or exposure to a “trigger”. Two puffs if required. For regular treatment, take two puffs up to 4 times a day. The maximum dose is 8 puffs in a 24 hour period.
How to clean your Ventolin Evohaler
You should clean your inhaler every week. This is very important as the small hole where the medicine comes out can become blocked and therefore the inhaler is unable to work properly. To clean your inhaler, start by taking the metal canister out of the plastic inhaler unit. The canister should not be put in water. Remove the plastic mouthpiece cover.
Rinse both the plastic parts in warm, running water for at least 30 seconds. Let the water run through the mouthpiece then turn the plastic inhaler unit around and let the water run through the unit for another 30 seconds. Shake off the excess water and leave the plastic parts to dry completely (overnight if possible). When the mouthpiece is dry, replace the canister and the mouthpiece cover. Do not put the metal canister in water.
Is Ventolin Evohaler suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, you must ask your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist for advice before taking any new medicine.
Does salbutamol sulphate cause drowsiness?
Salbutomol can cause dizziness in some people. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
When should this product not be used?
Ventolin Evohaler may be unsuitable for certain people. Do not use this product if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. Ventolin Evohaler should not be used to treat premature labour or threatened miscarriage, as inhaled salbutamol products are not suitable for this purpose.
Talk to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before taking this medicine if you have any of the following:
- Your asthma is active (for example you have frequent symptoms or flare ups or limited physical ability). Your doctor may start or increase a medicine to control your asthma such as an inhaled corticosteroid
- You have high blood pressure
- You have an overactive thyroid gland
- You have a history of heart problems such as an irregular or fast heartbeat or angina
- You are taking xanthine derivatives (such as theophylline) or steroids to treat asthma
- You are taking water tablets (diuretics), sometimes used to treat high blood pressure or a heart condition
Are there any side effects?
Like all medicines, Ventolin Evohaler may cause side effects in some people, but these won’t affect everybody. Seek emergency medical attention if you notice any signs of a severe allergic reaction, symptoms of which include swelling of the face and throat, skin rash, breathing difficulties and/or loss of consciousness. Common side effects include:
- Feeling tense
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Mild tremor (shaking), especially of the hands
For more information on potential side effects, refer to the patient information leaflet. If you experience any side effects, including any not included in the patient information leaflet, you can report them using the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.
Storage information
Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place out of sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date, referring to the last day of the month stated on the packaging. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste.
Important information
This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk
If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.
Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.
Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.
Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.
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