Ventolin Inhaler (Salbutamol)

Ventolin, a popular alternative to Salbutamol, Albuterol and Salamol, is a treatment for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Both these conditions cause difficulty breathing, and can have a detrimental impact on daily life.

Sadly asthma cannot be cured, however, symptoms can be managed.

Ventolin is a 'reliever' inhaler, which means that it is used in instances where an attack has already started or is about to start. It relaxes the airways and relieves bronchospasms.

You can buy Ventolin online from HealthExpress as two versions - a dry-powder Accuhaler or a metered-dose, aerosol Evohaler.

Both inhalers contain the active ingredient salbutamol, which belongs to a class of medicines called bronchodilators.

Your regular doctor should already have prescribed one of these versions. If you are uncertain, please contact them for clarification.

Please note - orders approved before 4:30 pm Monday to Friday (excluding weekends and bank holidays) will be received the next day.

The active ingredient is the same in both types of Ventolin inhaler and they work in the same way. The main difference between the two is how the medicine is delivered into the body.

Evohaler

The evohaler is a pressurised metered dose inhaler (pMDI), meaning the medicine is stored in a compressed canister and delivered through a propellant. These inhalers require you to press down on the inhaler as you breathe in, which releases a dose of the medicine directly to your lungs.

Accuhaler

The accuhaler is a dry powder inhaler (DPI), meaning the medicine doesn’t need to be compressed and propelled. Instead, DPIs release the medicine via a lever system, which delivers a dry powder when you inhale.

Which is the most eco-friendly inhaler?

Ventolin is a CFC-free pressurised metered dose inhaler (pMDI), meaning its carbon emissions are significantly lowered. However, pMDIs still emit dangerous greenhouse gases when used, so if you are environmentally conscious, you might prefer a different type of inhaler.

For example, while a Ventolin Evohaler emits a high level of greenhouse gases, a Ventolin Accuhaler (the dry-powder version) emits far less.

Ask your doctor about switching to an inhaler better for the environment.

Inside your lungs, lots of tubes branch out like a tree. The smaller branches are known as the bronchiole - these connect to tiny sacs of air (alveoli) that supply oxygen to your blood.

During an asthma attack, the bronchiole becomes obstructed in response to irritants (such as pollen, mould spores and dust mites), making it harder for your body to process oxygen - known as a ‘bronchospasm’. This lack of oxygen causes you to experience the symptoms of an attack, including wheezing, coughing and breathlessness.

The active ingredient of Ventolin, salbutamol, is a bronchodilator. It relaxes a band of muscles that surround your airways. This allows them to widen, allowing more air to get in, and more oxygen to enrich your blood.

Ventolin is available in two forms, as an Accuhaler and as an Evohaler. Both types of inhaler are extremely effective in providing relief from an attack, although they may do this in slightly different ways:

• the Accuhaler contains a 60-blister strip, each blister containing a 200mcg combination of microfine salbutamol and lactose that you inhale in dry-powder form
• the Evohaler is an aerosol that delivers 100mcg of salbutamol in a metered-dose

You can buy Ventolin inhalers online from HealthExpress in dosages of 100mcg and 200mcg.

How you use your inhaler will depend on the severity of your condition, the medications you are currently using and whether you are using it as a preventative treatment or for relief. Your doctor should have provided you with clear instructions on how to use it. If you are uncertain, please contact them for clarification.

Evohaler

When you experience signs of an attack, you should take one or two puffs of the Evohaler.

You should take two puffs before exercise or exposure to irritants.

The maximum dose is eight puffs within a 24-hour period. If you find that is not sufficient, please ask your doctor about other treatments.

The following is a summary of how to administer doses:

• take the cap off the inhaler mouthpiece and hold the inhaler upright
• shake the inhaler vigorously up and down
• remove the mouthpiece
• breathe out normally, as much as you comfortably can
• hold the mouthpiece between your lips
• at the same time as breathing in, press the top with your finger to spray the medicine
• remove the inhaler from your mouth, and hold your breath for up to 10 seconds and breathe out slowly
• if you need more than one dose, start again from step 3

Accuhaler

You should take one puff of the Accuhaler to relieve attacks.

You should take one puff before exercise or exposure to irritants.

Do not exceed four puffs within a 24-hour period.

The following is a summary of how to administer doses:

How to use the Ventolin Accuhaler

	Step 1. Open holding your Accuhaler in one hand (as shown), place the thumb of your other hand on the slider grip open your Accuhaler by pushing the thumb grip right around until it clicks the mouthpiece should now be fully visible (see image in step 2)
	Step 2. Slide you will see the lever hold the mouthpiece towards you and push the lever away from you until it stops the number in the dose counter window will be reduced by one
	Step 3. Exhale breathe out as much as possible
	Step 4. Inhale put the mouthpiece to your lips breathe in steadily through your Accuhaler (not through your nose) remove your Accuhaler and hold your breath for about 10 seconds exhale slowly
	Step 5. Close close your Accuhaler by sliding the thumb grip back to the original position the dose counter on the top of the Accuhaler shows how many doses remain
	Step 6. Rinse after use, rinse your mouth with water

Ventolin is unlikely to cause side effects. However, as with most prescription medication, there is still a possibility of you reacting adversely.

For a full list of reactions, precautions and contraindications, please read the patient information leaflet.

Some of the more commonly experienced side effects include:

• arrhythmias
• dizziness
• headache
• hypokalaemia
• nausea
• palpitations
• tremors

If you do experience these symptoms they should clear up with regular use of the medication. However, if symptoms persist or are distressing, then ensure you seek further help from your doctor.

You should also report any unlisted reactions, mild or severe.

If you have allergies to any of the ingredients of this medication, you should seek other treatment. A full list of ingredients will be detailed in the patient information leaflet (PIL), which can be viewed to the right of this page.

What precautions should I take?

You should always inform your doctor of any medications you are taking and conditions you suffer from. The same applies when completing HealthExpress’ online consultation.

Most people can safely use Ventolin (albuterol), during an attack or to ward off an impending attack. However, you should be cautious of your reaction if:

• you have high blood pressure
• you have hyperthyroidism
• you have any heart condition

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before starting this treatment.

Driving and operating machinery

One common side effect of this medication is dizziness. Therefore, it is important first to gauge how you react to it before driving or operating machinery.

If you find you do become dizzy or disoriented, please inform your doctor.

You can buy Ventolin inhalers online after completing our free online consultation.

A consultation is required as Ventolin is a prescription-only medication. Our doctors need to ensure it is safe and effective for you to use. You should also already have been prescribed it by your GP.

Is it safe to buy Ventolin online?

Our doctors individually review every consultation to ensure the medication, quantity, and dosage are safe for you to use.