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Ventolin for inhalation for children and adults
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025
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The medicinal product Ventolin for inhalation is included in the group of drugs for symptomatic therapy of respiratory diseases and belongs to bronchodilator beta-adrenergic agonists of selective action.
Synonyms of Ventolin, containing the same active ingredient, are drugs with such trade names as: Salbutamol, Salbumol, Salbuvent, Salamol, Albuterol, Aloprol, Asmatol, Ventilan, Proventil, Ecovent.
Indications Ventolin for inhalation
Ventolin has the following indications for use:
- chronic and recurrent bronchitis (obstructive, allergic, asthmatic, atopic);
- bronchial asthma and asthmatic status;
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
- pulmonary emphysema with bronchospasms.
The drug is recommended for use for the rapid relief of attacks of bronchial asthma and attacks of suffocation with coughing and shortness of breath associated with obstruction of the bronchi during their inflammation.
Release form
This product is available in the following forms: Ventolin aerosol for inhalation and Ventolin Evohaler aerosol (in cans with a dispenser); Ventolin Nebules for inhalation in the form of a solution in plastic ampoules containing 2.5 mg of salbutamol sulfate and 2.5 ml of saline solution.
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Pharmacodynamics
Due to the action of the active substance salbutamol sulfate, Ventolin for inhalation relaxes the smooth muscles of the bronchi, resulting in their expansion and termination of spasms.
The pharmacodynamics of salbutamol is provided by its stimulating effect on membrane beta2-receptors of adrenaline in smooth muscle cells of terminal and respiratory bronchioles. This leads to activation of the transmembrane enzyme adenylate cyclase in cells and an increase in the synthesis of cyclic 3'-5'-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), which mediates and enhances the signal interaction of cells. Due to an increase in intracellular concentrations of cAMP, protein kinase A is activated, which inhibits the phosphorylation of myosin, a contractile protein in smooth muscle fiber cells, which regulates the activity of intracellular energy exchange. At the same time, there is a decrease in the concentration of positively charged calcium ions in the cells.
The result is rapid relaxation of the smooth muscles of all airways, from the trachea to the terminal bronchioles, and expansion of their lumen.
Elevated cAMP concentrations also inhibit the release of mediators (prostaglandins, IgE, histamine) from mast cells in the airways. Therefore, salbutamol-based bronchodilators reduce bronchial edema, reduce inflammation, and promote increased mucociliary clearance.
Pharmacokinetics
No more than a quarter of the dose of sprayed and inhaled Ventolin (aerosol or inhalation solution) gets into the bronchi and lungs, and three quarters of the drug settles on the mucous membranes located above. Despite this, the bronchodilator effect of the drug manifests itself within 15 minutes and lasts 3-5 hours.
Salbutamol penetrates into the blood; mean peak plasma concentrations are approximately 3 ng/ml (using Ventolin Evohaler aerosol with HFA 134a propellant). The potential plasma half-life of salbutamol is approximately 4 hours.
The drug undergoes biotransformation by liver enzymes to phenolic compounds of sulfuric acid, most of which are eliminated by the kidneys. The process of eliminating metabolites after one dose of Ventolin for inhalation lasts about three days.
Dosing and administration
Ventolin Aerosol and Ventolin Nebules solution are intended for inhalation use only.
Ventolin Nebula solution already contains saline, so there is no need to dilute it. How to dilute Ventolin for inhalations if, according to the doctor's recommendation, it is necessary to increase their one-time duration? It is recommended to use 2-3 ml of 0.9% saline solution for this.
The standard single dose of Ventolin sprayed with a nebulizer is 2.5 mg, the maximum is 5 mg. The optimal number of inhalations is no more than four times a day. In case of severe airway obstruction, it is permissible to increase the daily dose by 6-8 times and increase the number of inhalations.
A single dose of Ventolin for inhalation for children is 0.1-0.2 mg (no more than two sprays at a time); up to four inhalations per day.
Ventolin for inhalation for children
As noted in the official instructions, the use of Ventolin for inhalation for children under two years of age is contraindicated.
Ventolin inhalation solution is used with a nebulizer. To facilitate the coordination of spraying and inhalation, aerosol Ventolin Evohaler with a dispenser is intended.
There is a spacer (an auxiliary device for inhalation) especially for children, in this case – a babyhaler.
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Use Ventolin for inhalation during pregnancy
During pregnancy, Ventolin should be used only when absolutely necessary. This drug crosses the placenta (as evidenced by an increase in fetal heart rate) and has a fetal category C (FDA). This means that animal reproduction studies have shown a teratogenic effect on the fetus, but adequate clinically controlled studies of use during pregnancy in women have not been conducted.
Contraindications
The use of Ventolin for inhalation is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to salbutamol or auxiliary components of the drug.
Clinical studies have shown that inhalation of Ventolin and other beta-adrenergic agonists can have a significant cardiovascular effect, for this reason their use in chronic heart failure and arterial hypo or hypertension requires caution.
Relative contraindications include hyperthyroidism and a history of pheochromocytoma.
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Side effects Ventolin for inhalation
Possible side effects when using Ventolin inhalation include:
- a feeling of discomfort in the chest;
- dizziness and nausea;
- rash, urticaria, angioedema;
- decrease or increase in blood pressure:
- increased heart rate;
- tremors and convulsions;
- agitation and insomnia.
With prolonged use of beta-adrenergic stimulants, a decrease in potassium levels and an increase in blood glucose levels are observed.
Overdose
In case of an overdose of salbutamol, blood pressure decreases, heart rate increases, arrhythmia is observed, vomiting occurs, and muscle cramps are possible.
Treatment of these symptoms is carried out in a medical facility (since there is a risk of cardiac arrest ) - with beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists (selective cardiac beta-blockers).
Shelf life
The shelf life of Ventolin aerosol and Ventolin Nebules for inhalation is 24 months, after opening - three months; Ventolin solution for inhalation is valid for three years (the solution remaining in the nebulizer cannot be stored).
Ventolin analogues for inhalation
There are beta-adrenergic receptor stimulants with a different substance but a similar pharmacological effect - analogues of Ventolin for inhalation: Isadrin, Antastmin and Bronchodilatin (with isoprenaline); Terbutaline (other trade names - Terbutol, Brikanil, Brikalin, Ironil); Fenoterol ( Berotec, Aruterol, Segamol), Salmeterol (Serevent), etc.
Reviews
In general, reviews of this anti-asthmatic drug are positive. But few people paid attention to the fact that among the auxiliary substances of the Ventolin Nebula inhalation solution there is diluted sulfuric acid - emulsifying additive E 513, which increases the acidity of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, which negatively affects the functions of the ciliated and alveolar epithelium.
And, obviously, not everyone read the instructions for the Ventolin Evohaler aerosol, recommended for inhalation by children from two years of age, about the content of the propellant HFA 134a in this medicine, that is, tetrafluoroethane or freon-134A. This fluorocarbon refrigerant is used in household refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. Under the influence of tetrafluoroethane, rubber begins to decompose, PVC and polypropylene swell. HFA 134a is three times denser than air, therefore, when inhaled during Ventolin inhalation, this gas displaces air in the lungs, which explains the development of the so-called paradoxical bronchospasm and can lead to asphyxia.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Ventolin for inhalation for children and adults" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.