Ventolin respirator solution, injection, nebulas, evohaler, accuhaler and syrup all contain the active ingredient Salbutamol which is a short acting beta 2 agonist. Salbutamol actually works by acting on beta 2 receptors on the lungs by stimulating these receptors to make airway muscles relax and airways to open.

Salbutamol helps in opening airways in conditions like asthma and chronic pulmonary disease where breathing is difficult because of the narrowing of the airways. When taken as an inhaler, Salbutamol is called a reliever as it relieves wheezing and chest tightness immediately. Those who cannot inhale well take Salbutamol by mouth. Nebulisers are used to treat acute asthma attacks in hospitals and those suffering from severe asthma or COPD benefit better with high doses of Salbutamol in the form of nebulas to be used in nebulizers in home.

If you don’t find any relief after using your inhaler it means you have to use it more than usual; so consult the doctor immediately as you should never increase your prescription without the doctor’s consent. Those suffering from severe asthma should have regular blood tests to monitor the amount of potassium in the blood as low oxygen levels and various asthma medicines lower blood potassium levels.

People with diabetes, heart disease, hyperthyroidism, irregular heart beats and high blood pressure should use Ventolin with caution. If pregnant or breastfeeding consult the doctor before starting Ventolin. There are different side effects associated with Ventolin which differs among individual patients.

Tremors in hands, headache, muscle cramps, nervous tension, heart palpitations, low blood potassium levels and unexpected airway narrowing are all common side effects of Ventolin.