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Salbutamol for inhalation


  • If your usual dose of salbutamol does not provide at least three hours relief from asthma symptoms speak with your doctor.
  • Do not smoke. Smoking causes severe irritation and damage to the lungs. It will make your condition worse and will reduce the beneficial effects of your medication.

About salbutamol for inhalation

Type of medicine Bronchodilator
Used for Asthma
Emphysema
Bronchitis
Other lung related problems
Also called Airomir
Asmasal Clickhaler
Pulvinal Salbutamol
Salamol
Salamol Steri-Neb
Ventolin
Available as Aerosol Inhaler
Powder Inhaler
Nebuliser Solution

Bronchodilators work by opening up the air passages in the lungs so that air can flow into the lungs more freely. In doing so they help to relieve symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

Before using salbutamol for inhalation

Before using salbutamol for inhalation make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from hyperthyroidism (an over active thyroid gland).
  • If you suffer from heart problems.
  • If you suffer high blood pressure.
  • If you suffer from diabetes.

How to use salbutamol for inhalation

  • Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
  • Salbutamol should be used at regular intervals to get the best effects from your medicine.
  • Salbutamol aerosol inhalers are sometimes provided with a spacer device to help young children and those who have problems co-ordinating using the device with breathing in. Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to advise you on using the device.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Do not stop taking salbutamol without speaking to your doctor first.
  • If your usual dose of salbutamol does not provide at least three hours relief from asthma symptoms speak with your doctor.
  • Keep your regular doctors appointments so your progress can be monitored.
  • Do not smoke. Smoking causes severe irritation and damage to the lungs. It will make your condition worse and will reduce the beneficial effects of your medication.
  • If you have diabetes: Check your blood glucose levels regularly as this preparation can affect the levels of sugar in your blood.
  • Salbutamol aerosol inhalers now contain CFC free propellants, which may feel and taste different to inhalers that contain CFCs. If you experience any problems with this type of inhaler you should speak with your doctor.

Can salbutamol for inhalation cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Shakiness, nervous tension, headache, fast or fluttering heartbeat, disturbed sleep, behaviour changes in children or muscle cramps.

How to store salbutamol for inhalation

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
3524		 DocRef:
dils2890		 Last Updated:
1 Feb 2007		 Date of Next Review:
31 Jan 2009		 Version:
22

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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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