Ventolin Evohaler

Ventolin inhalers provide effective short-term relief from asthma and can prevent asthma symptoms from occurring after exercise. Ventolin is the most popular type of 'reliever' inhaler. The active ingredient is salbutamol, which will dilate the airways and ease breathing within five minutes. This is a very reliable inhaler for emergency asthma attacks.

Two forms of Ventolin inhaler are available: the Accuhaler and the Evohaler. The Accuhaler is a plastic device which contains a 60-blister strip. Each of these contains a 200mcg dosage that combines microfine salbutamol and lactose. The Evohaler is a pressurised metal device – each inhalation contains 100mcg of salbutamol. The propellant used in the Evohaler is HFA-134a, which is much less harmful to the environment than older propellants. Each of these treatments will provide effective relief after one or two doses.

Repeat supplies of Ventolin Accuhaler and Evohaler are available to buy from The Independent Pharmacy Online Doctor service, following a free consultation, to help control asthma in those who have been diagnosed by their GP.

There are two general types of medicine contained in inhalers. 'Preventers' usually contain corticosteroids. These are taken regularly – they reduce inflammation in the airways, controlling the chance of an asthma attack. Salbutamol-based inhalers, including Ventolin, are 'Relievers'. These are used when necessary, to ease asthma symptoms. Ventolin can also be used pre-emptively before you exercise or encounter an allergen. If your asthma is mild, you may only need a reliever inhaler. Ventolin can be used alongside a steroid-based preventer inhaler in serious cases.

Salbutamol is a type of medicine called a short-acting beta 2 agonist. When stimulated, the lungs' beta 2 receptors relax the muscles in the airways. This causes the airways to expand, which relieves asthma symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, tightness of the chest and shortness of breath.

Asthma is thought to affect over 5 million people in the UK. It involves an inflammation of the bronchi, the tubes that connect the windpipe to the lungs. This swelling causes these airway passages to contract. It also increases the production of phlegm, which can further obstruct the airways. This leads to symptoms including coughing, wheezing, tightness of the chest and shortness of breath.
Though asthma is very common, people's experiences with symptoms will vary. Depending on the patient, asthma attacks may be triggered by allergens, infections, exercise, cold air, stress, or airborne chemicals such as in smoke. It is unknown why some people have this higher sensitivity to these irritants, though family history tends to affect one's likelihood of having the condition.

Why choose The Independent Pharmacy?

• Fast - order before 4pm and receive your treatment as quickly as the next day
• Free online consultation service with one of our registered GMC doctors
• Discreet packaging & confidential service - we don't include any branding or pharmacy logo on our packaging meaning you can get your treatment delivered anywhere
• UK based and GMC UK registered Doctors
• Only proven prescription medication available
• Approved by the National Pharmacy Association and Care Quality Commission.

Alternatives

Asthma is not a condition that can be effectively treated with over the counter medications. If you are looking for another treatment or wanting to swap inhalers you will need to broach this subject with your GP at your regular asthma review.

Please do not 'Try' a new inhaler without seeing your GP first.

We recommend you have a regular check up with your regular GP to ensure your inhalers are still keeping your asthma controlled and are still the best course for you.

Reading the following warnings carefully will help to ensure you are selecting an appropriate product.

• Do not use either Ventolin inhaler if you go into early labour.

Before using Ventolin inhalers, inform your doctor if any of the following conditions apply to you:

• Thyroid problems
• High blood pressure
• A history of heart disease
• Irregular heart rhythm

You should also inform your doctor if you take or intend to take any of these medicines:

• Xanthines (such as aminophylline or theophylline)
• Steroids
• Diuretics
• Medicines for arrhythmia

Please read all packaging and the Product Information Leaflet before taking any new medicine and inform your doctor of medicines you are taking or intend to take.

Ventolin inhalers should be used as necessary to ease symptoms of an asthma attack. Alternatively, they can be used 20 minutes in advance of exercise or exposure to an allergen, in order to prevent an attack. Generally, the recommended dose is one inhalation of the Accuhaler or two from the Evohaler. Do not exceed eight puffs within a 24 hour period. If you find that you require a reliever inhaler more than three times each week, this means that your asthma is not well-controlled – consult your GP to see if better treatments are available.

For the Ventolin Evohaler:

• Remove the cap from the mouthpiece
• Hold the device upright and shake it thoroughly
• Exhale as much as possible
• Place the mouthpiece in your mouth
• Press the top of the canister to release the medicine as you begin to inhale
• Remove the device from your mouth
• Hold your breath in for up to 10 seconds
• Exhale slowly

The active ingredient contained in Ventolin Evohaler is:

Salbutamol sulfate

The Ventolin Evohaler also contains the propellant HFA-134a.

Not everyone will experience side effects when they use Ventolin inhalers, however, if you do they can include:

A headache, mild trembling or shaking, cough, throat irritation, muscle pain.

If you are concerned about these effects, or if the product affects you in any other way, stop using it and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.