Ventolin is a prescription-only reliever or blue inhaler used to relieve asthma symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness, as and when needed. It contains the active ingredient salbutamol, a fast-acting bronchodilator that works quickly to open your airways and relieve asthma symptoms.

Unlike preventer inhalers, which are usually used every day to keep asthma under control, a blue Ventolin inhaler is used as and when it is needed, such as during an asthma attack or just before exercise if this triggers your symptoms.

Salbutamol is the active ingredient in the Ventolin inhaler, which works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the airways, widening the airways and making it easier to breathe. A Ventolin inhaler should only be used when you have asthma symptoms; it should not be used every day. If you need to use a reliever inhaler more than twice a week, you should contact your doctor.

There are several benefits of a reliever inhaler. They are:

1. Direct delivery to the lungs – the inhaler delivers salbutamol directly to the lungs quickly and effectively, providing fast relief.
2. Activates receptors – by binding to receptors in the smooth muscle of the airways, it can quickly widen the airways, helping to make breathing easier.
3. Short-acting bronchodilator – salbutamol gets to work in as little as 5 minutes, but its effects last only 4 to 6 hours, so any side effects will be short-lived.

How quickly does Ventolin work?

Ventolin can work within 5 minutes of using it, providing fast relief from asthma symptoms.

Ventolin inhalers are designed to be inhaled via your mouth. The number of puffs you need will depend on what your doctor has told you and your symptoms. Because the Ventolin inhaler does not have a dose counter, you’ll need to keep track of the number of puffs you use or ask someone to count for you so you can make a note later. Each inhaler has 200 puffs.

Before using your blue Ventolin inhaler for the first time or if you have not used it for at least 5 days, you need to test it is working properly by:

1. Removing the mouthpiece cover by carefully squeezing the sides with your thumb and forefinger, and pulling it off.
2. Shake the inhaler well, and pointing the mouthpiece away from you, press the canister to release 2 puffs into the air.

Once you have tested the inhaler, it is ready for use. To use the Ventolin inhaler, you should:

1. Stand or sit upright.
2. Remove the mouthpiece cover and check that there are no obstructions or debris inside.
3. Shake the inhaler 4 or 5 times to make sure the contents are well mixed.
4. Hold the inhaler upright with your thumb on the base, below the mouthpiece. Breathe out as far as you can.
5. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth between your teeth and close your lips around it, being careful not to bite down.
6. Slowly breathe in through your mouth, and just after you start, press the canister down to release a puff of medication. Continue to breathe in steadily and deeply.
7. Hold your breath and remove the inhaler from your mouth. Continue holding your breath for a few seconds or as long as you feel comfortable.
8. If your doctor has told you to take 2 puffs, wait 30 seconds and then repeat steps 3 to 7.
9. After use, replace the mouthpiece cover by firmly clicking it into position.

When should I use my Ventolin inhaler?

You should only use a reliever inhaler as and when you need it, such as:

• when you notice symptoms, like coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath
• before an activity that may make you breathless, like exercise, or before being exposed to a pet or something you are allergic to that will trigger your asthma

To keep your Ventolin Evohaler working properly and effectively, it is important that you clean it at least once a week. You can do this by:

1. Removing the metal canister from the plastic casing and removing the mouthpiece cover.
2. Rinse the plastic casing under warm running water and then dry thoroughly inside and out.
3. Replace the metal canister in the plastic casing and replace the mouthpiece cover. Do not put the metal canister in water.

When storing your inhaler, make sure it is protected from frost and direct sunlight. It should be stored at temperatures below 30℃ and out of reach of children. Once the expiry date has passed, dispose of the inhaler and open a new one.

If the inhaler gets very cold, remove the metal canister from the plastic case and warm it in your hands for a few minutes before use. Do not use anything else to warm the metal canister.

Ventolin is a prescription-only medication, but it is available with a private prescription from trusted online doctor services or on the NHS.

Can I buy a Ventolin inhaler online?

Yes, you can buy Ventolin inhaler online from Superdrug Online Doctor if you have already been prescribed it by your GP.

To request Ventolin from us, you need to:

1. Fill out a short online health questionnaire about your health and lifestyle.
2. Choose your preferred treatment and make a payment.
3. One of our doctors will review your answers and your medication request to see if it is suitable for you.
4. If approved, your order will be sent to your address in discreet packaging, or you can collect it from a Superdrug Pharmacy.

Ordering a replacement Ventolin inhaler from Superdrug Online Doctor is quick and convenient without the need for a face-to-face appointment.

Can I buy a Ventolin inhaler over the counter?

No, Ventolin requires a prescription from a doctor before you can obtain it, so it is not available over the counter.

Can I get a Ventolin inhaler on the NHS?

Yes, Ventolin is available on the NHS, but you will need to make an appointment with your doctor if you have not been diagnosed with asthma to discuss your symptoms.

Like all medications, Ventolin can cause side effects, but not everyone will get them.

Common Ventolin side effects include:

• feeling shaky
• headache

Uncommon Ventolin side effects are:

• mouth and throat irritation
• muscle cramps

Rare Ventolin side effects are:

• low blood potassium levels
• increased blood flow to your extremities (peripheral dilatation)

Very rare side effects are:

• changes in sleep patterns
• changes in behaviour, like restlessness and excitability

You can find a full list of side effects in the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication.

How long do Ventolin side effects last?

Because the benefits of salbutamol only last 4 to 6 hours, most people find that mild side effects go away on their own within 30 minutes to a few hours. However, some effects, like headaches, may last longer.

What to do if you get Ventolin side effects

Most mild side effects will improve on their own, but you can manage the following yourself:

• headaches – take over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen, and stay hydrated
• shakiness – try deep breathing techniques and rest until it passes
• mouth and throat irritation – rinse your mouth with water and spit it out, and brush your teeth after each use

If you get any allergic reaction symptoms, stop using the Ventolin Evohaler and see a doctor straight away, such as:

• swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• difficulty swallowing or breathing
• itchy rash
• feeling faint and lightheaded
• collapse

Ventolin may not be suitable for everyone. Some medications or conditions can interact with Ventolin and make it less effective or even unsafe.

Do not use Ventolin if you:

• are allergic to salbutamol or any other ingredients in the Ventolin inhaler
• unexpectedly go into early labour or threatened abortion

Before using Ventolin, let your doctor know if:

• your asthma is active
• you have high blood pressure
• you have an overactive thyroid
• you have a history of heart problems, such as an irregular or fast heartbeat or angina

Ventolin and other medications

Before using Ventolin, tell your doctor about any prescribed, over-the-counter, or herbal medications, especially:

• xanthine derivatives or steroids
• water tablets (diuretics)
• medications to treat an irregular or fast heartbeat
• other medications for asthma

Ventolin is not the only reliever inhaler available. At Superdrug Online Doctor, we can provide the following alternatives if you already have a prescription from your doctor:

Salbutamol

Generic salbutamol inhalers contain the same active ingredient and work in exactly the same way as Ventolin inhalers. The main differences are that generic salbutamol inhalers have a different name and are often cheaper than Ventolin.

Symbicort

Symbicort is a combination inhaler that contains both a corticosteroid to prevent asthma symptoms and a bronchodilator to relieve them. It contains a bronchodilator called formoterol, which means Symbicort can also be used as a reliever inhaler.

Fostair

Similar to Symbicort, Fostair is a combination inhaler containing formoterol. It is used as maintenance and reliever therapy (MART) for asthma and can be used as a reliever inhaler when asthma symptoms occur.

As part of our asthma service, our doctors can also issue a repeat prescription for preventer inhalers, like Clenil Modulite, Pulmicort, and Qvar, as well as combination inhalers, including Seretide.

What is the difference between an inhaler and Evohaler?

There is no specific difference between an inhaler and an Evohaler. An Evohaler is just a specific brand name for a type of inhaler called a metered-dose inhaler (MDI), more commonly known as a puffer.

Is Ventolin a steroid inhaler?

No, Ventolin is not a steroid inhaler. It is a reliever inhaler that contains salbutamol, a short-acting bronchodilator that opens your airways during an asthma attack. Steroids are commonly found in preventer or combination inhalers and are used every day to stop asthma symptoms from occurring. New asthma guideline changes mean that you cannot only be prescribed a blue or reliever inhaler, like Ventolin, but you must also receive a steroid inhaler, either as a separate inhaler or as a combination inhaler.

Does Ventolin help a cough?

No, Ventolin is not recommended to treat a cough unless it is caused by asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). A Ventolin inhaler will not work for common colds or flu coughs and is not a general cough medicine.

What is the difference between Ventolin and salbutamol?

There is no difference between Ventolin and salbutamol, as they both contain the same active ingredient. Ventolin is a brand name for salbutamol, so the main differences are the name and price. Because Ventolin is branded, it tends to be more expensive than generic salbutamol.

What is the difference between Ventolin and Salamol?

Salamol and Ventolin are both brand names for salbutamol. They work in exactly the same way to relieve asthma attack symptoms, but Salamol contains half the propellant gas of Ventolin, making it a more environmentally friendly option. Ventolin inhalers are also more expensive than Salamol.