Ventolin Inhalers

Ventolin Inhalers

Ventolin is a type of asthma inhaler called a reliever inhaler that's used to stop asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, breathlessness and tightness in the chest. It works by relaxing the bronchi in your lungs to open your airways.

In stock
from £14.99

Product details

Ventolin is a reliever inhaler that you use to stop asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, breathlessness and tightness in the chest. You can request Ventolin online with a prescription from a doctor, and you should follow your doctor’s advice on how to use it.

Dr Louisa Draper

Medically reviewed by

Dr Louisa Draper

Last reviewed: 13 Jul 2021

Ventolin prices

Pack Size Price
100 mcg - 1 inhaler(s) £14.99
100 mcg - 2 inhaler(s) £24.00

How it Works

About Ventolin

What is Ventolin?

Ventolin is a medication that comes in a blue inhaler. It is called a reliever inhaler as it is used to stop the symptoms of asthma as they happen.

Symptoms of asthma include:

  • coughing
  • wheezing
  • shortness of breath
  • tightness in the chest

Ventolin is a salbutamol inhaler.

How does Ventolin work?

Ventolin is a bronchodilator which means it works by relaxing the bronchi in your lungs. This means that it opens your airways, making it easier for you to breathe.

Is Ventolin a steroid?

No, Ventolin does not contain steroids. The active ingredient in Ventolin is salbutamol which is not a steroid.

What’s the difference between Ventolin and a salbutamol inhaler?

Ventolin is a brand name for a salbutamol inhaler. Salbutamol is a generic medication.

There is no difference between Ventolin and a salbutamol inhaler; they contain the same active ingredient (salbutamol) and work the same way.

Generic medication is usually available at a lower cost.

How to use a Ventolin inhaler

You should use your Ventolin inhaler as soon as you notice asthma symptoms, like:

  • wheezing
  • breathlessness
  • chest tightness
  • coughing

If you have exercise-induced asthma or know that certain substances (such as animal hair, dust or pollen) trigger your asthma, you can use your Ventolin inhaler 10 to 15 minutes before preventing symptoms, if your doctor has recommended you use your inhaler in this way.

Always follow these steps when using your Ventolin inhaler:

  1. Stand or sit upright.
  2. Remove the mouthpiece cover and make sure it is clean before you use it.
  3. Shake the inhaler several times to ensure the liquid is mixed, and you get the right amount of salbutamol with each puff.
  4. If it is a new inhaler or you haven’t used it for 5 days or more, make sure it is still working by pressing the canister to release 1 or 2 puffs into the air. If you cannot see a puff of the medicine in the air, the canister may be empty.
  5. Hold the inhaler upright. Your thumb should be at the base of the inhaler, just below the mouthpiece.
  6. Breathe out.
  7. Close your lips around the mouthpiece of the inhaler to make a tight seal. The mouthpiece should rest between your teeth. Do not bite the mouthpiece.
  8. Begin breathing in and press down on the top of the inhaler. Continue breathing in steadily and deeply as the inhaler releases a puff of medicine.
  9. Hold your breath for as long as you can comfortably do so. This allows the medication to get into your airways.
  10. If you have been advised to take two puffs, wait about 30 seconds before repeating the process.
  11. Always replace the mouthpiece cover immediately after use.

If you have difficulty breathing while using the inhaler, talk to your doctor about using a ‘spacer’. This will help you inhale the medication more easily.

How quickly does Ventolin work?

Ventolin should start relieving symptoms within 5 minutes of using the inhaler.

How often can you take Ventolin?

Your doctor will advise you on how many puffs you should take.

You can take 2 puffs up to a maximum of 4 times in any 24 hour period. If you need to take more than this amount, you should seek urgent medical advice as you may be having a severe asthma attack, which can suddenly become worse.

For some people, 1 puff may be enough to relieve the symptoms. Whether you take 1 puff or 2 puffs, you should only use your inhaler 4 times in any 24 hour period. If you need it more than this, you must seek urgent medical advice.

You should see your doctor if you need to use your inhaler more than:

  • 4 times in 24 hours, in which case you need urgent medical advice
  • 2 days a week, or in the middle of the night at least once a week

These symptoms indicate that your asthma is not well-controlled, and that you might benefit from other medications and advice.

How many puffs of Ventolin is safe?

The recommended maximum dosage for Ventolin is 8 puffs in a day. If you need more than this, a doctor needs to review you. But, if you have severe symptoms such as an asthma attack, you can safely take up to 10 puffs, with 30 seconds between each puff. You can then repeat this 10 minutes later.

Always shake the inhaler between each session of 10 puffs. This may help in the event of a severe attack, and if you are needing to take 10 puffs, you must call for help and medical advice immediately.

How long will my Ventolin inhaler last?

Each inhaler contains 200 puffs. If you take the maximum dose of 8 puffs per day, one inhaler will last you 25 days.

How to look after your Ventolin inhaler

To stop your Ventolin inhaler blocking when you need to use it, you should clean it every week.

  1. Take the metal canister from the casing and take the mouthpiece off.
  2. Do not put the metal canister in water.
  3. Hold the plastic casing under the tap and run warm water through it.
  4. Make sure the casing is completely dry before putting the metal canister and mouthpiece on again.
  5. Shake the inhaler and spray it into the air once to make sure it works.

Where can I buy Ventolin?

You can buy Ventolin online from Superdrug Online Doctor in the following easy steps:

  1. Complete our online questionnaire.
  2. Our doctors will review your answers and make sure it is safe for them to prescribe you Ventolin.
  3. It can be delivered to an address of your choice via the post or you can collect it from a Superdrug shop of your choice.

Make sure a site has a license to sell medication by using the Government’s online checker. Make sure that you only buy Ventolin from a site where a doctor reviews your medical information, so that they can issue a prescription for you to buy Ventolin safely. Having a prescription ensures that it is safe for you to take Ventolin.

Can I buy Ventolin over the counter?

No, you need a prescription to buy Ventolin, which means that you cannot buy it over the counter.

What are the side effects of Ventolin?

Ventolin is safe to use if it has been prescribed for you by a doctor. As with all medications, some people will experience side effects, which will vary from person to person and in severity.

Talk to your doctor as soon as possible if you:

  • feel your heart beating faster (tachycardia) or stronger than usual (palpitations)
  • have an allergic reaction

Symptoms of an allergic reaction include swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat. This may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing, itchy rash, feeling faint or light-headed, or the feeling you are going to collapse.

Common side effects (affects 1 in 10 people)

  • Headache
  • Feeling shaky

Uncommon side effects (affects 1 in 100 people)

  • Mouth and throat irritation
  • Muscle cramps

Rare side effects (affects 1 in 1000 people)

  • A low level of potassium in your blood
  • Increased blood flow to your extremities (called peripheral dilatation)

For more information on Ventolin side effects, please read the patient leaflet provided with your inhaler.

Can you overdose on Ventolin?

If you use your Ventolin inhaler too much, you can feel shaky or as though your heart is beating too fast. This usually goes away within 30 minutes or a few hours at most. If you also have chest pain, or are concerned, you should seek medical advice.

Can Ventolin cause thrush?

No, Ventolin does not cause thrush. Inhalers with steroids can cause thrush. There are no steroids in Ventolin.

Can Ventolin cause tachycardia?

Tachycardia is where your heart beats faster than usual. One of the side effects of Ventolin is that your heart beats faster or stronger than usual. Talk to your doctor if this happens to you.

Who shouldn’t use Ventolin?

Adults and children can use Ventolin, but you should not take it if you:

  • are allergic to salbutamol sulfate
  • have not been prescribed this medication for your own use by a doctor

You should talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Ventolin if you have:

  • high blood pressure
  • overactive thyroid
  • heart problems like irregular or fast heartbeat, or angina

You should also tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including herbal supplements.

Can I take Ventolin while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Salbutamol inhalers are generally considered safe if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you plan to have a baby, are pregnant or think you might be, or are breastfeeding, you should talk to your doctor to be sure Ventolin is safe for you to take.

Sources

Ventolin Evohaler 100 micrograms EMC [accessed 26th May 2021]

Bronchodilators NHS 2019 [accessed 26th May 2021]

Salbutamol inhaler NHS 2018 [accessed 26th May 2021]

Patient Reviews