Albuterol vs Ventolin
What to choose Albuterol or Ventolin
There are many drugs available for people with asthma. Asthma symptoms are recurring, so you should always have life-saving medications with you. Ventolin and Albuterol are some of the medications that a doctor can prescribe you to reduce negative reactions in the body. The symptoms are called bronchospasms. They are caused by muscle tension and lungs narrowing in the airways and usually occur within people with asthma and COPD.
Some people think that Ventolin and Albuterol are two different medicines. In fact, they are the same drug, as Albuterol is the main bronchodilator drug, which is contained in inhalers under the Ventolin brand. There are still other brands that produce Albuterol drugs.
Albuterol is used to loosen the muscles in the airways, allowing the patient to recover breathing. It is used for a long time. This medication is wide-spread and pharmacies usually have a stock of it. All you need to get it is a prescription.
The Ventolin brand is widely used among asthma patients. Ventolin inhalers are L-shaped and are used to suppress bronchospasms in COPD and asthma, including cough, wheezing, breathing problems and breathe shortness. All Albuterol supplements have the same effect on asthma symptoms. If, for some reason, your inhaler does not work and does not reduce bronchospasms, then this means that the medicine is not working properly, and you should see a doctor.
Bronchospasms often occur due to the effects of different types of irritants on the human’s body. If you know your irritants, doctors recommend inhaling in advance of contacting with them, as this will help to prevent bronchospasms or asthma attacks. The medicine begins to act in a couple of minutes after an inhalation and its effect lasts up to several hours. When using the inhaler, all instructions for use and doctor's recommendations should be fully observed.
You should immediately consult a doctor if you notice that inhalations do not bring any results. As a rule, Ventolin acts quickly and affects asthma symptoms a couple of minutes after using the inhaler.
You should seek medical attention if: the inhaler does not work; you began to need a higher dosage of the drug (albuterol) and more inhalations per application; when using the inhaler, symptoms get worse and severe breathing problems appear.
Ventolin Adverse Reactions
Albuterol inhalers can change their action and cause some side effects depending on the other drugs you need to take in combination with them.
There are also common adverse reactions that include: sore throat, restlessness, unsteadiness, dizziness, nausea, unnatural taste in the mouth, tremors, and bone and muscle pain.
The following reactions of the body to the drug are serious, so if you encounter them, then you should immediately call an ambulance: severe chest pain, breathing problems, heart palpitations, allergy (rash, swelling, itching on different parts of the body).
Drug Dosage
The determining factor in choosing the dosage of Albuterol is the type of inhaler. There are powders and aerosol metered dose inhalers. One inhalation allows you to get a certain amount of medicine, and the dosage of the drug per application depends on the number of puffs, which in general are 1-2 puffs per inhalation according to the instructions for use. Check with your doctor to find out the exact dose of the drug that you need and always follow your doctor's recommendations on how to use the drug. Never increase or decrease the dosage on your own.
Albuterol and Ventolin Comparison
| Albuterol | Ventolin | |
|---|---|---|
| Type: | Rescue | Rescue |
| Manufacturer: | - | GSK |
| Substance: | Albuterol | |
| Dosage: | - | 100 mcg |
| Avg Price: | - | $30 |