Ventolin Inhaler Special Precautions

The management of asthma should normally follow a stepwise programme and patient response should be monitored clinically and by lung function tests.
Increasing use of short-acting bronchodilators, in particular beta₂ agonists to relieve symptoms indicates deterioration of asthma control. Under these conditions, the patient's therapy plan should be reassessed.
Sudden and progressive deterioration in asthma control is potentially life-threatening and consideration should be given to starting or increasing corticosteroid therapy. In patients considered at risk, daily peak flow monitoring may be instituted.
VENTOLIN should be administered cautiously to patients with thyrotoxicosis.
Potentially serious hypokalaemia may result from beta₂ agonist therapy mainly from parenteral and nebulised administration.
Particular caution is advised in acute severe asthma as this effect may be potentiated by concomitant treatment with xanthine derivatives, steroids, diuretics and by hypoxia. It is recommended that serum potassium levels are monitored in such situations.
As with other inhalation therapy, paradoxical bronchospasm may occur, resulting in an immediate increase in wheezing after dosing. This should be treated immediately with an alternative presentation or a different fast-acting inhaled bronchodilator, if immediately available. VENTOLIN Inhaler should be discontinued, and if necessary a different fast-acting bronchodilator instituted for ongoing use.
In the event of a previously effective dose of inhaled VENTOLIN failing to give relief for at least three hours, the patient should be advised to seek medical advice in order that any necessary additional steps may be taken.
The patient's inhaler technique should be checked to make sure that aerosol actuation is synchronised with inspiration of breath for optimum delivery of the drug to the lungs.
Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines: None reported.