Ventolin infusion

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How does it work?

Ventolin solution for infusion contains the active ingredient salbutamol, which is a type of medicine known as a short-acting beta 2 agonist. (NB. Salbutamol is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.)

Ventolin infusion is given as a drip into a vein (intravenous infusion) to treat two very different conditions. Firstly, salbutamol infusion may be given in hospital to treat severe narrowing of the airways that is causing difficulty breathing (bronchospasm). This might be due to a severe asthma attack, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, eg emphysema and chronic bronchitis), or a severe allergic reaction. Secondly, salbutamol infusion can be used to help stop premature labour.

Salbutamol works by acting on receptors called beta 2 receptors. These are found in the lungs and the uterus (womb).

When salbutamol stimulates the beta 2 receptors in the lungs, it causes the muscles in the airways to relax. This allows the airways to open and so makes it easier to breathe.

When salbutamol stimulates the beta 2 receptors in the uterus, it causes the muscles in the walls of the uterus to relax. This can stop the contractions associated with premature labour. Salbutamol infusion can be used to stop labour that starts between 24 and 33 weeks gestation. It usually delays delivery by at least 48 hours. This can give sufficient time to treat the mother with corticosteroids, or take other measures to improve the outcome for mother and baby, including moving the mother to a hospital with a neonatal intensive care unit.

What is it used for?

- Relieving severe bronchospasm (breathing difficulties), eg due to asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Stopping uncomplicated premature labour

Warning!

- People with severe asthma should have regular blood tests to monitor the amount of potassium in their blood. This is because low oxygen levels in the blood (hypoxia) and various asthma medicines, including this one, can lower blood potassium levels.
- Women receiving this medicine for premature labour should have their pulse rate monitored. The heart rate of the baby should also be monitored.

Use with caution in

- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Hyperthyroidism
- Irregular heart beats (arrhythmias)

Not to be used in

- Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
- This medicine passes into breast milk in small amounts. The effect of this on the breastfed baby is unknown, therefore this medicine should be used with caution in breastfeeding mothers. Discuss with your doctor.

Side effects

. Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

- Shaking, usually of the hands (tremor)
- Nervous tension
- Headache
- Faster than normal heart beat (tachycardia)
- Awareness of your heart beat (heart palpitations)
- Muscle cramps
- Low blood potassium level (hypokalaemia)
- Nausea and vomiting (when used for premature labour)
- Pulmonary oedema (fluid in the lungs) in the mother (when used for premature labour). Cough and shortness of breath are symptoms of this, if you experience these you should tell the doctor immediately.

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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