Ventolin - What Is It?
Ventolin HFA, active ingredient albuterol inhaler, is a medication that is available only by prescription. It is used for the treatment or prevention of bronchospasms, or spasms of the airway. These are most commonly found in those that have asthma, but they can also happen when a person has COPD, which can include emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Ventolin has also been approved for the prevention of exercise induced asthma.
The Ventolin HFA inhaler is environmentally friendly, unlike the older types of albuterol inhalers including the older type of Ventolin inhaler.
Who Manufactures Ventolin?
Ventolin is made by GlaxoSmithKline.
How It works
In most cases, air will easily flow into and out of the lungs through the body's airways. When you're having an asthma attack, your airway muscles will tighten up. This causes the airways to narrow and can make it hard to breathe, which is called a bronchospasm.
Ventolin is part of the class of medications called as "beta adrenergic receptor agonists." They are often referred to as just "beta agonists." This class of medications works to stimulate the receptors of beta within the body, which includes the ones that the muscles surrounding the airways contain. Stimulation encourages the muscles to relax so the airways can open and provide more air to the lungs.
Ventolin has also been found to have an effect on the mast cells of the lungs, which have an important part in allergic reactions and inflammation.
Potential Side Effects
As with all medications, there is the potential for side effects while taking Ventolin. Not everyone that takes this medicine will notice side effects as it is generally well tolerated. If you do notice side effects, they are most often minor and require little or no treatment. Other more serious side effects are less commonly reported.
Generic Forms of Ventolin
At this time, there is not a generic form of Ventolin available. There is no other product containing albuteraol that is considered as effective as Ventolin.
