Ventolin

Why is this medication prescribed?

Ventolin is used to treat emphysema, bronchitis, wheezing, shortness of breath, and troubled breathing caused by asthma. Ventolin relaxes the smooth muscle in the lungs and dilates airways to improve the breathing. It relaxes and opens the air passages to the lungs, making it more easy to breathe.

How should this medicine be used? Follow the directions provided by your doctor. Ventolin comes with an instruction leaflet. Ask your doctor or a pharmacist any questions that you may have.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include:

Fast heartbeat

Nervousness

Headaches

Tremors

Nausea

Difficulty sleeping

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking albuterol,

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to albuterol (Ventolin) or any other medications.

Tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: beta blockers; digoxin (Lanoxin); diuretics ('water pills').

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a heart disease, high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid gland or an irregular heartbeat.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or if you are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking albuterol (Ventolin), call your doctor.

Description

Levosalbutamol is an effective bronchodilator whose primary mechanism of action is unimpeded by (S)-salbutamol. Thus, it can be used in doses that are half that of racemic salbutamol.