Ventorlin CFC Free Inhaler is a fast-acting bronchodilator medication formulated for the relief and prevention of symptoms associated with asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This metered-dose inhaler contains Salbutamol (also known as Albuterol), a short-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist that provides rapid relief from bronchospasm by relaxing airway muscles and widening the breathing passages. The CFC-free formulation uses an environmentally friendly propellant system, making it safe for both patients and the environment while maintaining excellent therapeutic efficacy.

Key Features

How does Ventorlin CFC Free Inhaler work?

• Relaxing airway muscles: Salbutamol is a selective short-acting beta2-adrenergic receptor agonist that binds to beta2-receptors located in the smooth muscles lining the airways. This binding stimulates the enzyme adenylyl cyclase, which catalyzes the conversion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP). The increased levels of cyclic AMP cause relaxation of bronchial smooth muscles, resulting in rapid bronchodilation.
  
• Opening breathing passages: The relaxation of airway muscles leads to widening of the breathing tubes (bronchi and bronchioles), allowing easier airflow to and from the lungs. This action typically begins within 5 minutes of inhalation, with peak effect occurring within 30-60 minutes.
  
• Reducing airway hypersensitivity: Salbutamol also inhibits the release of mediators of immediate hypersensitivity from mast cells, particularly histamine and leukotrienes, providing additional protection against allergen-induced bronchospasm.
  
• Providing quick symptom relief: The fast-acting nature of Ventorlin provides rapid relief from symptoms such as wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing. The bronchodilatory effect typically lasts for 4-6 hours, making it ideal as a rescue medication during acute breathing difficulties.
  

Dosage

• Adults and children aged 12 years and above: 1-2 inhalations as needed for relief of symptoms, up to 4 times daily.
  
• Children aged 4-11 years: 1-2 inhalations as needed, up to 4 times daily, under medical supervision.
  
• For prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm: 1-2 inhalations 10-15 minutes before exercise.
  
• Shake the inhaler well for 5 seconds before each use to ensure proper mixing.
  
• Prime the inhaler before first use or if not used for more than 7 days by releasing 4 test sprays into the air away from your face.
  
• Use only as needed for symptom relief. This is a rescue medication, not a maintenance therapy.
  
• If you need to use Ventorlin more frequently than usual or if it becomes less effective, consult your doctor immediately as this indicates worsening asthma control.
  
• It is recommended to consult a doctor or respiratory specialist for proper inhaler technique and personalized dosage recommendations.
  

Uses

• Asthma: Provides rapid relief from acute asthma symptoms including wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. It is used as a rescue medication during asthma attacks.
  
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Relieves acute symptoms of COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, by opening the airways and improving airflow.
  
• Exercise-induced bronchospasm: Prevents breathing difficulties triggered by physical activity when taken 10-15 minutes before exercise.
  
• Allergen-induced bronchospasm: Provides quick relief from breathing difficulties caused by exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or cold air.
  
• Acute bronchospasm: Offers fast-acting relief during sudden episodes of breathing difficulty or wheezing.
  

Side Effects

• Tremors (shaking, especially of hands)
  
• Headache
  
• Palpitations (awareness of heartbeat)
  
• Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
  
• Muscle cramps
  
• Nervousness or restlessness
  
• Dizziness
  
• Nausea
  
• Throat irritation
  
• Dry mouth
  
• Nasal congestion
  
• Viral respiratory tract infections
  
• Cough
  

Interactions

• Ventorlin may interact with Beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol, atenolol, metoprolol), which can block the bronchodilatory effects of Salbutamol and potentially cause severe bronchospasm. These should be avoided in patients with asthma.
  
• Inhaler may interact with Diuretics (water pills) and Xanthine derivatives (e.g., theophylline), increasing the risk of hypokalemia (low potassium levels), which can lead to cardiac complications.
  
• Inhaler may interact with Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and Tricyclic antidepressants, which can potentiate cardiovascular effects such as increased heart rate and blood pressure changes.
  
• Inhaler may interact with other sympathomimetic drugs (e.g., epinephrine, phenylephrine), which can increase cardiovascular side effects.
  
• Inhaler may interact with Digoxin, as hypokalemia caused by Salbutamol may increase the risk of digoxin toxicity.
  

Pharmacokinetics

Pharmacokinetics of Ventorlin CFC Free Inhaler involves rapid absorption through lung tissue following inhalation. Salbutamol is absorbed quickly from the respiratory tract with onset of action within 5 minutes and peak bronchodilatory effect occurring within 30-60 minutes. The duration of action is typically 4-6 hours. Approximately 10% of Salbutamol binds to plasma proteins. It is metabolized primarily in the liver and intestinal wall to inactive sulphate conjugates. Excretion occurs mainly through the kidneys (both as unchanged drug and metabolites) with a half-life of approximately 4-6 hours.

Precautions

• Allergies: Do not use if allergic to Salbutamol or any ingredients in the formulation. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience allergic reactions.
  
• Acute severe asthma: While Ventorlin provides quick relief, it is not sufficient for treating severe acute asthma attacks (status asthmaticus). Seek emergency medical attention if symptoms do not improve.
  
• Deteriorating asthma: Increasing use of Ventorlin or reduced effectiveness indicates worsening asthma control. Consult your doctor immediately for reassessment of your treatment plan.
  
• Paradoxical bronchospasm: If breathing worsens immediately after using the inhaler, discontinue use, use an alternative bronchodilator if available, and seek medical attention.
  
• Cardiovascular conditions: Use with caution in patients with heart disease, irregular heartbeat, hypertension, or hyperthyroidism, as Salbutamol can cause cardiovascular effects.
  
• Diabetes: Monitor blood sugar levels closely as Salbutamol may cause hyperglycemia, requiring adjustment of antidiabetic medications.
  
• Hypokalemia: Beta-agonists may cause low potassium levels, particularly when used with diuretics, corticosteroids, or xanthine derivatives. Regular monitoring recommended in severe COPD patients.
  
• Hyperthyroidism: Use with caution in patients with overactive thyroid as beta-agonists may exacerbate symptoms.
  
• Seizure disorders: Use with caution in patients with epilepsy as this medication may worsen the condition.
  
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Use during pregnancy only if benefits outweigh risks. May cause cleft palate and limb defects in newborns. Consult your doctor before use if pregnant or breastfeeding.
  
• Age restrictions: Not recommended for children below 4 years of age unless specifically prescribed by a pediatrician.
  
• Proper inhaler technique: Ensure correct use for optimal drug delivery. Poor technique can result in inadequate therapeutic effect.
  
• Regular maintenance therapy: Ventorlin is a rescue medication, not a maintenance therapy. Patients requiring frequent use should have a preventer inhaler prescribed by their doctor.
  

Conclusion

Ventorlin CFC Free Inhaler 100 Mcg/18 Mg is an effective fast-acting bronchodilator medication for rapid relief of asthma and COPD symptoms. As a rescue inhaler, it provides quick relief from acute breathing difficulties, making it an essential medication for patients with respiratory conditions. The short-acting nature of Salbutamol makes it ideal for on-demand use during symptom flare-ups or before exercise. However, frequent use of Ventorlin indicates inadequate disease control and requires medical reassessment. This medication should be used alongside appropriate maintenance therapy as prescribed by your doctor. Always maintain proper inhaler technique, keep track of remaining doses using the counter, and replace the inhaler when empty. Consult your physician or respiratory specialist regularly for comprehensive disease management and to ensure optimal asthma or COPD control.

FAQs

• What is Ventorlin CFC Free Inhaler used for?

Ventorlin CFC Free Inhaler is a fast-acting bronchodilator used for rapid relief of symptoms associated with asthma and COPD, including wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.

• How does Ventorlin CFC Free Inhaler work?

It contains Salbutamol, a short-acting beta2-agonist that rapidly relaxes airway muscles and widens breathing passages, providing quick relief from bronchospasm within 5 minutes.

• What can be the possible side effects?

Possible side effects include tremors, headache, palpitations, increased heart rate, muscle cramps, nervousness, dizziness, nausea, and throat irritation.

• Is it safe for everyone?

It is generally safe when used as directed, but not recommended for children below 4 years or patients allergic to its ingredients. Use with caution in patients with heart disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and during pregnancy.

• Does it show any interaction?

Yes, it may interact with beta-blockers, diuretics, theophylline, MAOIs, tricyclic antidepressants, and other sympathomimetic drugs.

References

https://doi.org/10.1001/archpedi.154.12.1219 

https://doi.org/10.1016/S1081-1206(10)63302-9