Ventolin contains the active ingredient salbutamol, which is a type of
medicine known as a short-acting beta 2 agonist. It works by acting on
receptors in the lungs called beta 2 receptors. Stimulation of these receptors
causes the muscles in the airways to relax, allowing the airways to open. In
conditions where there is narrowing of the airways, such as asthma, emphysema
and bronchitis, it is difficult for air to get in and out of the lungs. By
opening the airways, salbutamol makes it easier to breathe. Salbutamol is most
commonly taken using an inhaler device. Inhaling the medicine allows it to act
directly in the lungs where it is needed most. It also reduces the potential
for side effects occurring in other parts of the body, as the amount absorbed
into the blood through the lungs is lower than if it is taken by mouth.
Salbutamol when used as an inhaler is known as a reliever. This is because it
works very quickly to relieve asthma attacks or shortness of breath.
Salbutamol inhalers can also be used to open the airways shortly before
exercising. Salbutamol tablets are sometimes prescribed if inhaled salbutamol
is being used frequently to relieve shortness of breath. The tablets are taken
regularly to help keep the airways open all the time and reduce the need for
the inhaler.
