Ventolin Dosage/Direction for Use

Salbutamol (Ventolin) has a duration of action of 4 to 6 hours in most patients.
Inhaler/Nebules: Increasing use of beta₂ agonists may be a sign of worsening asthma. Under these conditions a reassessment of the patient's therapy plan may be required and concomitant corticosteroid therapy should be considered. As there may be adverse effects associated with excessive dosing, the dosage or frequency of administration should only be increased on medical advice.
Syrup: Adults: The usual effective dose is 10 ml salbutamol (4 mg of salbutamol) 3 or 4 times per day. If adequate bronchodilation is not obtained each single dose may be gradually increased to as much as 20 ml of syrup (8 mg salbutamol).
Some patients obtain adequate relief with 5 ml of syrup (2 mg salbutamol) 3 or 4 times daily).
Children: 2-6 years 2.5 to 5 ml of syrup (1 to 2 mg salbutamol) 3 or 4 times daily.
6-12 years 5 ml of syrup (2 mg salbutamol) 3 or 4 times daily.
Over 12 years 5 to 10 ml of syrup (2 to 4 mg salbutamol) 3 or 4 times daily.
Special patient groups: In elderly patients or in those known to be unusually sensitive to beta-adrenergic stimulant drugs, it is advisable to initiate treatment with 5 ml of syrup (2 mg salbutamol) 3 or 4 times per day.
Inhaler: Salbutamol (Ventolin) Inhaler is administered by the inhaled route only. In patients who find co-ordination of a pressurised metered-dose inhaler difficult a spacer may be used with Salbutamol (Ventolin) Inhaler.
Babies and young children using the Salbutamol (Ventolin) Inhaler may benefit from the use of a paediatric spacer device with a face mask (for example the BABYHALER).
Relief of Acute Bronchospasm: Adults: 100 or 200 micrograms.
Children: 100 micrograms. The dose may be increased to 200 micrograms if required.
Prevention of Allergen or Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm: Adults: 200 micrograms before challenge or exertion.
Children: 100 micrograms before challenge or exertion. The dose may be increased to 200 micrograms if required.
Chronic Therapy: Adults: Up to 200 micrograms 4 times daily.
Children: Up to 200 micrograms 4 times daily.
On demand use of Salbutamol (Ventolin) should not exceed four times daily. Reliance on such supplementary use or a sudden increase in dose indicates deteriorating asthma (see Precautions).
Nebules: Salbutamol (Ventolin Nebules) are intended to be used undiluted. However, if prolonged delivery time is desirable (more than 10 minutes) dilution using sterile normal saline as a diluent may be required.
Salbutamol (Ventolin Nebules) are to be used with a nebuliser, under the direction of a physician.
The solution must not be injected, or swallowed.
Delivery of the aerosol may be by facemask, 'T' piece or via an endotracheal tube. Intermittent positive pressure ventilation may be used but is rarely necessary. When there is a risk of anoxia through hypoventilation, oxygen should be added to the inspired air.
As many nebulisers operate on a continuous flow basis, it is likely that nebulised drug will be released in the local environment. Salbutamol (Ventolin Nebules) should therefore be administered in a well ventilated room, particularly in hospitals when several patients may be using nebulisers in the same space at the same time.
Adults and Children: A suitable starting dose of salbutamol by wet inhalation is 2.5 milligrams.
This may be increased to 5 milligrams. Treatment may be repeated four times daily. In adults higher dosing, up to 40 milligrams per day, can be given under strict medical supervision in hospital for the treatment of severe airways obstruction.
Clinical efficacy of nebulised Salbutamol (Ventolin) in infants under 18 months is uncertain. As transient hypoxaemia may occur, supplemental oxygen therapy should be considered.