VENTOLIN RESPIRATOR SOLUTION 20ML

Indications

Approved Uses

Relief and prevention of bronchospasm in reversible obstructive airway disease (e.g., asthma) and in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (including chronic bronchitis and emphysema), including treatment of acute bronchospasm/exacerbations.

Dosage & Administration

Dosing by Condition

Acute bronchospasm/asthma or COPD exacerbation (nebulised): Adults and children over 12 years: 2.5 mg administered three to four times daily by nebulization. Children 2 to 12 years: initial 0.1-0.15 mg/kg per dose (max 2.5 mg three to four times daily). Dilute appropriate volume of 0.5% solution with normal saline to 3 mL.

Initial Dose

2.5 mg (0.5 mL diluted to 2.5-3 mL with normal saline) via nebuliser

Maintenance Dose

2.5 mg to 5 mg repeated up to 4 times a day as needed.

Maximum Dose

Adults/children >12 years: 2.5 mg 3-4 times daily by nebulization (max 10 mg/day); children 2-12 years: not to exceed 2.5 mg 3-4 times daily. More frequent administration or higher doses not recommended.

Children's Dosage

Children 2-12 years: initial 0.1-0.15 mg/kg/dose (max 2.5 mg), 3-4 times daily; <15 kg: 1.25 mg (0.25 mL); ≥15 kg: 2.5 mg (0.5 mL), diluted to 3 mL. Safety/efficacy <2 years not established.

How to Take

For inhalation use only via a nebuliser. Measure the prescribed dose of 0.5% (5 mg/mL) solution and dilute with sterile 0.9% sodium chloride to a suitable nebuliser fill volume (commonly 2-4 mL, per device/clinical protocol). Administer via mouthpiece or face mask and breathe normally until the nebuliser stops. Do not swallow or inject; use immediately after preparation and discard any remaining diluted solution.

How to Prepare

May be used undiluted or diluted with sterile 0.9% sodium chloride to an appropriate fill volume for the nebuliser (commonly ~2-3 mL) to achieve suitable nebulisation time; prepare fresh for each treatment and discard any remaining solution in the nebuliser chamber after use.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects

Tremor/shakiness, nervousness, headache, tachycardia and palpitations, muscle cramps, and hypokalemia (especially with higher doses or frequent use).

Safety & Warnings

Contraindications

Contraindication: hypersensitivity to salbutamol or any excipients.

Age Restriction

Safety and effectiveness in children below 2 years of age have not been established.

Special Populations

Pregnancy

Category C

Children

Children 2-12 years: initial 0.1-0.15 mg/kg/dose (max 2.5 mg), 3-4 times daily; <15 kg: 1.25 mg (0.25 mL); ≥15 kg: 2.5 mg (0.5 mL), diluted to 3 mL. Safety/efficacy <2 years not established.

Liver Impairment

No adjustment needed.

Storage & Patient Advice

Preparation Instructions

May be used undiluted or diluted with sterile 0.9% sodium chloride to an appropriate fill volume for the nebuliser (commonly ~2-3 mL) to achieve suitable nebulisation time; prepare fresh for each treatment and discard any remaining solution in the nebuliser chamber after use.

Stopping the Medicine

May be stopped when not needed, but frequent/regular need or worsening symptoms requires prompt medical review and adjustment of the asthma/COPD plan (do not rely on SABA alone).

Overdose

Symptoms: tachycardia/palpitations, tremor, hypokalemia, hyperglycemia, lactic/metabolic acidosis, nausea/vomiting, chest pain/arrhythmias (rarely seizures). Management: stop/reduce salbutamol, supportive care, ECG and potassium/glucose/lactate monitoring, correct hypokalemia; consider a cardioselective beta-blocker cautiously for severe tachyarrhythmia; urgent medical attention.

Patient Counseling

Rescue bronchodilator for quick relief: use only via nebuliser as prescribed and do not swallow or inject. Prepare the dose as directed (often diluted with normal saline to the nebuliser’s required volume) and clean the nebuliser equipment regularly. Seek medical advice urgently if symptoms worsen, relief is inadequate, or you need it more often than prescribed. Common effects include tremor/shakiness, headache, and fast heartbeat; report severe palpitations/chest pain. Store below 25°C (per SFDA) and keep out of reach of children.

Pharmacology

Mechanism of Action

Selective beta2-adrenergic agonist that stimulates adenyl cyclase, increases intracellular cAMP, and relaxes bronchial smooth muscle to produce bronchodilation.

Onset of Action

Typically within about 5 minutes (often within 5-15 minutes) after nebulised administration.

Duration of Effect

Approximately 4-6 hours.

Half-Life

Approximately 4-6 hours (reported terminal half-life typically in this range for inhaled and IV salbutamol).

Bioavailability

After inhalation/nebulisation, only a minority of the nominal dose reaches the lungs (commonly ~10-20%); the remainder is deposited in the oropharynx, swallowed, and absorbed from the GI tract, with systemic exposure also arising from pulmonary absorption.

Excretion

Primarily renal: excreted mainly in urine as unchanged salbutamol and as the inactive sulfate conjugate (with a smaller fecal component).

Product Information

Available Dosage Forms

Salbutamol is available (jurisdiction-dependent) as: inhalation aerosol (MDI), inhalation powder (DPI), nebuliser solution, oral syrup/solution, oral tablets (immediate-release and modified/extended-release), and injectable forms (e.g., IV) in some markets.

Composition per Dose

Each 1 mL: 5 mg salbutamol (as sulphate) in 0.5% w/v solution

Generic Availability

Yes

OTC Alternatives

No OTC alternative.

Symptom Target

Cough, Wheezing, Shortness of Breath

Sedating

No

Reviewed by Al Mujtama Pharmacy Medical Review Team. Last reviewed 22-06-2026