Ventolin Salbutamol Nebules 2.5mg (60 Nebules = 2 packs of 30)

VENTOLIN(R) Nebules


Consumer Medicine Information

About your Ventolin(R) Nebules

Read all of this leaflet carefully before you use your medicine.

This leaflet does not have the complete information about your medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, you should ask your doctor or pharmacist (also known as a chemist).

All medicines have some risks. Sometimes new risks are found even when a medicine has been used for many years.

If there is anything you do not understand, ask your doctor or pharmacist. If you want more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medicine is only one part of a general plan to help you manage your asthma or other chest condition. You should discuss this plan with your doctor. Ask your doctor to check your treatment regularly.

1. What is the name of my medicine?

The name of your medicine is Ventolin Nebules. Your Ventolin Nebules are used in a device called a nebuliser.

2. What is in my Ventolin Nebules?

Ventolin Nebules are plastic ampoules which contain a medicine called salbutamol sulphate as a liquid. The liquid is changed into a fine mist of droplets by the nebuliser.

Ventolin Nebules are made in two strengths:

  • 2.5 mg of salbutamol sulphate in 2.5 ml of liquid per ampoule
  • 5 mg of salbutamol sulphate in 2.5 ml of liquid per ampoule.
  • The liquid in your Ventolin Nebules also contains sodium chloride and water, and does not contain a preservative.

    Your Ventolin Nebules are packed in strips of 5 which are wrapped in foil. There are 30 Nebules in a box.

    3. What do my Ventolin Nebules do?

    Your Ventolin Nebules help you to breathe more easily. When your chest is tight or when you are wheezing, the Ventolin opens up the breathing tubes in your lungs. Your medicine is known as a bronchodilator. Because the medicine in your Ventolin Nebules gives fast relief from your chest symptoms, it is often called a `reliever`.

    4. Is there anything I should tell my doctor before starting my Ventolin Nebules?

    Tell your doctor:

  • the names of all other medicines you are already taking, including those from the pharmacy and supermarket
  • if you have had to stop taking this or any other asthma medicine
  • if you are allergic to any medicine
  • if you are having treatment for a thyroid problem
  • if you are having treatment for high blood pressure
  • if you have a heart problem
  • if you have a liver problem
  • if you have a kidney problem
  • if you have sugar diabetes.
  • 5. What if I am pregnant or breast feeding?

    Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Your doctor will tell you if you should take your medicine. It is important that asthma is managed well during pregnancy and you should not stop your medicine without asking your doctor.

    6. How do I use my Ventolin Nebules?

    Do not swallow the liquid in your Ventolin Nebules. The medicine in your Ventolin Nebules is taken by inhalation only, using a nebuliser. A nebuliser delivers the medicine in the form of a mist which you breathe into your lungs. You breathe in the mist through the face mask which is connected to the nebuliser.

    You will find the instructions on how to use your Ventolin Nebules in a nebuliser on the back of this leaflet. Follow the instructions carefully.

    The pharmacist`s label will usually tell you how many Nebules to use and how often to use them. If you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

    Your doctor will decide what dose you should take, how often you should take it and what strength of Nebules you should use. If your chest condition suddenly gets worse, your doctor may tell you to increase your dose. If you increase your dose and do not get relief, tell your doctor immediately.

    It is wise to visit your doctor or pharmacist from time to time to check that you are using your nebuliser in the right way. You should also contact the manufacturer of your nebuliser to check that your nebuliser is working properly. If you are not breathing the medicine in correctly, the medicine may not be helping you as much as it could.

    After using the nebuliser, discard any liquid left in the nebuliser bowl, rinse and dry.

    7. What should I do if my Ventolin Nebules do not have the usual effect?

    IMPORTANT: If your breathing suddenly becomes more difficult just after you have used your Ventolin Nebules, tell your doctor immediately.

    If your Ventolin Nebules do not help your breathing as much as usual, tell your doctor as soon as possible. If the effect of your Ventolin Nebules does not last as long as usual or lasts less than 3 hours, tell your doctor as soon as possible.

    These may be signs that your chest condition is getting worse.

    Your doctor may decide to add another medicine to your treatment if your Ventolin Nebules are not having the same effect as before.

    8. Are there any side-effects with my Ventolin Nebules and what should I do if I have any side-effects after using my Ventolin Nebules?

    Like all other medicines, your Ventolin Nebules may cause some side-effects. Most of the side-effects will be minor and temporary, but some may be serious. Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to answer any questions you may have.

    If you have any of the following side-effects, tell your doctor or pharmacist but do not stop using your Ventolin Nebules:

    Common side-effects

  • headache
  • nausea
  • shaky or tense feeling
  • your heart beats faster than usual
  • `warm` feeling
  • mouth or throat irritation.
  • Rare side-effects

  • muscle cramps
  • restlessness.
  • If you have a hypersensitivity reaction, for example, skin rash, angioedema (sudden swelling under the skin), or faint or dizzy feeling, you should stop using your Ventolin Nebules and tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

    In a few people, the medicine in Ventolin Nebules may affect their blood potassium levels. Your doctor may do tests to check this.

    If you use a combination of nebulised Ventolin and ipratropium bromide, be careful not to let the liquid or mist get in your eyes. If you have red eyes or misty vision with headache after using this combination, tell your doctor immediately.

    If you have any other problems after using your Ventolin Nebules, tell your doctor or pharmacist.

    9. What if I use too many Ventolin Nebules?

    You should only use the number of Nebules that you have been told.

    As with any medicine, in the event of an overdose, you should contact your nearest hospital emergency department without delay.

    10. Where should I keep my Ventolin Nebules?

    Keep your Ventolin Nebules in a place where children cannot reach them.

    Keep your Ventolin Nebules in a cool place (store below 25 degrees C) and protect from light.

    You will find an expiry (or use by) date printed on the manufacturer`s label on the foil lid and on the cardboard box. Do not use your Ventolin Nebules after this date.

    Once you have opened each foil pack, write down the date of opening on the foil lid. Add three months to this date and write it down in the “Discard After” space on the lid. Do not use any Nebules left in that foil tray after the “Discard After” date.

    11. If I have been told to use my Ventolin Nebules regularly, what should I do if I forget a dose?

    If you forget a dose, do not worry. Just take the next dose at the normal time or earlier if you become wheezy or feel tight in the chest.

    12. Can I let someone else use my Ventolin Nebules?

    Your Ventolin Nebules are only for you. You should not give this medicine to someone else.

    13. Are there different types of asthma medicines?

    Yes. Ventolin Nebules contain the type of asthma medicine known as a `reliever`. There are other types of medicines that prevent wheezing or chest tightness. These medicines are called `preventers` and must be used every day. Your doctor may tell you to use a `preventer` medicine in addition to your Ventolin Nebules.

    Ventolin Nebules is not the only form of Ventolin available. Your doctor will decide which form of Ventolin is right for you.

    14. Is there anything else I should know about my Ventolin Nebules?

    If you have any other questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

    15. Who makes my Ventolin Nebules?

    Your Ventolin Nebules are made by:

  • Allen & Hanburys
  • A division of
  • GlaxoSmithKline Australia Pty Ltd
  • 1061 Mountain Highway
  • Boronia Victoria 3155
  • (R)Ventolin and (R)Nebules are registered trade marks of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies.
  • Do not throw this leaflet away. You may need to read it again

  • Date of preparation: 21 January 2003
  • Ventolin(R) (salbutamol sulphate) Nebules(R)
  • 2.5 mg in 2.5 ml, AUST R 12533
  • 5 mg in 2.5 ml, AUST R 12534
  • (C) 2003 GlaxoSmithKline
  • CMI:Ventolin Nebules
  • Issue No. 3
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    1800 200 736