
What is Ventolin Diskus?
Ventolin Diskus is an inhaled medication that is indicated for:
- Treating bronchospasm in individuals ages four years and older with reversible obestructive airway diseases, such as asthma or chronic bronchitis. For acute bronchospasm, Ventolin Diskus should be taken as one inhalation as needed. The maximum dose is four inhalations each day. Patients should not exceed the maximum number of inhalations daily.
- Preventing bronchospasm. Patients can take one inhalation every four to six hours. Individuals should not exceed four inhalations each day.
- Preventing exercise-induced bronchospasm in individuals aged four years and older. These patients should take one inhalation 15 minutes prior to exercising.
How does Ventolin Diskus Work?
Albuterol is a selective beta2-adrenergic receptor agonist. Albuterol’s effect on these adrenoreceptors contributes to increased cyclic AMP levels, causing the bronchial smooth muscle to relax and the inhibition of mediator release. This relaxes the muscles in the walls of the lungs, opening the airways. This mechanism, therefore, alleviates wheezing, cough, and chest tightness, allowing the individual to breathe easier.
Side Effects
Side effects of Ventolin Diskus include:
- Hypertension
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Anxiety or irritability
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Shakiness
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Hyperactivity in children
- Myalgia
- Irritated or dry throat
- Fever
Warnings & Precautions
Paradoxical Bronchospasm
Ventolin Diskus can cause paradoxical bronchospasm, like other inhaled medications. This event can be life-threatening. If this occurs, stop Ventolin Diskus immediately and ask your doctor about possibly switching medications.
Deterioration of Asthma
Patients should monitor for worsening asthma, which may progress over hours or days despite treatment. If an individual requires more Ventolin Diskus doses, this may indicate that their asthma is becoming destabilized. The patient may need to be reevaluated and require a different treatment regimen. Specifically, providers should consider anti-inflammatory treatment with something like corticosteroids.
Anti-inflammatory Agents
Beta-adrenergic agonist bronchodilators, such as Ventolin Diskus, alone may not provide enough asthma relief. If this is the case, providers should consider using adjunct anti-inflammatory agents such as corticosteroids.
Cardiovascular Effects
Beta2-adrenergic agonists can cause certain cardiovascular effects, such as changes to blood pressure or pulse rate. If this happens, providers should stop therapy with Ventolin Diskus. Beta-agonists have also demonstrated electrocardiogram (ECG) alterations. Therefore, Ventolin Diskus and other sympathomimetic agents should be used with caution in those who have cardiovascular disorders. In particular, those with cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension, and coronary insufficiency should use caution.
Hypokalemia
Beta-agonists, such as Ventolin Diskus, can cause hypokalemia. These changes can lead to cardiovascular events. However, decreases in potassium levels are usually transient and do not necessitate supplementation.
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Ventolin Diskus has been shown to cause hypersensitivity events such as rash, angioedema, hypotension, and bronchospasm.
Coexisting Conditions
Therapy with sympathomimetic amines such as Ventolin Diskus should be monitored in those with certain conditions. These conditions include those with diabetes mellitus, convulsive disorders, and hyperthyroidism. Additionally, large doses of albuterol have been shown to exacerbate diabetes mellitus and ketoacidosis.
Excessive Doses
Inhaled sympathomimetic drugs have been shown to cause death when used at doses that exceed what is recommended. The mechanism causing this is unknown. However, cardiac arrest and hypoxia are potential sources.
Drug Interactions
Beta-adrenergic Receptor Blocking Agents
Beta-blockers stop beta-agonist effects on the pulmonary system. Additionally, they may cause serious bronchospasm in asthma patients. Any patient with asthma should avoid beta-blockers. If necessary, providers can consider cardio-selective beta-blockers, but should still use caution.
Non-Potassium-Sparing Diuretics
Beta-agonists, including albuterol, can worsen hypokalemia and enhance ECG changes caused by non-potassium-sparing diuretics like thiazide or loop diuretics. Providers should use caution when prescribing Ventolin Diskus in patients on these types of diuretics.
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
Providers should use caution when prescribing Ventolin Diskus with MAOIs or TCAs. Albuterol’s cardiovascular effects may be increased when used in combination with these types of medications.
Digoxin
In one study, serum digoxin levels decreased after oral and intravenous administration with albuterol. Providers, therefore, should carefully monitor serum digoxin levels in those that are taking digoxin concomitantly with albuterol.
Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer
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