What is Ventolin Diskus?
Ventolin Diskus, also known as salbutamol inhalation powder, is a prescription medication used to manage and prevent symptoms associated with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It contains the active ingredient salbutamol, which acts as a bronchodilator, relaxing the muscles in the airways and improving breathing. The Ventolin Diskus device delivers a measured dose of the medication through inhalation, providing quick relief from wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and usage instructions provided by a healthcare professional. While Ventolin Diskus is generally well-tolerated, potential side effects may include trembling, increased heart rate, and headaches. Regular consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended to monitor the condition and adjust treatment as needed.

Prescription Required.
Product of Canada.
Shipped from Canada.
Prescription Required. | Product of Canada. | Shipped from Canada. |
What is Ventolin Diskus?
Ventolin Diskus is an inhaled medication that is indicated for:
- Treating bronchospasm in individuals ages four years and older with chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, and other disorders where bronchospasm is an issue. To treat 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 ages four years and older. These patients should take one inhalation 15 minutes prior to exercising.
How does Ventolin Diskus Work?
Albuterol has an effect on beta2-adrenergic receptors. 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 lung, 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 & Precaution
Paradoxical Bronchospasm
Ventolin Diskus can cause paradoxical bronchospasm like other inhaled medications. This event can be life-threatening. If this occurs, stop Ventolin Diskus right away and start a different therapy.
Deterioration of Asthma
A patient’s asthma may deteriorate for hours or days after administration. 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. These effects can include 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 that 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 those with asthma. 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, such as salmeterol, can worsen hypokalemia and/or 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. Salbutamol’s effect on the vascular system can be increased by these types of medications.
Digoxin
In one study, serum digoxin levels decreased after oral and intravenous administration with salbutamol. Providers, therefore, should carefully monitor serum digoxin levels in those that are taking digoxin concomitantly with albuterol.