Inhalers for Asthma

Asthma Inhalers

For those asthma suffers who normally control their asthma well, Doctor Matt can provide you with either two Ventolin (salbutamol) blue inhalers or Clenil (Beclometasonel) brown inhalers without the hassle of having to visit your local doctor for a repeat prescription.

Ventolin® (Salbutamol) Evohaler

The medicine

Ventolin® (Salbutamol) Evohaler the most popular branded version of salbutamol.

How to take it

Take one to two puffs at a time as required. Do not exceed the recommended dose of salbutamol instructed on your medication.

Effectiveness

The inhaler will start working straight away.

Side-effects

Can cause an increased heart rate, muscle cramps, tremor or shakes, nausea, hoarseness, throat irritation and headaches.

Other things you should know

Salbutamol works by acting on receptors in the lungs called beta 2 receptors. When salbutamol stimulates these receptors it causes the muscles in the airways to relax. This allows the airways to open. In conditions where there is narrowing of the airways, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, eg emphysema and chronic bronchitis), it is difficult for air to get in and out of the lungs. By opening the airways, salbutamol makes it easier to breathe. Salbutamol is most commonly taken using an inhaler device. Inhaling the medicine allows it to act directly in the lungs where it is needed most.

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Clenil® Modulite Inhaler (Beclometasone )

The medicine

Clenil® Modulite Inhaler (Beclometasone )50, 100, 200 or 250 mcg available.

How to take it

Twice daily dosage as instructed on your medication.

Effectiveness

Preventer inhalers do not help control breathing immediately. Preventer inhalers are used on a daily basis to prevent asthma attacks and to control symptoms, such as exercise induced wheezing. You should also have a "reliever inhaler" like Ventolin (salbutamol) in case of sudden attacks of asthma. Follow the printed instructions you have been given with this medication.

Side-effects

Can cause oral thrush.

Other things you should know

Clenil® Modulite inhaler is not interchangeable with other similar inhalers. It is a CFC-free inhaler that contains the active ingredient beclometasone dipropionate. This is a type of medicine known as a corticosteroid. Beclometasone is taken using an inhaler device to treat asthma. Inhaling the medicine allows it to act directly in the lungs where it is needed most. Beclometasone taken by inhaler is known as a preventer. This is because it is taken regularly to reduce the inflammation in the lungs and prevent asthma attacks. Symptoms usually start to get better between three to seven days after starting treatment. However, it is important to continue using this medicine regularly, even after your asthma symptoms have improved, in order to prevent them coming back.

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Qvar® Autohaler, Easibreath and Aerosol Inhaler (Beclometasone)

The medicine

Qvar ®Autohaler, Easibreath and Aerosol Inhaler (Beclometasone ) 50, 100, mcg available.

How to take it

Twice daily dosage as instructed on your medication.

Effectiveness

Preventer inhalers do not help control breathing immediately. Preventer inhalers are used on a daily basis to prevent asthma attacks and to control symptoms, such as exercise induced wheezing. You should also have a "reliever inhaler" like Ventolin (salbutamol) in case of sudden attacks of asthma. Follow the printed instructions you have been given with this medication.

Side-effects

Can cause oral thrush.

Other things you should know

Qvar® is not interchangeable with other similar inhalers. It is a CFC-free inhaler that contains the active ingredient beclometasone dipropionate. This is a type of medicine known as a corticosteroid. Beclometasone is taken using an inhaler device to treat asthma. Inhaling the medicine allows it to act directly in the lungs where it is needed most. Beclometasone taken by inhaler is known as a preventer. This is because it is taken regularly to reduce the inflammation in the lungs and prevent asthma attacks. Symptoms usually start to get better between three to seven days after starting treatment. However, it is important to continue using this medicine regularly, even after your asthma symptoms have improved, in order to prevent them coming back.