Ventolin Caution For Usage

Nebules: Dilution: VENTOLIN Nebules may be diluted with sterile normal saline. Any unused solution in the chamber of the nebuliser must be discarded.
Accuhaler: Instructions for Use/Handling: The Accuhaler is sealed in a foil overwrap. The overwrap provides moisture protection and should only be opened when ready to use it for the first time. Once removed/opened the foil overwrap should be discarded.
About the ACCUHALER: When taking ACCUHALER out of its box, it will be in the closed position.
The ACCUHALER contains 60 individually protected doses of the medicine, in powder form.
The dose indicator tells how many doses are left.
Each dose is accurately measured and hygienically protected. It requires no maintenance - and no refilling.
The dose indicator on top of the ACCUHALER tells how many doses are left. Numbers 5 to 0 will appear in RED, to warn when there are only a few doses left.
The ACCUHALER is easy to use. When needing a dose, just follow the four simple steps: 1. Open. 2. Slide. 3. Inhale. 4. Close.
How the ACCUHALER works: Sliding the lever of the ACCUHALER opens a small hole in the mouthpiece and unwraps a dose, ready for inhalation. When closing the ACCUHALER, the lever automatically moves back to its original position, ready for the next dose when needed. The outer case protects the ACCUHALER when it is not in use.
How to use the ACCUHALER: 1. Open: To open the ACCUHALER, hold the outer case in one hand and put the thumb of the other hand on the thumbgrip. The patient should push his/her thumb away from him/her as far as it will go.
2. Slide: The patient should hold the ACCUHALER with the mouthpiece towards him/her.
The patient should slide the lever away from him/her, as far as it will go - until it clicks.
The ACCUHALER is now ready to use.
Every time the lever is pushed back, a dose is made available for inhaling.
This is shown by the dose counter.
Do not play with the lever as this releases doses which will be wasted.
3. Inhale: Before the patient starts to inhale the dose, he/she should read through this section carefully.
Hold the ACCUHALER away from the mouth. Breathe out as far as is comfortable.
Remember - never breathe into the ACCUHALER.
Put the mouthpiece to the lips. Breathe in steadily and deeply - through the ACCUHALER, not through the nose.
Remove the ACCUHALER from the mouth.
Hold the breath for about 10 seconds, or for as long as is comfortable.
Breathe out slowly.
4. Close: To close the ACCUHALER, the patient should put the thumb in the thumbgrip, and slide the thumbgrip back towards him/her, as far as it will go.
When the patient closes the ACCUHALER, it clicks shut.
The lever automatically returns to the original position and is reset.
The ACCUHALER is now ready for use again.
If the patient has been instructed to take two inhalations he/she must close the ACCUHALER and repeat stages 1 to 4.
Remember: Keep the ACCUHALER dry.
Keep it closed when not in use.
Never breathe into the ACCUHALER.
Only slide the lever when ready to take a dose.
VENTOLIN ACCUHALER must only be breathed in through the mouth.
Do not exceed the stated dose.
Inhaler: Testing the inhaler: 1. When using the inhaler for the first time, test that it is working. Remove the mouthpiece cover by gently squeezing the sides with the thumb and forefinger and pull apart.
2. To make sure that it works, shake it well, point the mouthpiece away from the patient and press the canister to release two puffs into the air. If the patient has not used the inhaler for 5 days or more, shake it well and release two puffs of medicine into the air.
Using the inhaler: It is important to start to breathe as slowly as possible just before using the inhaler.
1. Stand or sit upright when using the inhaler.
2. Remove the mouthpiece cover. Check inside and outside to make sure that the mouthpiece is clean and free of objects.
3. Shake the inhaler 4 or 5 times to ensure that any loose objects are removed and that the contents of the inhaler are evenly mixed.
4. Hold the inhaler upright with the thumb on the base, below the mouthpiece. Breathe out as far as is comfortable. Do not breathe in again yet.
5. Place the mouthpiece in the mouth between the teeth. Close the lips around it. Do not bite.
6. Breathe in through the mouth. Just after starting to breathe in, press down on the top of the canister to release a puff of medicine. Do this while still breathing in steadily and deeply.
7. Hold the breath, take the inhaler from the mouth and finger from the top of the inhaler. Continue holding the breath for a few seconds, or as long as is comfortable.
8. If the doctor has told the patient to take two puffs, wait about half a minute before taking another puff by repeating steps 3 to 7.
9. After use always replace the mouthpiece cover straight away to keep out dust. Replace the cover by firmly pushing and clicking into position.
Young children may need help and their parents may need to operate the inhaler for them. Encourage the child to breathe out and operate the inhaler just after the child starts to breathe in. Practise the technique together.
Older children or people with weak hands may find it easier to hold the inhaler with both hands. Put the two forefingers on top of the inhaler and both thumbs on the bottom below the mouthpiece. If this does not help, the doctor, nurse or pharmacist will be able to advise the patient.
Cleaning the inhaler: To stop the inhaler blocking, it is important to clean it at least once a week.
To clean the inhaler: 1. Remove the metal canister from the plastic casing of the inhaler and remove the mouthpiece cover.
2. Rinse the plastic casing thoroughly under warm running water.
3. Dry the plastic casing THOROUGHLY inside and out.
4. Replace the metal canister into the plastic casing and put on mouthpiece cover.
DO NOT PUT THE METAL CANISTER INTO WATER.
Solution for Intravenous Infusion: Dilution: VENTOLIN parenteral preparations may be diluted with Water for Injections BP, Sodium Chloride Injection BP, Sodium Chloride and Dextrose Injection BP or Dextrose Injection BP. These are the only recommended diluents.
VENTOLIN parenteral preparations should not be administered in the same syringe or infusion as any other medication.
The contents of the ampoule of VENTOLIN Solution for Intravenous Infusion must not be injected in the undiluted form; the concentration should be reduced at least by 50% before administration.