Proventil vs Ventolin – Uses, Side Effects, Differences

Proventil

It is the brand name of albuterol inhalation that belongs to the family of drugs known as adrenergic bronchodilators. These drugs open up the bronchial tubes in the lungs.

Uses

This medicine is typically used to treat and prevent shortness of breath and wheezing caused by breathing conditions, including –  chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma. Moreover, it is used to prevent exercise-induced asthma.

Note – because it is short-acting, this medicine is not necessarily the best asthma drug for preventing asthma in general.

Dosage

For prevention of asthmatic symptoms or treatment of acute episodes of bronchospasm, the usual recommended dose for adults and children 4 years of age and older is 2 inhalations repeated every 4 to 6 hours.

Note – a larger number of inhalations or more frequent administration is not recommended. For instance, in some sufferers, 1 inhalation every 4 hours may be sufficient.

Side Effects And Precautions Of Albuterol

Common side effects may include:

  • chest pain;
  • vomiting;
  • rapid heartbeat;
  • infection of the nose, ears, and throat;
  • nervousness;
  • tremor;
  • nausea;
  • a runny nose.

Rare side effects may include:

  • swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat;
  • wheezing;
  • fluttering in the chest;
  • problems breathing;
  • burning when urinating;
  • muscle weakness;
  • unexplained weight loss;
  • increased urination;
  • irregular heartbeats;
  • extreme thirst;
  • constipation;
  • leg cramps;
  • dry skin;
  • drowsiness;
  • dry mouth.

Some drugs can affect how this medicine works. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any of the following:

  • digoxin (a drug used to treat various heart conditions);
  • water pills;
  • blood pressure medicine;
  • an MAO inhibitor within the past 14 days.

Avoid this drug if you are pregnant since it crosses the placenta. Moreover, there are no conclusive studies regarding its safe use if you are breastfeeding a baby.

Ventolin

It is the brand name of the drug called albuterol (also known as salbutamol), a bronchodilator that increases airflow to the lungs and relaxes muscles in the airways. It is part of a family of drugs called β2-adrenergic agonists.

Because this puffer gives fast relief from the chest symptoms, it is also known as ”a reliever puffer.”

Uses

This medication is typically prescribed to treat chronic bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchi), asthma, and other breathing disorders. Moreover, it is used to prevent asthma attacks caused by a physical activity.

Dosage

Adults and children older than 12 years should not take more than 32 mg per day. It will work within minutes and make breathing easier. However, after you take this medication, you might feel jittery.

Side Effects And Precautions

Common side effects may include:

  • fast heart rate;
  • chest pain;
  • a sore throat;
  • upper respiratory tract infection;
  • dizziness;
  • a cough;
  • nervousness;
  • shakiness;
  • heart palpitations;
  • muscle pain.

Rare side effects may include:

  • nervousness;
  • trouble breathing;
  • tremor;
  • chest tightness;
  • uneven heartbeats;
  • wheezing;
  • chest pain;
  • seizure;
  • shortness of breath;
  • muscle weakness;
  • confusion;
  • anxiety;
  • extreme thirst;
  • buzzing in your ears;
  • blurred vision;
  • a severe headache;
  • leg discomfort;
  • increased urination.

To make sure you can safely use this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have or had:

  • heart problems;
  • liver problems;
  • the names of any other drugs you are already taking, including those with prescription and nonprescription;
  • type 2 diabetes mellitus;
  • high blood pressure;
  • allergy to any type of medicine;
  • kidney problems;
  • epilepsy;
  • overactive thyroid;
  • if you are trying to become pregnant;
  • if you are pregnant;
  • if you are breastfeeding;
  • congestive heart failure.

Because smoking tobacco (and second-hand smoking) causes irritation to the lungs, it is not recommended to smoke while taking this medicine.

Proventil vs Ventolin – Which Is Better?

Proventil is used to treat or prevent bronchospasm (the constriction of the muscles in the walls of the bronchioles) in sufferers with reversible obstructive airway disease as well as to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm.

Ventolin is a bronchodilator medicine that widens the airways by opening up the air passages in the lungs, hence, the air can flow into the lungs more freely.

In conclusion, both contain the same main ingredient – albuterol (also referred to as salbutamol). According to studies, both have similar effects. The only difference between the two medicines is that they are produced by different manufacturers. Therefore, it is best to let your healthcare provider choose which is the better option for you.

Natural Home Remedies for Asthma

#1 Chili Peppers

Chili peppers open up airways due to their content of capsaicin, the active plant compound which makes peppers hot. According to scientists, this happens because capsaicin stimulates fluids in the throat, mouth, and lungs. This, ultimately, thins out the mucus formed during an asthma attack which can be coughed up.

#2 Coffee

It has been shown to be a potent bronchodilator. More importantly, if caught without your asthma medication, a few cups of coffee may help during an asthma attack.

#3 Onion

This vegetable is the most widely cultivated species of the genus Allium. It has potent anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce the constriction of the airways in an asthma attack.

Furthermore, onion can help decrease the risk of peripheral vascular diseases and coronary artery disease as well as it has cancer-fighting properties.

#4 Foods Rich In Beta-Carotene And Lycopene

Foods that contain beta-carotene and lycopene are known to reduce the occurrence of asthma attacks. Foods high in beta-carotene include – sweet potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, watermelons, beetroots, broccoli, cantaloupe, lettuce, pumpkin, apricots, red cabbage, red onions, papayas, and mangoes.

#5 Avoid Food Additives

If suffering from asthma, it is recommended to have a diet high in whole, organic fruits and vegetables. In addition, you should decrease your intake of food additives (they help maintain freshness, prolong shelf life, and improve the taste of processed foods), fried foods (including french fries, potato chips, fried chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, burritos, and red and processed meats) and hydrogenated oils.

Images credit – Shutterstock & @Getty

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References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9498941
http://journal.chestnet.org/article/S0012-3692(16)32403-5/pdf

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