I heard some of the content is propellant but how do you know if you are getting the medication and whether it is near running out. I rarely had to use my ventolin - mostly when developing a chest infection. Now i need it more often. It could do with a counter on it like Fostair.
I read something about putting it in water and judging from the way it sinks or floats. Dodgy? Any advice tips please would be very helpful from regular users - many thanks
Hi, I use Ventolin everyday and keep a pen and paper next to it and do a 'five bar gate' so I know when it's empty. 🙂 xxx
That's right, some of the content is the propellant hence the need to shake it and discontinue whilst still some left.
It's so annoying that the manufacturer doesn't add a counter or nhs insisting on it considering it's such a vital medication.
I don't use mine much since changing to Fostair MART so I put a little black dot on the container as well as writing start date on the aerosol part using an indelible Sharpie pen
Mine is a powder one and has a a counter Infact a few of my inhalers have counter.
I usually take the canister out and shake it x
thankyou everyone for your ideas. It definitely could do with a counter, especially if you dont use it regularly.
A standard inhaler will give about 200 puffs, so if you use it 2 puffs fours times day it will run out after about 25 days, based on this I now get 2 prescribed each month. Do you wash it out, as the hole on the mouthpiece can get blocked. I take the canister out of the mouthpiece and hold the mouthpiece under a running tap from both sides and then let it dry, this can revive an inhaler which appears empty.
Hi, unfortunately I am not given ventolin now as they are trying to get rid of gas propelled relievers and am now on salamol which is supposed to be the same thing cfc free. Ask anyone as it's not as good. My point being why they can't give you 2 at a time to stop the worrying of not sure when it's running out is beyond me and probably down to the actual doctor you see. If your worried have a word with your doctor. Also have you taken the cartridge out and run it through with water as it does get clogged. Good luck. 👍
Sorry, the blue bit in water 😆
Re. Putting it in the water.
I do this. It was recommended on the Asthma uk site, if I remember correctly.
Take the canister out of the plastic and drop it in a bowl of water (a pudding basin is big enough).
If it sinks it's full.
If it floats, it's empty.
Anything in between requires you to judge how near to empty it is.
I don't need my ventolin often but when I DO need it, I need it right away. So I keep one by my bed, one in my bag and one in the kitchen.
Periodically, I do the water test after giving it a shake and pressing to make sure they are working properly.
If I am in doubt, I order another.
This works fine for me.
Hope it helps you.
Xx Moy
thanks Moy - that is really useful to know as i dont use mine all the time either, but when you need it - it needs to work! In fact i got a new one and i notice it is the same colour as Ventolin but it is now Salamol, with no counter either, so wonder if the same technique works with that one? x
Good point! My next replacement will be Salamol. I'll see if there's any info on the website. Xx Moy
Why they dont just put a counter on it beats me, they are trying to phase Ventolin out but lots of people like myself still use this and for me Salbutamol just doesnt work. I give mine a shake and spray a bit into the air, if I can see the medication then its ok x
I use salamol and always have the same problem,the cure for me is to weigh the canister on some cheap digital scales.15grams full and discard when it gets down to 10 g,i have used it down to 9.5 g but not sure how much is propelant then so try not to go below 10g..Good luck folks..
I was changed from Ventolin to Salbutamol & found it didn't agree with me, so asked the prescription service to change it back to Ventolin which thankfully they did.
I always, believed ventolin is, salbutamol. Did the new inhaler have a different brand name
Hi I use ventolin. I can tell when mine is, nearly empty by shaking it. You can tell if it's getting low, by the feel.also the spray gets, weaker when running out. Just make sure you have a, spare and order regularly off the docs. I ask for 2 when I order for home and work. A counter would help I admit
In my opinion its a commercial ploy. If there's uncertainty about enough left, more will be prescribed.
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