Ventolair

Ventolair is a metered-dose inhaler containing the inhaled corticosteroid beclometasone dipropionate in an extrafine formulation. The particularly small particles also reach the fine, peripheral airways and thus provide better distribution of the active ingredient throughout the entire lung.

The medication is used for the preventive long-term treatment of bronchial asthma. In addition to the classic metered-dose inhaler, the breath-actuated version Ventolair Easi Breathe is also available.

The extrafine formulation allows lower doses with efficacy comparable to that of conventional beclometasone inhalers.

Beclometasone in an extrafine formulation:

Special feature of the extrafine particles:

• Particle size about 1 µm (instead of 3-5 µm in conventional formulations)
• Also reach small airways (< 2 mm in diameter)
• Higher lung deposition (approx. 50-60% instead of 10-20%)
• More even distribution throughout the entire lung

Mechanism of action: 1. Beclometasone is converted in the lungs into the active 17-BMP 2. Binds to glucocorticoid receptors 3. Inhibits inflammatory mediators 4. Reduces mucosal swelling and hyperresponsiveness

Clinical advantage: Due to the better distribution, lower doses can be used with the same efficacy.

Ventolair is suitable for:

• Bronchial asthma in adults and adolescents
• As maintenance therapy (controller)
• Patients who benefit from an extrafine formulation

Ventolair Easi Breathe:

• Breath-actuated – no coordination problem
• Particularly suitable for older patients
• Automatic release when breathing in

Not suitable:

• For the acute treatment of shortness of breath
• During an acute asthma attack

Ventolair metered-dose inhaler:

• 100 µg per puff (extrafine)
• 250 µg per puff

Dosage for asthma (adults), Ventolair 100 µg metered-dose inhaler:

• Mild to moderate: 100-200 µg twice daily (200-400 µg per day)
• Severe: up to 400 µg twice daily (up to 800 µg per day)

Caution – dose conversion: Because of the higher lung deposition, the extrafine doses correspond to about twice the conventional formulation. 100 µg extrafine ≈ 200 µg conventional.

Ventolair metered-dose inhaler: 1. Remove the protective cap, shake the inhaler 2. Breathe out deeply 3. Close your lips around the mouthpiece 4. Breathe in slowly and deeply while releasing a puff 5. Hold your breath for 10 seconds 6. Breathe out slowly 7. Rinse your mouth and spit out

Ventolair Easi Breathe: 1. Open the protective cap 2. Breathe out deeply 3. Close your mouth around the mouthpiece 4. Breathe in normally – the spray is released automatically 5. Hold your breath 6. Rinse your mouth

Important:

• Use regularly
• Always rinse your mouth
• Do not stop abruptly

Do not use in case of:

• Hypersensitivity to beclometasone or any of the ingredients

Caution in case of:

• Active pulmonary tuberculosis
• Fungal or viral infections of the airways
• Acute worsening of breathlessness after inhalation (paradoxical bronchospasm): stop the treatment immediately and have your treatment plan reviewed

Pregnancy: Can be used for asthma.

Breastfeeding: Use is possible if appropriately indicated.

Common (1-10%):

• Oral thrush
• Hoarseness
• Throat irritation

Uncommon:

• Headache
• Cough

Rare (with high doses/long-term therapy):

• Systemic corticosteroid effects
• Adrenal suppression

Prevention: Rinse your mouth and spit out after each inhalation.

Interactions:

• CYP3A4 inhibitors – lower risk than with fluticasone
• Beclometasone is preferred with concomitant ritonavir therapy

No relevant interaction with:

• Bronchodilators
• Most common medications