Definition

Noun 1. A specific bronchodilator medication: "Ventolin" is the brand name for a drug containing the active ingredient albuterol (salbutamol). It is primarily used to treat and prevent bronchospasm in conditions like asthma, emphysema, and other lung diseases by relaxing and opening the airways in the lungs. It is commonly available as an inhaler.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The doctor prescribed Ventolin for her asthma attacks.
  • He always carries his Ventolin inhaler when he exercises.
  • Ventolin provides quick relief from breathing difficulties.

Advanced Usage

• "Ventolin" vs. "Albuterol": "Ventolin" is a proprietary brand name, while "albuterol" (or "salbutamol") is the generic name for the drug. They refer to the same medication.
  • My insurance covers generic albuterol but not the brand-name Ventolin.

Variants and Related Words

• Albuterol (US) / Salbutamol (International) (n): The generic drug name for the medication marketed as Ventolin.
• Bronchodilator (n): The general class of drugs that relax lung muscles to widen airways, which includes Ventolin.
• Rescue inhaler (n): A common term for a quick-relief inhaler like Ventolin, used during an asthma attack.

Synonyms

• Proventil: Another brand name for the same drug (albuterol).
• Reliever inhaler: A descriptive term for its function.

Notes on Meaning

• Medical Context: The word "Ventolin" is used almost exclusively in a medical or pharmaceutical context. It is not used figuratively.
• Side Effects: As noted in the reference, common side effects can include tachycardia (rapid heart rate) and shakiness.

Noun

1. a bronchodilator (trade names Ventolin or Proventil) used for asthma and emphysema and other lung conditions; available in oral or inhalant forms; side effects are tachycardia and shakiness