Answers to Medication

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Medication

I have a friend in the Philippines who has a son, 15 months old, who has asthma. The doctor has prescribed both Salbutamol and ventolin in oral form. However it is my understanding that both of these medications contain the same drug,albuterol sulfate. Do you have any idea why a physician would prescribe two different brands of the same drug?

Medications: Salbutamol and ventolin. Has been prescribed a medication to be used with a nebulizer but they cannot afford the nebulizer at this time.
Conditions: None

October 14, 12:11 AM

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1 UpVoted this answer

You are right, they are the same and that does sound strange. I would encourage your friend to discuss your concerns with his or her physician. If a nebulizer is not affordable, perhaps an inhaler with spacer and mask might be an option.

Best of luck!

Today Clinic

Family Medicine in Oklahoma City, OK

Level: Master Contributor (89)

October 22, 06:15 PM

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1 UpVoted this answer

You are right, both salbutamol and ventolin are the same medication. Drug forms of this compound are marketed by GlaxoSmithKline as Ventolin, Ventoline, Ventilan, Aerolin, or Ventorlin, depending on the market. I'm not sure why his doctor would prescribe the same medicine twice. Also, not sure why he would prescribe the oral form and not the inhaled. In the U.S. inhaled albuterol, usually in a nebulized form in younger children, is used as a rescue medicine for acute worsening of symptoms in asthmatic patients. The oral form is not used much anymore. I would address your concerns with his physician so that he is given the proper care.

Justin C. Greiwe, MD

Allergy & Immunology in Cincinnati, OH

Level: Contributor (7)