Asthmas question - liquid ventolin .......... why would a doctor not want to prescribe this? Any doctors amongst us?

[ValiumSingleton]

my dc is on the spectrum and won't use inhalers. I have been giving him liquid ventolin when he gets really bad night coughing fits. I asked the doctor's receptionist for a repeat perscription and she was all hummmmm and hawwwwwwww and "why LIQUID??????" to me. I tried to explain but she said 'oh the doctors don't like to prescribe it in liquid, I'm surprised she prescribed it to you.

But they still make it obviously,,, so what's the big deal?

[ValiumSingleton]

bump

[Gracie123]

Never heard of it liquid. Both my DCs are asthmatic and I find it incredibly hard to make them take their inhalers (four times a day, pin them to the floor whilst they scream and I force mask over their faces ). I'll be interested to know, because if there is no downside, we want it too

[CMOTdibbler]

Because its not nearly as effective, and has far more side effects.

[Sirzy]

I was told it was much more effective via the inhaler and even if you have to pin them down to do it that is a much better way of administer it.

[ValiumSingleton]

Thanks. I wonder what the side effects are.

I find it great. It means dc will not be coughing all night long and we will all get some sleep... also, its effect is more gradual I think. With inhalers I think you're ok for 20 minutes then you need another puff. The liquid dose seems to relieve for longer. I have about 60mls left and will be eke it out sparingly... just in case doc won't give me another scrip for it.

[CMOTdibbler]

It makes you really jittery and shaky

[Sirzy]

It makes sense the inhaler form will be more effective as it is straight to the lungs.

If an inhaler is only lasting 20 mins then they either needs more puffs at once or they need futher treatment.

If it works for you DS though I hope you manage to get another script! I know what a PITA it can be fighting to get scripts from some GPs mine still doesn't like giving DS the inhalers prescibed by the hospital!

[ValiumSingleton]

CMOTdibbler, can I aSK, have you tried both?: I actually find the liquid form more effective, so I'm just wondering if doctors say it's less effective, although I'd have no reason why they'd do that. Really can't figure it out. Price?? or does it stunt a child's growth or something really shocking!

[Gracie123]

With both my children they were diagnosed under one (DD is still only 8 months) and I was told Drs don't like to prescribe any asthma medication at such a young age because it has effects on their hearts when they are older (I think, can't remember exactly) but in both cases I was told that the risks were out weighed by DCs need for medication.

I wonder if the liquid version is more potentially damaging (especially if it is more effective as you say, maybe it's just stronger?) and that's why they aren't keen to prescribe?

[Sirzy]

I have never heard that Gracie. DS has had been on inhalers since he was 4 months old, daily since 6 months old (he is now 16 months)

I was told they rarely diagnosis asthma (normally diagnose it as viral wheeze) so young, but they treat both the same way anyway.

[Ben10isthespawnofthedevil]

Found this

The safety and effectiveness of using this medication for long periods of time have not been established for children 2 to 6 years of age. Very rarely, this medication may cause hyperactivity, sleeping problems, and behavioural changes in children. If this occurs, contact the child's doctor.

[Gracie123]

Dunno. It was 3 years ago that DS was diagnosed, and DR spent a long time explaining that there were risks etc... but they didn't make that much fuss with DD. Asked if I knew how to use them (yes, DS is asthmatic) then prescribed and said 'oh you'll be fine then'.

I'm now starting to question whether it was the steroids DS had to take at the same time which I was being warned about and I misunderstood

[Gracie123]

Prednisone? I think that's what it's called. Maybe that was the problem, rather than the salbutamol?

[Sirzy]

Pred is much stronger so that would make sense. DS has had that a few times, in the small doses normally given though it shouldn't be a problem (or so I have always been told!) although my GP won't prescribe it and insists its done via the hospital.

[RubberDuck]

Basically the liquid version has to have much larger quantities of the drug as it has to be absorbed into the digestive system then get to where it's needed (the lungs). Inhalers are much much safer as they can have minute quantities delivered to exactly where they're needed.

It does sound to me that it would be worth going back to GP or asthma nurse and look at getting a preventer prescribed. Inhaler dose I find usually works for a few hours - only 20 minutes seems very short. If you're needing a reliever more than two times in a week then you need to go back to the GP anyway.

[ValiumSingleton]

I only need asthma medication for my son rarely. I'd say he gets the viral wheeze, but we are an asthmatic family, and any cough/cold is rounded off with an asthmatic night coughing session every night for about ten days (even if the cold only lasted two).

[ValiumSingleton]

reception just rang, they will prescribe it but I have to take him in, they won't issue a repeat prescription. That's absolutely FINE! I'm happy with that.

phew.