Ventolin is the brand name for a range of medicinal products containing Salbutamol, all of which are intended for the treatment of the various forms of asthma, where the relief of bronchospasm is indicated. Salbutamol, which is the active ingredient in all of these products, is a bronchodilator which must be used under medical supervision. This supervision is particularly important for these products because of their propensity for use over prolonged periods and at higher dosage levels. The classification assigned to this range of bronchodilator products in this country facilitates this essential supervision, which is in the interest of protecting public health.
The legal classification of medicinal products on the market is the subject of ongoing review in consultation with the Irish Medicines Board. In addition to their safety profile, consideration is also given to the legal classifications assigned to the various medicinal products in the other member states of the European Union. While the position, where legal classification is concerned, has not yet been harmonised, the position in this country is not significantly different from that pertaining in other member states where the law is concerned.
The position in Ireland in relation to products containing Salbutamol is that the prescription may be repeated by the pharmacist for up to six months after its date of issue. In some member states, there is no such facility for a repeat supply. Ireland's position on the control of medicinal products containing Salbutamol is wholly consistent with Resolution AP (95) 1 of the Council of Europe, which recommends a prescription only classification with a facility that the supply may be repeated for up to six months. Under this Resolution, the classifications shown are to be considered as minimum requirements. Countries, therefore, may apply stricter rules in any given case.
