What is "ventolin"

Ventolin may refer to:

• Salbutamol (Albuterol), bronchodilator medication marketed under the brand name Ventolin amongst others
• Ventolin (EP), a song by Richard D James/Aphex Twin

"Ventolin" is a piece of electronic music composed by Cornish musician Richard D James. It is noted for its harsh, abrasive sound. James recorded numerous versions of the piece under his Aphex Twin alias.

The piece is named after a trade name for the drug Salbutamol, which is prescribed for the treatment of asthma. A reported side effect of this drug is tinnitus, a high pitched ringing in the ears. James utilized this effect in "Ventolin", incorporating a piercing high-pitched ringing sound throughout the track. The music also incorporates heavily distorted techno beats. The resulting effect has been cited as "one of the harshest singles ever recorded".

The song is sampled by Vancouver Industrial band Front Line Assembly in the song "Retribution" on their 1999 album Implode.