Salbutamol is typically used to treat bronchospasm (due to any cause?allergic asthma or exercise-induced), as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is also one of the most common medicines used in rescue inhalers (short-term bronchodilators to alleviate asthma attacks).
Beta-2 Agonist; Antiasthmatic
Salbutamol is a synthetic sympathomimetic agent with predominant beta-2 adrenergic activity. Salbutamol produces bronchodilatation through stimulation of beta-2-adrenergic receptors in bronchial smooth muscles, thereby causing relaxation of bronchial muscle fibers. This action is manifested by an improvement in pulmonary function as demonstrated by spirometric measurements.
ORAL Acute bronchospasm: Adult: 2-4 mg (up to 8 mg) 3-4 times daily. As modified- release tablet: 8 mg bid. Child: 1 mth-2 yr: 100 mcg/kg (max: 2 mg), 2-6 yr: 1-2 mg, >6 yr: 2 mg. Doses to be taken 3-4 times daily. Elderly: Initially, 2 mg 3-4 times daily. INHALATION Acute bronchospasm: Adult: As aerosol: 100 or 200 mcg (1-2 puffs) 3-4 times daily. 2 puffs may be given prior to exertion to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm. Acute severe asthma: Adult: As MDI: 4-6 inhalations may be given every 10-20 min via a large vol spacer. Severe bronchospasm: Adult: Via nebuliser: 2.5-5 mg, may repeat up to 4 times daily. Alternatively, may be given continuously at a rate of 1-2 mg/ hr. Patients w/ asthma may require supplemental oxygen. Child: >18 mth: Via nebuliser: 2.5-5 mg, may repeat up to 4 times daily. Alternatively, may be given continuously at a rate of 1-2 mg/ hr. Patients w/ asthma may require supplemental oxygen. PARENTERAL Severe bronchospasm: Adult: 250 mcg (as a soln of 50 mcg/mI) via IV inj, or via IV infusion of a soln containing 5 mg in 500 ml at a rate of 3-20 mcg/min adjusted according to patient’s need. Higher dosages may be used in resp failure. IM/SC: 500 mcg, repeated every 4 hr if necessary.
Eclampsia & severe pre-eclampsia; intrautenne infection. intra-uterine foetal death, antepartum haemorrhage, placenta praevia & cord compression, threatened miscarriage, cardiac disease. Pregnancy; mild to moderate preeclampsia. Arrhythmias, hyperthyroidism, hypertension, DM, myocardial insufficiency, susceptibility to QT-interval prolongation. Monitor serum K levels. In women treated for premature labour, monitor hydration status, cardiac & resp function. Minimise vol of infusion fluid. Discontinue treatment if patient develops signs of pulmonary oedema.
Fine skeletal muscle tremor esp hands, tachycardia, palpitations, muscle cramps, headache, paradoxical bronchospasm, angioedema, urticaria, hypotension & collapse. Potentially serious hypokalaemia after large doses.
This is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Salbutamol should only be used during pregnancy if it is considered essential by the physician. As salbutamol is probably secreted in breast milk its use in nursing mothers requires careful consideration.
The symptoms with overdosage are angina, headache, nausea, vomiting, tremor etc. The preferred antidote for overdosage with Salbutamol is a cardio-selective beta-blocking agent but beta-blocking drugs should be used with caution in patients with a history of bronchospasm.
Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.
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