Salbutamol

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names:

Asthavent, Venteze, Ventolin

Popular combinations:

Combivent, Duolin

Drug group:

Drug to treat asthma, drug used in premature labour

Prescription needed?

Yes

What does it do?

• Salbutamol is used to treat conditions in which the airways become constricted - asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchospasm
• Inhaled forms of salbutamol are preferred for airway conditions because the drug is delivered directly to the airways – provides rapid relief, smaller doses are required, fewer side effects are experienced
• Oral salbutamol is used to prevent premature labour – it relaxes the muscle of the uterus

How does it work?

Salbutamol is a short-acting selective beta2-adrenoceptor agonist - it causes rapid bronchodilation, making it effective relief for acute airway constriction. Salbutamol has little stimulant effect on the heart rate and blood pressure, making it safer for people with heart problems or high blood pressure.

How should it be used?

• Asthmatics should use inhaled salbutamol as needed, but not on a regular basis
• If you need to use inhaled salbutamol more than twice a week or at night, addition of an inhaled corticosteroid is appropriate management for asthma control

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

• Tablets/liquid: 8–16mg daily, 3–4 x daily; SR preparations: 8–16mg daily, 2 x daily
• Inhaler: 400–800mcg daily, 1–2 puffs 3–4 x daily as needed
• Nebules: 2.5–20mg daily, up to 4 x daily

How quickly will it start to work?

30–60 minutes by mouth; within 5–15 minutes if inhaled     
      

How long will the effects last?   

8-12 hours by mouth; up to 6 hours if inhaled     

When should I stop using it?

Do not stop the drug without consulting your doctor        
                         

Is it safe for prolonged use?

No problems expected. If high doses are used with other asthma drugs and/or diuretics, potassium levels may need to be monitored.                                               

What are the possible side effects?

The following have been reported:

• More common: muscle tremor (especially the hands), anxiety, restlessness
• Less common: headache, muscle cramps, palpitations
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: paradoxical bronchospasm (worsening wheezing or breathlessness immediately after use)

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: heart problems, high blood pressure, overactive thyroid gland
• Other medicines: theophylline, corticosteroids, diuretics, other sympathomimetics, digoxin, beta blockers
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: No evidence of risk
• Children: Reduced dose necessary
• Over 60: Reduced doses may be necessary, increased risk of side effects
• Driving and hazardous work: Caution, the drug can cause tremors
• Alcohol: No known problems