Salbutamol / Albuterol

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Molecule Description

Salbutamol is a medicine that helps people with asthma and COPD breathe more easily. It works by relaxing and widening the airways in your lungs, making it easier for air to move in and out. This quickly relieves symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. It is often used as a “reliever” inhaler that provides fast relief during an asthma attack or when breathing becomes difficult. Your doctor may also advise using Salbutamol before exercise if you tend to have breathing problems when you're active. It is important to use the inhaler exactly as prescribed and learn the correct inhalation technique so the medicine reaches your lungs effectively. If you notice that you need to use Salbutamol more often than usual, or your symptoms are not improving, you should inform your doctor, as your treatment plan may need adjustment.

Uses

Asthma
COPD
Chronic bronchitis such as coughing, wheezing, breathing difficulty and chest tightness

Contraindications

When should one not use Salbutamol / Albuterol

You are allergic to Salbutamol
You have a fast or irregular heartbeat
You have high blood pressure
Low levels of potassium in the blood
Fits (seizures)
Diabetes and Ketoacidosis

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

Feeling shaky (tremors)
Increased heart rate
Headache
Mouth and throat irritation, cough (these may be prevented by rinsing the mouth with water and spitting it out after inhalation)
The decrease in the level of potassium in your blood
Muscle cramps
Allergic reactions like itching, rash or skin reddening, swelling of the eyelids, lips, face or throat
Increase in wheezing and shortness of breath immediately after the dose. This can be serious, seek emergency medical help.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

There is limited information about the safety of salbutamol in pregnancy. It should be used in pregnancy only if your doctor advises you so.

Breast Feeding

The inhalation of Salbutamol is safe in breastfeeding period as it is not known to cause any harm to the infant. Before taking the oral formulation, consult your doctor.

Driving

Salbutamol does not impair your ability to drive. However, if you develop side effects such as dizziness, muscle cramps or tremors, avoid driving.

Alcohol

Intake of alcoholic beverages or tobacco while on treatment with Salbutamol may increase the side effects. Smoking should be strictly avoided since it is known to worsen breathing disorders.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

Any diseases affecting the heart or blood vessels
Overactivity of the thyroid gland
Low levels of potassium in your blood
Diabetes mellitus

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Salbutamol acts by widening the airways in asthma and COPD. It is inhaled through a nebulizer and works by opening up the air passages in the lungs. This aids non-obstructed airflow into the lungs.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

Salbutamol may interact with other medications such as Aminophylline, Theophylline, digoxin, Steroids
Beta-blockers for your blood pressure e.g., Propranolol
Diuretics and other medicines for heart problems

Interactions with food items

No known interaction.

Dosage

Overdose

The overdose of Salbutamol can be serious. Symptoms of overdose may be tremor, dry mouth, nervousness, headache, fainting, chest pain or heavy feeling, rapid or uneven heart rate, nausea, sweating, dizziness, seizure (convulsions), etc. These demands emergency medical attention immediately.

Missed a Dose

If you missed any dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for the next dose, then skip the missed dose and continue with the next dose. Do not take extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Salbutamol should be used with caution in patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems and lung infections. Inform your doctor if you have any of the above conditions.

Salbutamol oral medicine therapy:Swallow the tablet/ extended release tablet whole with water or liquids as per the doctor’s prescriptionDo not break, crush or chew the tabletDo not extend the therapy longer than your doctor has ordered or stop it abruptly without the doctor’s permissionSalbutamol inhalation therapy:Learn from your doctor/ nurse how to use the nebulizer/ inhalerChildren may require a spacer deviceYour doctor will tell you how many inhalations (puffs) to take for each dose and the maximum number of breaths you should use in 24 hoursStrictly follow the prescribed regimenIf you do not get relief from your symptoms after using the Salbutamol inhaler, you must contact your doctor for advice immediately

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