Salbutamol / Albuterol
Description
Salbutamol is a medicine that helps people with asthma and COPD breathe more ea
sily. 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
Q:
Can I take Salbutamol / Albuterol during pregnancy?
A:
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
Q:
Can I take Salbutamol / Albuterol while breastfeeding?
A:
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
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Salbutamol / Albuterol?
A:
Salbutamol does not impair your ability to drive. However, if you develop side effects such as dizziness, muscle cramps or tremors, avoid driving.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Salbutamol / Albuterol?
A:
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....
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Nikita Toshi
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), WHO FIDES member
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Any precautions to be taken before starting the medication?
A: 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.
Q: When and how to consume the medicine?
- Salbutamol oral medicine therapy:
- Swallow the tablet/ extended release tablet whole with water or liquids as per the doctor’s prescription
- Do not break, crush or chew the tablet
- Do not extend the therapy longer than your doctor has ordered or stop it abruptly without the doctor’s permission
- Salbutamol inhalation therapy:
- Learn from your doctor/ nurse how to use the nebulizer/ inhaler
- Children may require a spacer device
- Your doctor will tell you how many inhalations (puffs) to take for each dose and the maximum number of breaths you should use in 24 hours
- Strictly follow the prescribed regimen
- If you do not get relief from your symptoms after using the Salbutamol inhaler, you must contact your doctor for advice immediately
References
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Disclaimer
The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here for detailed T&C.
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