Salbutamol is a drug to treat shortness of breath due to narrowing of the airways in the lungs (bronchospasm). This drug is available in inhaled form (inhaler), tablets, and syrups.
Salbutamol works by relaxing the muscles around the narrowed airways, so air can flow more smoothly into the lungs. The effects of this drug can be felt within a few minutes after consumption and last for 3-5 hours.
This drug is commonly used by people with asthma and other respiratory disorders, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In addition, salbutamol can also be used to prevent shortness of breath due to exercise.
Salbutamol trademark:Salbutamol sulfate, Astharol, Azmacon, Fartolin, Glisend, Salbuven, Suprasma, Velutine, Ventolin nebules, Ventolin Inhaler, Combivent UDV, Lasal expectorant, Lasalcom.
What is Salbutamol?
| group | Bronchodilators (fast-acting beta2-agonists). |
| Category | Prescription drugs. |
| Benefit | Overcoming shortness of breath due to narrowing of the respiratory tract, such as during an asthma attack. |
| Used by | Adults and children (over 2 years old). |
| Salbutamol for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Therefore, be sure to discuss with your doctor before taking salbutamol during pregnancy. Salbutamol can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Shape | inhaled medicine (inhalers), tablets, syrup, injection. |
Warnings Before Using Salbutamol:
- Do not use salbutamol if you have an allergy to this drug and to class drugs beta2-agonist others, such as terbutaline.
- Tell your doctor if you have a history of lactose intolerance and seizures.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines, vitamins, and supplements.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you have hyperthyroidism, hypertension, diabetes, heart or blood vessel disorders, kidney problems, and hypokalemia.
- Immediately see a doctor if an allergic reaction to the drug or overdose occurs after using salbutamol.
Dosage and Instructions for UseSalbutamol
The dose of salbutamol depends on the severity of the condition and the patient's response to the drug. The doctor will give the form of medicine according to the patient's condition.
In patients with asthma attacks and severe bronchospasm, doctors can give salbutamol with the help of a nebulizer. A nebulizer is a machine for distributing medicine in the form of a vapor which will be inhaled using a special mask.
The following is the dosage of salbutamol based on the form of the drug:
Inhalers (aerosols)
- Shortness of breath due to bronchospasm (narrowing of the bronchial airways): 1-2 inhalations, 4 times a day.
- Severe asthma attack: Initial dose of 4 inhalations, then followed by 2 inhalations every 2 minutes. The maximum dose is 10 inhalations.
- Prevention of exercise-induced shortness of breath: 1-2 inhales, 10-15 minutes before exercise.
Oral (tablets or syrup)
The oral dose of salbutamol to treat shortness of breath due to bronchospasm is as follows:
- For adults, the dose is 2-4 mg, 3-4 times a day. The dose can be increased to a maximum of 8 mg, 3-4 times a day.
- For children, the dose is 1-2 mg 3-4 times a day.
Intramuscular/Subcutaneous (IM/SC) injection
The adult dose is 500mcg (8mcg/kg) repeated every 4 hours.
How to Use Salbutamol Correctly
Follow the doctor's advice and read the information listed on the salbutamol package before starting to use it. The following is a guide on how to use salbutamol by type:
Salbutamol inhaler
Before using the salbutamol inhaler, ensure that the suction edge of the mouth (mouthpiece) in a clean and dry state, then shake the inhaler. Next, the first step to using the medicine is to exhale as much as possible.
Then, inhale the salbutamol by mouth slowly while pressing the bottle of medicine can on the inhaler. After the medication is inhaled, remove the mouthpiece, hold your breath for about 10 seconds and exhale slowly. Give a pause of about 1 minute if you need to inhale the drug more than 1 time.
When you are finished using your salbutamol inhaler, rinse your mouth with water. Don't forget to clean the mouthpiece at least once a week. Do not forget to take this medicine every time you travel.
If using more than one type of inhaler, use the salbutamol inhaler first. Wait a few minutes before using another inhaler. Salbutamol can open the airways thereby increasing the effectiveness of other inhaled medications.
For patients who have difficulty adjusting their breath when using an inhaler, doctors may recommend the use of a device called an inhaler spacer. A spacer will be placed at the end of the mouthpiece and serves to make it easier for the drug to reach the lungs.
Oral salbutamol (tablets or syrup)
Take salbutamol tablets or syrup with a glass of water. For salbutamol syrup, use the dose according to the spoon provided in the medicine package. Do not use tablespoons or teaspoons as the amounts may vary.
If you forget to take your medicine, use it as soon as you remember. However, if the distance to the next scheduled use of the drug is too close, proceed directly to the next dose. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed dose.
Salbutamol inhaler or oral should be stored at room temperature and not exposed to direct sunlight.
During the use of salbutamol, patients are advised to stop smoking. This is because smoking can inhibit the performance of the drug by triggering irritation of the lungs and worsening respiratory problems.
Interaction of Salbutamol with Other Drugs
There are several interactions that may occur if you take salbutamol together with certain drugs, including:
- Increases the risk of disturbances in heart function, when used with tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, an MAOI class of drugs.
- Inhibits the effectiveness of drugs and increases the risk of shortness of breath, when used with class drugs beta-blockers, such as propranolol.
- Increases the potential for hypokalemia (potassium deficiency), when used with diuretics, such as furosemide.
Salbutamol Side Effects and Dangers
Salbutamol has the potential to cause side effects. Common side effects after using this drug are:
- Heart beat.
- Trembling of limbs, arms, hands, or feet.
- Headache.
- Muscle pain or cramps.
These side effects are generally mild, last for a while, then disappear. If these effects are severe or do not improve, see a doctor immediately. You are also advised to go to the doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or serious side effects, such as:
- Muscle pain or cramps.
- Feeling tired and weak.
- Irregular heartbeat.
- Feeling dazed, dizzy, to the point of fainting.
- Decreased urine volume, frequent thirst, and dry mouth.
- Anxious, nervous, and sweaty.
- Very severe headache.