Salbutamol is commonly used to treat coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing caused by respiratory problems, such as asthma.
Even though it is quite effective, its use must still be considered and should not be careless.
Here's a full review of the drug salbutamol for you to see!
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What is salbutamol?
Salbutamol, as reported by healthnavigator, is a type of drug used to relieve coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing caused by respiratory problems, such as asthma.
This drug works by opening the airways in the lungs to make breathing easier.
Salbutamol is said to be one of the drugs that is quite effective because it can quickly relieve respiratory problems.
Usually, the medication will start working within minutes and the effects will last between 3 and 5 hours. The following is a full review of the drug salbutamol.
Things to note in the use of salbutamol
Salbutamol or albuterol is known as an adrenergic bronchodilator. This drug is used by inhalation through the mouth to open the bronchial tubes or airways in the lungs. Its use is to relieve coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing.
This medicine can only be used if you already have a prescription from a doctor. In addition, before using salbutamol, the risks of the drug must be considered for the sake of further health of the body. Several things must be considered before using salbutamol, including:
1. History of allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had an unusual reaction or reaction to any other medication.
Don't forget to also tell the doctor if you have this typeallergyother, such as for certain foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.
For non-prescription products, read the label on the package carefully.
2.Pediatrics
To date, there are no studies demonstrating a specific pediatric problem in the use of albuterol inhalation aerosol in both children and adults.
In addition, safety and efficacy have not been established for children under 4 years and the appropriate solution for inhalation in children under 2 years.
3.Geriatrics
Appropriate studies have also not been conducted on the relationship between age and drug effects. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related heart problems, which may require caution in dosing.
Therefore, there is no information related to the effect of using inhalation with age in geriatric patients.
4.Breastfeeding mothers
There have not been sufficient studies in women to determine the risk to the baby when using this drug while breastfeeding. Therefore, weigh the potential benefits against the risks to health before using this drug, especially if you are breastfeeding.
Dosage for the use of salbutamol
The usual dose of salbutamol inhaler is 1 or 2 puffs up to 4 times a day as needed, including when shortness of breath or wheezing. If salbutamol doesn't help your condition, then contact your doctor immediately for further advice.
1. Usagefor asthmatics
When asthma symptoms attack, usually the doctor or expert will give how many doses of salbutamol to inhale.
Adults and children will have different doses, including the maximum number of puffs used in 24 hours.
2. Usagebefore exercising
Asthma can occur at any time, including during physical activity or exercise. The usual dose is 2 puffs inhaled 15 to 30 minutes before exercising.
In using it, you also have to pay attention to the inhaler being stored properly. Make sure you always carry your inhaler with you and keep it in an easy-to-reach place, especially if you have a sudden relapse.
Keep the inhaler in your pocket, but at a temperature below 25 degrees Celsius. For that, never keep it in the car, especially during the hot summer season.
The amount of medication taken depends on each individual's medical problems. If the dosage of the drug is different, do not change it yourself but immediately tell a specialist.
So, some of the doses of salbutamol that are generally prescribed by doctors, namely:
3. Dosagefor bronchospasm
Adults and children 4 years of age and older require two doses of the drug every 4 to 6 hours as needed. The use of drugs and dosages must be determined by the doctor so that they are not excessive or not in accordance with the problem being suffered.
4. Dosageprevention of bronchospasm
Dosage for adults and children over 12 years of age requires 2.5 milligrams or md in a nebulizer 3 or 4 times per day as needed. Children under 2 years will usually take the drug according to the dosage prescribed by the doctor.
If you miss a dose of medicine, then take it as soon as possible according to the doctor's instructions. However, if you have entered for the next dose, skip the missed dose, return to the regular dosing schedule and do not double the dose.
Doubling the dose will only trigger unwanted side effects. Therefore, if you miss a dose of medication, talk to your doctor first to get a new prescription for your next use.
How to use salbutamol
To get the maximum benefit, it is important to use the correct application technique. Ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse to explain how to use the inhaler. So, here are some guidelines for using an inhaler or salbutamol.
- Open the inhaler cap upright, then shake to mix the medication. Sit up straight, tilt your head slightly back and breathe gently. Holding the inhaler upright, insert it into your mouth and make sure your lips are tightly closed over the mouthpiece.
- Take a deep breath through the mouthpiece pressing down on the inhaler to release a dose. Inhale fully and remove the inhaler from your mouth, then hold your breath for 10 seconds or as long as is comfortable. After that, inhale gently through the nose.
The correct use of salbutamol can help the drug enter optimally and cure the disease quickly. If you don't know how to use it, talk to a specialist or pharmacist so you don't use it wrong.
Interaction with other drugs
While certain drugs should not be used together, in other cases two different drugs may be used if an interaction is possible. For this reason, the doctor may change the dose or take other precautions.
Some drugs that may need to be avoided:
- Amineptin
- Clomipramine
- Dibenzepin
- Lofepramine
- Metacol
- Trimipramine
- Opipramol.
Using salbutamol with some of these medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases.
If both drugs are prescribed together, then usually the doctor will change the dose or adjust how often you have to use one or both drugs.
Taking drugs together can cause an increased risk of certain side effects. Therefore, you need a prescription from a specialist to avoid possible impacts or side effects from using the drug.
Apart from other drugs, salbutamol is also advised not to be taken with certain foods or if you have a habit of drinking alcohol.
Other health problems during the use of salbutamol
Having other medical problems may affect the use of this drug. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other concerns.
Some medical problems that need attention, among others:
- Allergy to milk protein
- Have heart disease or diabetes
- Hypertension or high blood pressure
- Hypokalemia or low potassium in the blood
- Ketoacidosis or high ketones in the blood
- Have a history of seizures
- Suffering from kidney disease
Use medications with caution because their effects can increase the risk of developing other problems. Immediately consult a doctor if you have a history of certain diseases so that serious complications can be avoided.
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Side effects of using salbutamol
Just like drugs in general, salbutamol can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. However, often side effects will improve when the body gets used to the drug.
Some of the side effects that drug users may experience, such as:
Shaking and headache
Salbutamol users can experience side effects, such as feeling unsteady or shaking, cramps in the muscles, headaches, and having problems sleeping.
This is very common when you first start taking the drug and usually goes away with time. If it bothers you, consult your doctor immediately for further treatment.
Changes in heart rate and chest pain
Other side effects that may be felt when using the drug for the first time are changes in heart rate and chest pain. If this has been experienced, then immediately contact medical personnel.
Respiratory problems can get worse at any time while using salbutamol so prompt medical attention is required.
Precautions when using salbutamol
It is very important for doctors to check the development of the health conditions of salbutamol users. This is done to see if the drug is working properly or to check for unwanted effects.
Please note, this drug should not be used together with other similar inhaled drugs, such as isoproterenol, levalbuterol, metaproterenol, or terbutaline.
This drug can cause paradoxical bronchospasm, in which breathing or wheezing gets worse and puts a high risk on health.
Check with your doctor immediately if you have coughing, difficulty breathing, or wheezing after using this medicine. Talk to your doctor or get medical help right away if your symptoms don't improve.
Usually, sufferers are also advised to take anti-inflammatory drugs, such as steroids or cortisone-like drugs together with salbutamol. Do not stop taking anti-inflammatory drugs if the condition looks better unless directed by a doctor.
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FAQs
What are the main side effects of salbutamol? ›
- trembling, particularly in the hands.
- nervous tension.
- headaches.
- suddenly noticeable heartbeats (palpitations)
- muscle cramps.
1. About salbutamol inhalers. Salbutamol is used to relieve symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) such as coughing, wheezing and feeling breathless. It works by relaxing the muscles of the airways into the lungs, which makes it easier to breathe.
Is salbutamol the same as albuterol? ›Albuterol, also known as salbutamol, has an indication for the treatment and prevention of bronchospasm (acute or severe) in patients with reversible obstructive airway disease, including exercise-induced bronchospasm.
What happens if a healthy person takes salbutamol? ›At high therapeutic doses, salbutamol can cause tachycardia, tremors, and hypokalemia. In overdose, salbutamol can additionally cause hyperglycemia, lactic acidosis, and cardiac arrhythmias.
Does salbutamol affect the heart? ›Salbutamol causes an increase in the heart rate by the following propositioned mechanisms: first, after being absorbed into the bloodstream, it shortens the time of diastole, thus increasing heart rate and, in turn, increasing the myocardial oxygen demand; second, it acts on beta-adrenergic receptors of the heart, ...
Who should not take salbutamol? ›When should Salbutamol not be taken? (Contraindications) Contraindicated in patients with high blood pressure during pregnancy, uterine infection, miscarriage, heart disease, and hypersensitivity.
What drugs does salbutamol interact with? ›- Amifampridine. Salbutamol is predicted to cause hypokalaemia (potentially increasing the risk of torsade de pointes) when given with Amifampridine. ...
- Aminophylline. ...
- Amiodarone. ...
- Amisulpride. ...
- Amphotericin B. ...
- Anagrelide. ...
- Apalutamide. ...
- Apomorphine.
No, salbutamol is not a Steroid. The steroid-based inhalers are called corticosteroids. Those are preventative inhalers that work continuously to reduce inflammation of the airways. During the treatment of asthma, a salbutamol inhaler is combined with a steroid inhaler to control inflammation.
What happens if you don't rinse mouth after inhaler? ›Rinsing will prevent irritation and inflammation in the mouth that can be caused by the corticosteroid. It will also help to prevent the development of thrush. Thrush is a fungal infection that can occur with the use of these types of inhalers.
What is the American version of salbutamol? ›In the US, however, salbutamol is known by the name albuterol (ProAir, Ventolin), which is the generic name assigned using the United States Adopted Names (USAN) system. Usually the INN and USAN names for a drug are the same.
Do you need a prescription for salbutamol? ›
Salbutamol also known as Ventolin, Asmol, and Airomir, which are commonly used for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other respiratory diseases are important reliever medicines. These medicines are available over the counter without the need for a prescription from your GP.
What is another name for salbutamol? ›Salbutamol, also known as albuterol and sold under the brand name Ventolin among others, is a medication that opens up the medium and large airways in the lungs. It is a short-acting β2 adrenergic receptor agonist which works by causing relaxation of airway smooth muscle.
What drugs should not be taken with albuterol? ›- Beta blockers. Many medications work by either activating or blocking chemical binding sites (receptors) in your body. ...
- Certain diuretics. ...
- Digoxin. ...
- Tricyclic antidepressants. ...
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
Phlegm can be a sign of inflammation or infection. This extra mucus makes the airways narrower and causes worsening of asthma symptoms. Albuterol does not break up mucus. However, albuterol helps open up the airways, makes it easier to cough, and eliminates mucus.
What happens if you take 3 puffs of inhaler? ›Accidentally taking too many puffs from a steroid inhaler is unlikely to be harmful if it's a one-off. Speak to a doctor, nurse or a pharmacist if you're worried. Using a steroid inhaler too much over a long period can increase your chances of getting side effects.
What is the warning of salbutamol? ›An overdose of salbutamol can be fatal. Overdose symptoms may include dry mouth, tremors or feeling shaky, chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, nausea, general ill feeling, seizure (convulsions), feeling light-headed or fainting.
What are the cautions of salbutamol? ›Salbutamol causes peripheral vasodilation which may result in reflex tachycardia and increased cardiac output. Caution should be used in patients suffering from angina, severe tachycardia or thyrotoxicosis. Cardiovascular effects may be seen with sympathomimetic drugs, including salbutamol.