Albuterol (Salbutamol) : Therapeutic uses, Dosage & Side Effects
Albuterol (Salbutamol) is a adrenergic agonist (direct acting), used as Bronchodilator to treat or prevent bronchospasm in patients with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and other lung diseases. This medicine is also used to prevent wheezing caused by exercise (exercise-induced bronchospasm).
Dose : 2-4 mg Oral, 0.25-0.5 mg (I.M. , S.C.), 100-200 μg by inhalation
Route : Oral, Intramuscular, Subcutaneous, Inhalation
Onset of action : <15 min (inhaled), <30 min (pill)[
Plasma Half-life : 3.8–6 hours
Duration of action : 4-6 hours(if taken orally), 2-4 hours (if inhaled)
Bioavailability : N/A
Chemical formula : C13H21NO3
IUPAC name : (RS)-4-[2-(tert-Butylamino)-1-hydroxyethyl]-2-(hydroxymethyl)phenol
Trade name : Accuneb, Proair HFA, Ventolin HFA, Proventil HFA, Asthalin, Croysal, Salol, Ventorlin, Derihaler, Ventolin, Proventil, ReliOn, Alti-Salbutamol Inhalation Aerosol, Apo-Salvent
Therapeutic uses : Albuterol is used primarily as bronchodilator to treat acute bronchospasm, obstructive airway diseases like- bronchial asthma & chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Point of interest : Salbutamol is choice of drug for the management of acute asthma symptoms or emergency treatment of status asthmaticus.
Side effects : Adverse effects of Salbutamol are as follows:
- Muscle tremors
- Palpitation,
- Restlessness,
- Nervousness,
- Throat irritation,
- Ankle edema,
- Apprehension,
- Anxiety,
- Tachycardia,
- Arrhythmia,
- Hyperglycemia,
- Hypokalemia,
- Hypomagnesemia.
Contraindications :
- Albuterol tablets are contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to Albuterol, or any of its components.
For detailed query or in case of uncertainty, Always consult your doctor or pharmacist.
