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Salbutamol is an active substance that belongs to the group of beta-mimetics. It is found in drugs that expand the respiratory tract. It is distinguished by its high speed of action – within approx. 5 minutes after taking the appropriate dose.
Salbutamol – action
Salbutamol is a substance that contributes to the rapid and short-term bronchodilation (the effects last for about 4-6 hours). This substance is a sympathomimetic. The essence of its action is the selective stimulation of beta-adrenergic receptors that are present in the target cell membrane. This results in a specific response from a specific cell. Due to the affinity for beta2 receptors in the bronchi, they expand and improve lung ventilation.
Medicines containing salbutamol are usually in the form of an inhalation sprayso that the drug quickly reaches the site of action. In addition, it allows you to minimize the risk of side effects.
Salbutamol also helps to minimize the effects of cytokines, prostaglandins, and histamine. Thanks to this, it eliminates the likelihood of bronchospasm, increased mucus secretion, swelling and infiltration of inflammatory cells, as well as mucosal hyperemia.
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Salbutamol – indications
Thanks to its properties, salbutamol is intended, among others, for for the treatment of asthma attacks. Salbutamol is also recommended for the treatment of bronchospasm and reversible spasms of the airways. Therefore, it can also be used on an ad hoc basis, i.e. before physical exercise or before the anticipated contact with an allergen causing immediate bronchospasm.
Salbutamol – contraindications
Even if they exist indications for the use of drugs with salbutamol, it is not possible to provide them in every situation. The main contraindication to the use of the substance is hypersensitivity, i.e. allergy to a given ingredient.
It should also be remembered not to use the substance during a threatening miscarriage, as salbutamol inhibits uterine contractions. The drug, however, can thus be administered orally or intravenously to prevent premature labor. However, such use of the substance is not registered in Poland.
In addition, care should also be taken not to give salbutamol to children under 6 years of age.
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Salbutamol – precautions
Certain medical conditions or other conditions may contraindicate the use of salbutamol, or may require a change in the dosage of the substance. Certain situations may require regular checkups. Before you start taking salbutamol, tell your doctor about:
- overactive thyroid gland;
- heart failure, ischemic heart disease, heart failure or other cardiovascular disease;
- arterial hypertension;
- pheochromocytomas of the adrenal glands;
- diabetes;
- epilepsy;
- hypersensitivity to sympathomimetic amines.
It is worth remembering that when treating severe or unstable asthma, salbutamol must not be used on its own. However, it is necessary to introduce treatment combined with other drugs, and its basis are anti-inflammatory drugs, i.e. corticosteroids. It is also necessary to undergo regular check-ups. The doctor determines their frequency together with the patient.
In addition, tablet drugs can be used simultaneously with inhaled medicines containing salbutamol. You should also remember that if your current dose does not give you any relief, consult your doctor immediately. You cannot modify the dose of the substance on your own. Taking too high doses of bronchodilators can lead to a deterioration of your condition and an acute asthma attack. Remember that the decision on the dose of drugs to be used is made only by the doctor.
Worsening of asthma symptoms can be life-threatening and therefore requires prompt consultation with your doctor. When you feel better, do not change the dose or stop taking the drug yourself.
It should also be remembered that salbutamol may increase your blood glucose level temporarily. This means that people with diabetes may have problems with balancing its blood levels. This can lead to ketoacidosis. In people taking high doses of salbutamol, contractions of the uterus may be inhibited, which affects, for example, the course of labor.
Like other substances in this group, salbutamol can lower blood potassium levels, leading to health-threatening hypokalemia. It can lead to heart problems. Particular care should be taken when taking diuretics at the same time, which may additionally flush out potassium from the body. Xanthine derivatives and corticosteroids can also aggravate hypokalaemia. So let’s make sure whether our situation requires regular monitoring of the level of potassium in the blood.
People who are treating heart disease should also exercise caution. Consult your doctor about any symptoms that may indicate worsening of your heart disease.
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Salbutamol – dosage
It is not recommended to regularly take medications with salbutamol as a substance belonging to the group of beta2-agonists with a short duration of action. Always use the lowest effective dose possible. It is recommended to limit the frequency of taking the drug to the necessary minimum.
The dose of the drug is determined by the doctor.
Increasing doses of sambutamol on its own will not increase the effectiveness of the treatment, and may endanger the health and life of the patient. The dosage is as follows:
- adults and children over 12 years of age – the initial dose is 2-4 mg salbutamol 3-4 times a day. Subsequent doses may be administered not earlier than 6 hours later. During the day, you can take a maximum of 8 mg of salbutamol up to 4 times a day, i.e. 32 mg during the day. In elderly people with hypersensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, start with 2 mg 4 times a day;
- children between 12 and 6 years of age – initially 2 mg 3-4 times a day, but not more often than every 6 hours. A maximum of 6 mg of salbutamol can be administered 4 times a day during the day, i.e. 24 mg a day.
In the event of any undesirable effects, discontinue use of the preparation and see a doctor. In each case, it is the doctor who determines the individual dosage of the substance.
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Salbutamol – pregnancy and breastfeeding
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, do not use any medication without consulting your doctor. It is very important to clarify with your doctor any doubts about the risks and benefits of taking a given preparation before starting treatment. So it is good to inform your doctor if you are planning a pregnancy in the near future.
Use of salbutamol during pregnancy it is possible only when the doctor deems it absolutely necessary, and the benefits of using a given preparation outweigh the associated risk for the fetus.
While use is not recommended preparations with salbutamol during breastfeeding. If the use of a substance is necessary, the doctor usually chooses inhalation medication.
Find out more: Bronchospastic states
Salbutamol – interactions
Before starting the use of salbutamol, inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including those without a prescription. Caution should be exercised in the case of:
- other drugs stimulating adrenergic receptors, e.g. adrenaline, pseudoephedrine – they may adversely affect the cardiovascular system and increase the risk of serious side effects, therefore only inhalation of these drugs is allowed if absolutely necessary;
- beta-adrenergic blockers, e.g. metoprolol – drugs from this group may inhibit the effect of salbutamol, and additionally induce bronchospasm in people with asthma;
- Tricyclic antidepressants and MAO inhibitors – caution should be exercised when taking salbutamol and the above-mentioned drugs, and within 2 weeks of discontinuing their use. These drugs increase the risk of developing serious side effects;
- cardiac glycosides, quinidine or other anti-arrhythmic drugs – these drugs increase the risk of heart problems;
- diabetes medications – salbutamol may reduce their effect;
- xanthine derivatives, water tablets or laxatives – these drugs may increase the risk of severe hypokalaemia. Please consult your doctor regarding the need for blood tests. Your doctor will determine how often you have blood tests.
Salbutamol – side effects
Preparations containing salbutamol, like other drugs, can cause certain side effects. However, it should be remembered that side effects do not occur in every patient, and in addition, usually the benefits of using a given preparation outweigh the possible risks.
The most common side effects of salbutamol These include tremors, headaches, muscle spasms, increased heart rate, palpitations. Hypokalemia (reduction in blood potassium levels) and peripheral vasodilation are rare. The use of drugs with salbutamol very rarely causes hyperactivity, hives, muscle stiffness.
Anaphylactic-type hypersensitivity reactions, such as angioedema, manifested by swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, occur much less frequently. Bronchospasm and low blood pressure may also occur. Please consult your doctor about any anaphylactic reactions.
Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.