Salbutamol is used to treat respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD. The active ingredient dilates the bronchial tubes and can thus counteract the typical breathing problems. However, salbutamol also has side effects: For example, headaches, palpitations and a feeling of restlessness can occur during treatment. Learn more about the effect, side effects and dosage of salbutamol here.
Salbutamol in asthma and COPD.
Salbutamol belongs to the group of beta-2 sympathomimetics. The active ingredient dilates constricted bronchi and makes it easier to cough up mucus. That is why salbutamol is used to treat respiratory diseases such as bronchial asthma or COPD. In these diseases, the active ingredient also reduces inflammatory and/or allergic reactions of the bronchial tubes. In asthma, the active ingredient is also used to treat asthma attacks triggered by physical exertion. Similarly, it is used to prevent asthma attacks caused by predictable allergen contact.
Side effects of salbutamol
For salbutamol, whether, how often, and how severe which side effects occur also depends on the dosage form. If salbutamol is used as a spray, side effects may occasionally occur, such as:
- Headache
- Palpitations
- Trembling
- Feeling of restlessness
Very rarely, muscle cramps may also occur. When taking tablets must be expected with somewhat stronger side effects. Here, the following symptoms are often noticeable:
- Headache
- Tremor
- Palpitations
- Muscle cramps
- Feeling of restlessness
However, these usually occur only after taking the tablets for a long time. Occasionally, there may also be taste disturbances, dizziness, sweating and nausea. Increased blood sugar levels and lower potassium levels are also possible. Very rarely, heartburn, cardiac arrhythmias, heart pain, blood pressure disorders, and problems with urination may occur. In a few cases, sleep disturbances and hallucinations have also been observed.
Dosage of salbutamol
Salbutamol is available in various dosage forms. The active ingredient is available as a tablet, an inhalation solution, a suspension, and capsules with powder for inhalation, among others. Depending on the dosage form, salbutamol can be taken via a metered-dose inhaler. With such a device, the spray is delivered in portioned doses. Please always discuss with your treating physician how exactly to dose Salbuatmol in your case. Therefore, please consider the following dosage information as general guidelines only:
- Suspension: for adults, a single dose consists of 0.1 to 0.2 milligrams of salbutamol, which is usually equivalent to one to two sprays. No more than 0.8 milligrams should be taken daily. For children, a single dose is 0.1 milligrams, and the maximum daily dose is 0.4 milligrams.
- Powder for inhalation: a single dose is between 0.1 and 0.2 milligrams for adults, and 0.1 milligrams for children. If bronchial spasm or respiratory distress that occurs in adults cannot be relieved by two single doses five to ten minutes apart, seek medical attention. Adults should not exceed a daily dose of 0.8 milligrams.
- Inhalation solution: if the inhalation solution is taken via a nebulizer, the single dose for adults is 1.25 to 2.5 milligrams, for children 0.25 to 0.5 milligrams per year of age. However, a dose of 2 milligrams must not be exceeded in children. If the symptoms of bronchial spasm or acute shortness of breath still do not improve, a second single dose can be administered after five to ten minutes. Per day, adults should not take more than 15 milligrams, children no more than 7.5 milligrams.
- Tablets: children may take 4 milligrams in the morning and evening, adults 8 milligrams each.
Overdose is dangerous
When dosing salbutamol, it is important to adhere to the dose agreed with the attending physician. Indeed, if a significantly higher dose is taken without consultation, side effects such as sleep disturbances, restlessness, tremors, chest pain, and an accelerated heartbeat may occur. Under certain circumstances, these side effects can assume life-threatening proportions.Therefore, always contact a doctor immediately in case of overdose. If your condition worsens due to taking Salbutamol, you should stop the treatment immediately and contact your doctor. The same applies if there is a general worsening of the condition or no satisfactory improvement. In this case, the treatment plan must be reconsidered and other medications (for example, anti-inflammatory drugs) may need to be taken. If this is already the case, a dose may need to be adjusted.
Interactions of salbutamol
Salbutamol should not be taken at the same time as beta-blockers (beta-receptor blockers) because the substances weaken each other’s effect. In asthma patients, this can trigger severe bronchial spasms. Salbutamol can also weaken the blood sugar-lowering effect of antidiabetic drugs. However, this effect is usually only to be expected at very high doses. If salbutamol is taken together with other beta-2-sympathomimetics, a mutual enhancement of effect is possible. In addition, interactions may occur with a number of other active ingredients and medications. These include:
- Antiarrhythmics
- Parkinson’s drugs
- Cardiac glycosides
- Ergot alkaloids
- Antidepressants such as MAO inhibitors
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- L-thyroxine
- Oxytocin
- Procarbazine
- Alcohol
If you are having anesthesia, make sure the anesthetic does not contain halogenated anesthetics. If such an agent is used, salbutamol should not be taken for at least six hours before anesthesia.
Salbutamol: contraindications
Salbutamol should not be taken if there is hypersensitivity to the active ingredient. Salbutamol should be used with caution in cases of hypersensitivity to other beta-2 sympathomimetics. Similarly, the active ingredient should also be taken only after a careful risk-benefit analysis in the following cases:
- Arteriosclerosis
- Severe, untreated hypertension
- Vascular outpouchings (aneurysms)
- Tumor in the adrenal medulla
- Hyperthyroidism
- Unstable diabetes mellitus
- Potassium deficiency
Salbutamol should also be taken with caution in certain diseases of the heart. These include, among others, diseases or inflammation of the heart muscle, cardiac arrhythmias, coronary artery disease and a fresh heart attack. Caution is also advised when taking cardiac glycosides.
Salbutamol as a doping substance.
Salbutamol belongs to the group of beta-2 agonists, which are doping substances. However, salbutamol is an exception: Up to a dose of 1600 microgamm per 24 hours, salbutamol may also be taken as a therapeutic agent in competition. However, its use must be confirmed as medically necessary. Salbutamol must also be entered into the doping control form prior to competition.
Salbutamol during pregnancy and lactation.
Salbutamol is placenta-permeable and can thus cause side effects in the unborn child. Therefore, the agent should be used only after a careful risk-benefit analysis, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. In addition, salbutamol should then be taken by inhalation rather than in capsule form. The active ingredient should also not be used shortly before birth, as it can have a labor-inhibiting effect. Salbutamol probably passes into breast milk. Therefore, the active ingredient should also be prescribed to nursing mothers only after a careful risk-benefit analysis.
Salbutamol in children
If possible, children should receive the active ingredient as a spray rather than in tablet form. In children younger than 20 months, the effect may be weaker or may not occur at all.
