Salbutamol

Synonyms in a broader sense

Sultanol®, ß2-mimetic, -a, ß2-agonist, betasympathomimetic, -a, asthma drug, asthma spray, inhaler other short-acting drugs of the same group: Fenoterol (Berotec®), terbutaline (Bricanyl®), Reproterol (Bronchospamin®, and together with cromoglycic acid: Aarane®)

Introduction

Salbutamol is a drug that is used to treat certain lung diseases such as bronchial asthma or COPD and to inhibit premature onset of labor. It has a short and relatively strong effect. Salbutamol is an activator of ß-receptors.

These receptors are located in many different places in the body. There are many different receptors in our body. In general, they describe structures on or in cells that can be activated when activated by a very specific substance.

The binding of a specific substance to its receptor then leads to changes in the cell. Either the cell is activated or slowed down. Three subgroups of ß-receptors can be distinguished.

ß1-receptors are preferentially located in the heart and kidney. ß2-receptors are located in blood vessels that supply the muscles, the uterus and the bronchial muscles. When activated, ß2-receptors also cause a contraction of the heart muscles at the heart.

The ß3-receptors are mainly located at the fat cells. Salbutamol is a drug that preferentially activates the ß2-receptors. As a so-called ß2 mimetic, also known as ß2 agonist, salbutamol now excites the receptors located on the bronchial muscles.

This causes these muscle cells to relax (muscle relaxation) and thus the diameter of the bronchial tubes expands (bronchodilatation), since these are ring-shaped muscles. ß2-mimetics such as salbutamol prophylactically stabilize lung function in chronic disease. They also exert a certain inhibition of immune cells, which explains their anti-inflammatory effect.

Fine cilia along the airways ensure the removal of mucus. These small hairs are also stimulated in their activity by salbutamol (strengthening the so-called mucociliary clearance). Salbutamol is mainly administered as an inhalative drug, i.e. it is inhaled. In addition to oral administration, an intravenous (i.e. as an infusion) application is also available.