Salbutamol, also known as albuterol and marketed under brand names such as Ventolin, is a medication used to open up the medium and large airways in the lungs. It is a short-acting beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonist, which works by relaxing the smooth muscles of the airways, leading to their dilation.
Molecular Weight: 239.311g/mol
Chemical Formula: C13H21NO3
Onset of Action: Less than 15 minutes (inhaled), less than 30 minutes (oral)
Duration of Action: 2 - 6hours
Alternative Names: Albuterol (USAN)
What Is Salbutamol?
Salbutamol is a bronchodilator medicine that helps open up the airways in the lungs. It is commonly used to treat asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other conditions that cause breathing difficulties. It provides quick relief from wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness by relaxing the muscles around the airways.
Salbutamol sulphate tablet formulations are widely prescribed for managing asthma and bronchospasm in adults and children. Salbutamol is available in different forms, including inhalers, salbutamol tablets, salbutamol syrups, and nebulisers, and is usually prescribed for short-term symptom relief.
Salbutamol Syrup
Salbutamol syrup is often prescribed for children or patients who have difficulty using inhalers or swallowing tablets. Salbutamol syrup is used to treat asthma attacks, bronchitis, and wheezing caused by airway obstruction. In India, it is often labelled as salbutamol sulphate syrup IP, which conforms to Indian Pharmacopoeia standards. For specialised care and treatment options for respiratory conditions, consult our Pulmonology Department.
(Albuterol) Salbutamol tablet uses
Albuterol is used to treat respiratory difficulties caused by conditions such as:
As a bronchodilator, it relaxes the muscles around the airways to improve breathing. Controlling breathing symptoms can reduce time lost from work or school.
Salbutamol sulphate uses extend to emergency relief during acute asthma attacks and exercise-induced bronchospasm.
Conditions Salbutamol Treats
Bronchitis
Emphysema
Exercise-induced bronchospasm
Secondary Uses of Salbutamol
Relief from wheezing and a tight chest during respiratory infections
Used before exercise to prevent breathing problems
May be given in hospital settings for acute respiratory distress
How Does Salbutamol Work?
Salbutamol works by relaxing the muscles in the airways and opening up the breathing passages. It is a bronchodilator that stimulates beta-2 receptors in the lungs, helping to relieve symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. It does not interact with hormones but acts directly on the nervous system receptors in the lungs to ease breathing.
Salbutamol Dosage
Dosage depends on age, condition, and form of medicine (inhaler, tablet, syrup, etc.).
Typically used every 4 to 6 hours, or as prescribed by the doctor.
Always follow your doctor's instructions and the label on the medicine.
To get personalised dosage guidance, book an appointment with our experienced Pulmonologists.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
Take it as soon as you remember.
If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one; do not take a double dose.
What Happens if an Overdose Occurs?
Overdose symptoms include rapid heartbeat, chest pain, nervousness, and muscle tremors.
Seek immediate medical help if an overdose is suspected.
Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.
Salbutamol stimulates beta-2 receptors to relax airway muscles, but it also affects receptors in the heart, muscles, and nervous system. This can lead to side effects like tremors, fast heartbeat, and nervousness due to overstimulation of these non-respiratory receptors in the body.
Avoid activities requiring alertness (e.g., driving) until you know how the drug affects you. Limit alcohol and cannabis use.
Salbutamol Warnings
Patients with severe asthma should not rely solely on bronchodilators. Routine medical exams and possibly oral corticosteroid therapy may be necessary. If the effectiveness of salbutamol decreases, consult a doctor.
Salbutamol is used to alleviate symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and feeling breathless due to asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This works by relaxing the airway muscles in the lungs, making it easier to breathe.
This works by relaxing the airway muscles in the lungs, making it easier to breathe.
It works almost instantly when you get a puff of your salbutamol inhaler to make your breathing easier. It will continue to operate for about 5 hours.
No, steroids are not found in Ventolin (albuterol). Ventolin, which contains the active ingredient albuterol, is a bronchodilator sympathomimetic (beta agonist) that relaxes the smooth muscle in the airways, allowing air to flow more freely in and out of the lungs, making it very easier to breathe.
Headache,Feeling nervous, restless, excitable, and/or shaky,Fast, slow or uneven heartbeat,Bad taste in the mouth,Dry mouth,Sore throat and cough Inability to sleep
Disclaimer: The information provided is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge. However, it should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or consultation. We do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The absence of specific warnings does not mean a medicine is safe for all users. We are not responsible for any outcomes based on this information and strongly recommend consulting a doctor for any medical concerns or questions.
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