Salbutamol Inhaler Uses, Interactions, Side effects

Action Mechanism

Salbutamol is a drug that is inhaled as an aerosol. It acts as a bronchodilator. The drug belongs and acts at the ß2-adrenoreceptors present on the smooth muscle that envelop the bronchi in the lungs. The drug binds to the epinephrine’s active areas in the receptor and stabilizes it in its active state. These receptors spend enough time in the active state, making more cAMP, an enzyme that triggers intracellular cascades. This action mechanism of Salbutamol inhaler hinders the ability of muscles to contract. Therefore, Salbutamol inhaler helps with bronchoconstriction, a condition in which you experience breathlessness.

Dosage

• For children between the age group of 2 and 12: The initial dose is based upon the body weight. The dosage of Salbutamol inhaler should not exceed 2.5 mg thrice daily by nebulization. It is better to seek medical help before using Salbutamol inhaler in children
• For adults and children above 12 years: The usual recommended dosage is 2.5 mg of the drug administered three or four times a day through nebulization. The use of Salbutamol inhaler can be continued as indicated to control the recurring episodes of bronchospasm. With such use, most patients reap the benefits from use of the inhalation solution regularly.
• If the advised dosage regimen does not to provide relief, you should seek for medical advice, as this could be the sign of worsening asthma that need aggressive medical intervention.

Precautions

• Salbutamol inhaler, as with all conventional drugs, should be used with care and caution in patients having cardiovascular disorders, especially hypertension, coronary insufficiency, arrhythmias, and in patients with nervous disorders, diabetes mellitus, thyroid abnormalities.
• Large doses of Salbutamol have been reported to increase the risk of preexisting diabetes mellitus as well as ketoacidosis, a diabetic complication.
• The effect of Salbutamol inhaler may last for up to six hours or longer. Therefore, it should not be used too frequently than recommended. Do not increase the frequency of dosage without consulting your primary care physician.
• If you experience no relief even after using Salbutamol inhaler as advised, you should get medical attention immediately, as this could be the sign of aggravation.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, contact your physician about the use of Salbutamol inhaler. Safe and effective use of this inhaler includes a proper understanding of the way it should be administered.

Side Effects

Some of the probable side effects of Salbutamol inhaler include:

• Dryness of mouth
• Headache
• Change in taste
• Cough
• Dizziness

NOTE :If any of these side effects worsen of persist, check with your physician promptly. Remember that your physician has prescribed Salbutamol inhaler after considering your overall health and evaluating the benefit to you is greater than the risk. Many patients using Salbutamol inhaler do not experience any serious side effects.