Salbutamol (Inhaler)

Salbutamol is a selective β2-adrenoceptor agonist. At therapeutic doses, it acts on the β2-adrenoceptors of bronchial smooth muscle, with little or no action on the β1-adrenoceptors of cardiac muscle. Salbutamol provides short-acting (4-6 hours) bronchodilatation with a fast onset (within 5 minutes) in reversible airway obstruction. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect on mast cells causing inhibition of release of bronchoconstrictor mediators including histamine, neutrophil chemotactive factor (NCF) and prostaglandin D2.

Administer Salbutamol Inhaler by oral inhalation only. Shake Salbutamol Inhaler well before each spray.

For relief of acute episodes of bronchospasm:

• Adults: 1 or 2 puffs as necessary. The maximum dose is up to 8 puffs in 24 hours.
• Children: Half the adult dose.

To prevent allergen-or exercise-induced bronchospasm:

• Adults: 2 puffs 15 minutes prior to exercise or exposure to the allergen. The maximum dose is 2 puffs, up to 4 times a day.
• Children: Half the adult dose.

Chronic therapy:

• Adults: Up to 200 mcg (2 puffs) four times daily.
• Children: Up to 200 mcg (2 puffs) four times daily.

Using an Inhaler seems simple, but most patients do not know how to use it in the right way. If the Inhaler is used in the wrong way, less medicine can reach the lungs. Correct and regular use of the Inhaler will prevent or lessen the severity of asthma attacks.

Following simple steps can help to use Inhaler effectively (According to “National Asthma Guidelines for Medical Practitioners” published by Asthma Association):

1. Take off the cap.
2. Shake the inhaler (at least six times) vigorously before each use.
3. If the inhaler is new or if it has not been used for a week or more, shake it well and release one puff into the air to make sure that it works.
4. Breathe out as full as comfortably possible & hold the inhaler upright.
5. Place the actuator into mouth between the teeth and close lips around the mouthpiece.
6. While breathing deeply and slowly through the mouth, press down firmly add fully on the canister to release medicine.
7. Remove the inhaler from mouth. Continue holding breath for at least for 10 seconds or as long as it is comfortable.
8. If doctor has prescribed more than one inhalation per treatment, wait 1 minute between puffs (inhalations). Shake the inhaler well and repeat steps 4 to 7.
9. After use, replace the cap on the mouthpiece. After each treatment, rinse mouth with water.
10. Check your technique in front of a mirror from time to time, if you see a white mist during the inhalation, you may not have closed your lips properly around mouthpiece, or you may not be breathing in as you press the can. This indicates failure of technique. If this happens, repeat the procedure from step 4 carefully.

Instructions for Cleaning Inhaler: Clean your Inhaler at least once a week. Remove canister and rinse the plastic actuator and cap in warm water but do not put the metal canister into water. Dry the actuator and cap thoroughly and gently replace the metal canister into the actuator with a twisting motion. Put the cap on the mouthpiece.

Salbutamol and non-selective beta-blocking drugs such as propranolol should generally not be prescribed together. Potentially serious hypokalaemia may result from β2-agonist therapy. Particular caution is advised in acute severe asthma as this effect may be potentiated by concomitant treatment with xanthine derivatives, steroids, diuretics, and by hypoxia. It is recommended that serum potassium levels are monitored in such situations.

Salbutamol inhaler is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to salbutamol or any other components of Salbutamol inhaler.

Salbutamol is generally well tolerated. Few side effects have been observed during inhalation. There are tremors, anxiety, muscle cramps, headache, palpitation, a compensatory small increase in heart rate, cardiac arrhythmias (including atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia and extrasystoles), tachycardia may occur in some patients. Mouth and throat irritation may occur with inhaled salbutamol

Pregnancy Category C. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of Salbutamol inhaler or salbutamol sulfate in pregnant women. This inhaler should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It is not known whether the components of Salbutamol inhaler are excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised when this inhaler is administered to a nursing woman.

Paradoxical Bronchospasm: Inhaled salbutamol sulfate can produce paradoxical bronchospasm, which may be life-threatening. If paradoxical bronchospasm occurs, the Salbutamol inhaler should be discontinued immediately and alternative therapy instituted. It should be recognized that paradoxical bronchospasm when associated with inhaled formulations; frequently occurs with the first use of a new canister.

Cardiovascular Effects: Salbutamol inhaler, like all other β2-adrenergic agonists, can produce clinically significant cardiovascular effects in some patients such as changes in pulse rate or blood pressure. If such effects occur, Salbutamol inhaler may need to be discontinued. In addition, beta-agonists have been reported to produce electrocardiograms (ECG) changes, such as flattening of the T wave, prolongation of the QTc interval, and ST-segment depression. The clinical relevance of these findings is unknown. Therefore, Salbutamol inhaler, like all other sympathomimetic amines, should be used with caution in patients with underlying cardiovascular disorders, especially coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypertension.

Immediate Hypersensitivity Reactions: Immediate hypersensitivity reactions may occur after administration of salbutamol sulfate inhalation aerosol, as demonstrated by cases of urticaria, angioedema, rash, bronchospasm, anaphylaxis, and oropharyngeal edema. Discontinue Salbutamol inhaler if immediate hypersensitivity reactions occur.

Coexisting Conditions: Salbutamol inhaler, like other sympathomimetic amines, should be used with caution in patients with convulsive disorders, hyperthyroidism, or diabetes mellitus and in patients who are unusually responsive to sympathomimetic amines. Large doses of intravenous salbutamol have been reported to aggravate preexisting diabetes mellitus and ketoacidosis.

Use in children: The safety and effectiveness of Salbutamol inhaler in children 4 years of age and older have been established.

Short-acting selective & β2-adrenoceptor stimulants

Pressurized canister. Do not puncture, break or burn even when apparently empty. Keep away from sunlight and heat. Store below 30°C. Do not freeze. Keep away from eyes. Keep away from children. To be dispensed only on or by the prescription of a registered physician.