PulmoCare

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.

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 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.