Salbu
Generic Name
Salbutamol
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| salbu 2 mg syrup | ৳ 23.00 | N/A |
| salbu 4 mg tablet | ৳ 0.34 | ৳ 3.40 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Salbutamol (Albuterol) is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) used to relieve symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. It works by relaxing the muscles of the airways leading to the lungs, making it easier to breathe.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Oral: 2-4 mg three or four times daily. Inhalation (metered dose inhaler): 1-2 puffs (100-200 mcg) as needed, up to 4 times a day. Nebulization: 2.5-5 mg (0.5-1 ml of 0.5% solution) three or four times daily.
Elderly
Consider starting with a lower dose.
Renal_impairment
No specific dose adjustment is generally required, but caution is advised in severe renal impairment.
How to Take
Oral tablets or syrup can be taken with or without food. Inhalers should be used with proper technique as demonstrated by a healthcare professional. Nebulizer solution is administered via a nebulizer device.
Mechanism of Action
Salbutamol selectively stimulates beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the bronchial smooth muscle, leading to activation of adenyl cyclase and an increase in cyclic-3',5'-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels. This results in the relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle, bronchodilation, and inhibition of mediator release from mast cells.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
5-15 minutes (inhalation), 30 minutes (oral)
Excretion
Excreted primarily in the urine, mainly as the sulfate conjugate and unchanged drug.
Half life
4-6 hours
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed after oral administration and inhalation. Peak plasma concentrations are reached within 2-3 hours after oral intake and much faster after inhalation.
Metabolism
Undergoes extensive metabolism in the liver to an inactive sulfate conjugate.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to salbutamol or any component of the formulation
- Tachyarrhythmia or severe cardiac disease
Drug Interactions
Digoxin
May decrease digoxin serum levels.
Diuretics
May exacerbate hypokalemia when used with high doses of salbutamol.
Beta-blockers (e.g., Propranolol)
May antagonize the effects of salbutamol, potentially leading to severe bronchospasm. Avoid co-administration.
MAOIs and Tricyclic Antidepressants
Increased risk of cardiovascular effects. Use with caution.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children. Do not freeze.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include tremor, headache, palpitations, tachycardia, and hypokalemia. Management involves symptomatic and supportive care, monitoring potassium levels, and ECG.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Small amounts may be excreted in breast milk, so caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing woman.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to salbutamol or any component of the formulation
- Tachyarrhythmia or severe cardiac disease
Drug Interactions
Digoxin
May decrease digoxin serum levels.
Diuretics
May exacerbate hypokalemia when used with high doses of salbutamol.
Beta-blockers (e.g., Propranolol)
May antagonize the effects of salbutamol, potentially leading to severe bronchospasm. Avoid co-administration.
MAOIs and Tricyclic Antidepressants
Increased risk of cardiovascular effects. Use with caution.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children. Do not freeze.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include tremor, headache, palpitations, tachycardia, and hypokalemia. Management involves symptomatic and supportive care, monitoring potassium levels, and ECG.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Small amounts may be excreted in breast milk, so caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing woman.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years, refer to packaging for exact expiry date.
Availability
Available in pharmacies and hospitals
Approval Status
Globally approved and widely used
Patent Status
Off-patent
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Salbutamol has been extensively studied since its introduction, with numerous clinical trials confirming its efficacy and safety for acute bronchospasm and exercise-induced asthma. Ongoing research often focuses on new delivery systems or combination therapies.
Lab Monitoring
- Serum potassium levels (especially with high doses or concomitant use of diuretics)
Doctor Notes
- Salbutamol is a rescue medication, not a maintenance medication. Patients should be educated on its appropriate use for acute symptoms.
- Frequent use (e.g., more than twice a week for symptom control, excluding exercise-induced bronchospasm) indicates suboptimal asthma control and requires reassessment of maintenance therapy.
- Monitor for hypokalemia with high doses.
Patient Guidelines
- Use this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose.
- If using an inhaler, ensure proper technique for effective delivery of the medicine.
- If your symptoms worsen or do not improve, seek medical advice.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Driving Precautions
Salbutamol may cause tremor or dizziness in some individuals. Patients should be advised to exercise caution when driving or operating machinery.
Lifestyle Advice
- Avoid known asthma triggers.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet.
- Quit smoking if you smoke, as it worsens respiratory conditions.
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International brand names for this medicine. Click a brand to search for detailed information.
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