Category, Function and Indication

Salbutamol belongs to a family of medicines called short-acting ß2-adrenergic receptor agonist. The medication works by stimulating ß2-receptors (present in our lung) which leads to relaxation of the bronchial smooth muscles and opening the constricted airways to improve breathing. This drug is used to treat acute and exercise related asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and other lung related symptoms.

The drug is branded as Ventolin & Proventil with Salbutamol or Albuterol being the generic name. Under the brand name ‘Ventolin’, it was first marketed in 1968 with instant success and has been prescribed ever since for asthma and allied treatments world over. The success story of this drug is that about 85% of all bronchodilator prescriptions were accounted for by Salbutamol in USA in 2008.

Available forms and Dispensing Methods

Salbutamol is available in tablet and injection forms or can be orally inhaled. But it is commonly taken with the help of an inhaler device, which directly delivers the drug to the lungs to make it act instantly. Moreover when inhaled the drug has minimal side effects as the amount of the drug absorbed in the blood is much less than that absorbed if taken orally by tablets or administered through injection.

In the inhaler dispensing, small amount of the drug is delivered straight to the lungs thorough devices such as Nebuliser and Metered Does Inhaler (MDI). In this form of delivery, maximal Salbutamol activity is observed within five to twenty minutes after inhaling with some visibly immediately relief.

MDI is the most used method of drug delivery that delivers a small measured dose at a time and the inhaler is small and convenient to carry, while Nebulizers (or atomizers, as the device atomizes liquid Salbutamol into aerosol to be inhaled through mouth) are used for sustained deliveries over long periods in hospital settings for patients with cystic fibrosis.

Salbutamol can also be injected intravenously or intramuscularly to get fast relief in cases of very severe asthma. In the extended releases tablet form, the drug is active for at least 12 hours after single dosing. Tablets of Salbutamol (Ventolin or Proventil) can be taken concomitantly with other anti-inflammatory drugs for long term therapy. The medication is also available in the syrup form.

Side Effects

Salbutamol may cause common side effects like fine tremors, headache, nervousness, dry mouth, muscle cramp, palpitations and sleep and behavioral disturbances. Upon continuation with the medication, these symptoms wither away after sometimes. But allergic and some other symptoms like hypotension, hypokalaemia (low potassium in blood), paradoxical bronchospasm etc may rarely occur at high doses and may need immediate medical attention.

Living with Asthma and Salbutamol

Salbutamol is obviously the medication of choice to treat mild to severe Asthma. Its availability in solid, liquid and aerosol or mist forms make it highly versatile to use along with easy, handy and portable dispensing devices. Therefore you have a companion in Salbutamol to make your life comfortable with Asthma.