Uses of Salbutamol

Salbutamol is used in the management of chronic bronchospasm (long-term breathing difficulties caused due to narrowing of airways) unresponsive to conventional therapies. It is used to provide a quick relief from the symptoms of asthma (triggered due to exercise or any allergen exposure) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults and in children (aged 4 years or older). It can also be used to treat chronic bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchus) and emphysema (shortness of breath).

Therapeutic Category

Salbutamol: Bronchodilators (selective beta-2 adrenergic agonist)

How Salbutamol works

Salbutamol is a bronchodilator. It relaxes the smooth muscles of the airways and widens them. It also blocks the release of certain chemical messengers in the airways (such as mast cells) that cause inflammation and swelling. As a result, it reduces airway inflammation, prevents the airways from becoming narrow and allows the air to pass through more freely which makes breathing easier.

Common side effects of Salbutamol

• fast or uneven heartbeat (palpitations)
• increased blood flow to extremities
• tremors (feeling shaky)
• headache, dizziness
• nausea
• muscle cramps

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• In case of accidental overdosage
• If you experience severe allergic reactions (such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, red irregular raised patches on the skin with severe itching, breathing difficulties, low blood pressure, collapse)
• If you experience pain in the chest, jaw or shoulder accompanied with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea and vomiting
• If you experience clammy skin, wheezing, difficulty in breathing when lying flat
• If you experience fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain
• If you experience signs of low blood potassium levels (such as fatigue, muscle spasms, frequent urination)
• If you experience signs of high lactic acid levels in the body (such as stomach pain, breathing difficulties, cold feet and hands, irregular heartbeat and thirst)

Health Tips for Salbutamol

• Take this medicine with or just after meals. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oil rich or spicy food
• Rest and relax. Drink plenty of fluids such as water or electrolytes. Apply a pain-relieving balm on the head if required. Do not consume too much of alcohol
• Try to rest and relax. Get enough sleep. Avoid driving or operating heavy tools or machinery while you feel dizzy. Avoid consumption of alcohol as it could aggravate your dizziness
• Always keep your salbutamol inhaler with you, especially if you have a history of asthma or other respiratory conditions. This ensures that you have quick access to your medication in case of an emergency or sudden onset of symptoms