Salbutamol

salbutamol sulfate

How does this medication work? What will it do for me?

Salbutamol is a bronchodilator used for the treatment of asthma, chronic bronchitis, and other breathing disorders. It works by opening the airways and making breathing easier.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Who should NOT take this medication?

Anyone allergic to any of the ingredients and those with abnormal heart rhythm associated with fast heart rate should not use this drug.

What side effects are possible with this medication?

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your health professional. They may be able to help you to deal with some of the effects.

The following side effects may go away as your body becomes used to the medication; check with your doctor if they continue or become bothersome:

• Less common: nervousness, tremor (shakiness)
• Rare: dry or irritated throat

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• Less common: headache, fast heartbeat, palpitations, transient muscle cramps, insomnia, nausea, weakness, dizziness
• Rare: drowsiness, flushing, restlessness, irritability, chest discomfort or pain, difficulty urinating, increased blood pressure, vomiting, dizziness, increased alertness or hyperactivity, unusual taste in mouth

Get emergency medical attention if you notice the following:

• Rare: hives with swelling of lips, face, or throat, difficulty breathing

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?

Use of anti-inflammatory agents: In accordance with the present practice for asthma treatment, use of anti-inflammatory medications therapy (e.g., corticosteroids such as inhaled beclomethasone, budesonide, or fluticasone) should be part of the regimen if inhaled salbutamol needs to be used on a regular daily basis. If asthma becomes worse (you need to use salbutamol more often, or it stops working) call the doctor for further instruction.

Diabetes: Care should be taken by people with diabetes. Salbutamol can induce reversible high blood glucose during nebulized administration. Monitor blood glucose carefully under such conditions.

Failure to respond: Failure to respond for at least 3 hours to a previously effective dose of salbutamol indicates that the asthma condition is getting worse and the doctor should be contacted promptly. Increasing use of fast-acting inhalers such as salbutamol to control symptoms is usually a sign of worsening asthma.

Pregnancy: Salbutamol has been in widespread use for many years without apparent ill consequence. However, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies with pregnant women, and there is little published evidence of its safety in the early stages of human pregnancy. Administration of any drug to pregnant women should only be considered if the anticipated benefits to the expectant woman are greater than any possible risks.

Breast-feeding: Since salbutamol is probably excreted in breast milk, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the benefit of the drug to the mother. It is not known whether salbutamol in breast milk has a harmful effect on the infant.

What other drugs could interact with this medication?

The following medications may affect the way that salbutamol works or its effects on the body:

• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine, moclobemide)
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, desipramine, nortriptyline)
• other brochodilators (e.g., salmeterol, terbutaline)
• epinephrine
• beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol, propranolol)
• ipratropium
• certain diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide)
• digoxin

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to: stop taking one of the medications, change one of the medications to another, change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or leave everything as is. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.