Salbutamol (also called albuterol) is an adrenergic bronchodilator used to treat lung conditions like asthma and bronchitis.
Pronunciation: sel-BEW-ta-mol
What are salbutamol’s uses?
Salbutamol is used to relieve bronchospasm in asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and other lung diseases. It is also used to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm.
What dosage should you take?
The dosage and type of delivery (inhaler, capsules or nebuliser) will depend on the condition being treated and the age and condition of the patient, so first check the correct dosages with your Clicks pharmacist.
What special precautions should you take?
- Before taking salbutamol, inform your doctor if you have any allergies to beta-2 agonists or if you have any other allergies.
- Inform the relevant healthcare professionals (doctor or dentist) that you are taking this medicine before scheduled surgery.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before taking this medication.
- Salbutamol passes into breast milk, so let your doctor know if you are breast-feeding.
Salbutamol should be used with caution if you suffer from the following conditions:
- Severe asthma
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Diabetes
- An overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
- Lung infection
- Heart arrhythmia
- Low levels of potassium in the blood
- Sugar intolerance
- Impaired kidney function
What drug interactions could you experience?
As a rule, always inform your doctor or Clicks pharmacist what prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal products you are taking or planning to take to ensure you don’t suffer the effects of adverse drug interactions.
What are salbutamol’s side effects?
Side effects could include:
- Headache
- Rapid or irregular heart beat
- Flushing
- Cramping in the muscles
- Restlessness
- Dizziness
This is not a complete list of side effects. It’s essential that you call your doctor should you notice any severe or odd side effects.
What are the overdose symptoms?
Call a doctor or the ambulance immediately if you notice the following symptoms:
- Hyperglycaemia (an excess of glucose in your bloodstream)
- Shaking
- Hypokalaemia (low potassium levels), which causes muscle cramps and weakness