Salbutamol is a bronchodilator prescription drug used to open the bronchioles (small air passages) in the lungs. Salbutamol is an effective treatment for asthma because of its quick action within minutes of administration, in opening up the bronchioles and allowing air to flow through the lungs. Approximately 15 million people in America suffer from asthma. In the United States, Salbutamol is called Albuterol and is available as an inhaler in aerosol, solution or powder form.
Function
Salbutamol works quickly to open the airway and relieve the symptoms of coughing, wheezing or tightening in the chest and shortness of breath during an asthma attack. These symptoms are due to the inflammation and mucous that is blocking the air passages of the lung. The effects of Salbutamol will last for two to four hours. A Salbutamol inhaler may be used 12 to 20 minutes before exercising in order to prevent exercise-induced asthma.
Benefits
Salbutamol is an effective short acting beta 2 agonist (binds to a receptor cell and produce an action.) drug that relieves the symptoms of an asthma attack. It is easily, quickly and painlessly administered by inhalation and reaches the lung tissues and takes action to relieve the symptoms. Salbutamol is available in convenient inhalers in metered doses, in a single unit dose or in multiple doses.
Side Effects
Salbutamol like all medications has its benefits and side effects. A rare but serious side effect that may occur is an allergic reaction. These symptoms may include a rash or hives with itching along with swelling of the face, mouth and tongue or throat along with wheezing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Seek immediate emergency medical care if you should have any of these symptoms. Other side effects may include insomnia, upset stomach or headache as well as nervousness, muscle aches and pain or a pin and needle sensations in the hands or feet.
Considerations
It is important to discuss with your doctor all the medications you are taking so that you can be advised about any that may need to be discontinued or substituted with other medication while you are taking Salbutamol. Medications, such as those used for heart conditions, hay fever and high blood pressure or depression, are good examples. Do not take Salbutamol if you are allergic to it.
Warning
Seek immediate emergency medical care and treatment if the Salbutamol inhaler treatment does not take effect and resolve the symptoms of an asthma attack. Diabetics taking Salbutomal should closely monitor their blood glucose since this medication may cause hyperglycemia (elevated blood glucose). Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breast feeding before taking Salbutamol. According to the experts at Med Bbroadcast, "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 pregnancy."
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