Salbutamol

Salbutamol (INN) or albuterol (USAN) is a short-acting β₂-adrenergic receptor agonist used for the relief of bronchospasm in conditions such as asthma and COPD.

Salbutamol sulfate is usually given by the inhaled route for direct effect on bronchial smooth muscle. This is usually achieved through a metered dose inhaler (MDI), nebuliser or other proprietary delivery devices (e.g. Rotahaler or Autohaler). Salbutamol can also be given orally or intravenously. However, some asthmatics may not respond to these medications as they will not have the required DNA base sequence in a specific gene.

Salbutamol became available in the United Kingdom in 1969 and in the United States in 1980 under the trade name Ventolin.

Clinical use

Salbutamol is specifically indicated in the following conditions:

acute asthma
symptom relief during maintenance therapy of asthma and other conditions with reversible airways obstruction (including COPD)
protection against exercise-induced asthma
certain conditions involving hyperkalemia

As a β₂-agonist, salbutamol also finds use in obstetrics. Intravenous salbutamol can be used as a tocolytic to relax the uterine smooth muscle to delay premature labour. Whilst preferred over agents such as atosiban and ritodrine, its role has largely been replaced by the calcium-channel blocker nifedipine which is more effective, better tolerated and orally administered. (Rossi, 2004)

Mode of action

As with other β₂-adrenergic receptor agonists, salbutamol binds to β₂-adrenergic receptors with a higher affinity than β₁-receptors. In the airway, activation of β₂-receptors results in relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle. resulting in a widening of the airway (bronchodilation). Inhaled salbutamol sulfate has a rapid onset of action, providing relief within 5-15 minutes of administration.

In tocolysis, the activation of β₂-receptors results in relaxation of uterine smooth muscle, thus delaying labour.

Adverse effects

Whilst salbutamol is well-tolerated, particularly when compared with previous therapies such as theophylline, like all medications there exists the potential for adverse drug reactions to occur - especially when in high doses, or when taken orally or intravenously.

Common adverse effects include: tremor, palpitations and headache. (Rossi, 2004)

Infrequent adverse effects include: tachycardia, muscle cramps, agitation, hypokalemia, hyperactivity in children, and insomnia. (Rossi, 2004)

Precautions, Specific Considerations & Advice

Pregnancy: Safe to use
Breastfeeding: Safe to use

Salbutamol is most commonly advised to be used in acute attacks only. If a patient uses it regularly to control their bronchospasm, please consult your personal health professional for advice.

Other brand names

Salbutamol is sold under the brand names Airomir, Asthalin, Asmol, Buventol, Proventil, Salamol, Sultanol, Ventolin and Volmax.

References

Rossi S (Ed.) (2004). Australian Medicines Handbook 2004 (AMH). Adelaide: Australian Medicines Handbook. ISBN 0-9578521-4-2.

External links

Volmax Drug Information (drugs.com)

Beta-adrenergic agonists | Phenethylamines | Bronchodilators