Generic Name: Salbutamol
Brand Name: Ventolin
Popular medicines with Salbutamol
-
Ventorlin CFC Free Inhaler 100 Mcg/18 Mg$5.88 – $13.41 -
Asthalin HFA Inhaler 100 Mcg (200 mdi)$4.84 – $16.27
Table of contents
What is Salbutamol
Salbutamol is a bronchodilator that acts to relax muscles in the airways and increases airflow to the lungs.
Salbutamol is the same as Albuterol and is also available under the brand name Ventolin.
Albuterol inhalation is used to treat bronchospasm in people with Asthma or other types of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). It is also used to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm.
Salbutamol Uses
Salbutamol is used for instant relief of coughing, wheezing, and feeling breathless. It works by relaxing the muscles of the airways into the lungs, making breathing easier. It comes in an inhaler.
The respiratory disorders in which Salbutamol is used include
Acute Asthma
The Salbutamol inhaler is used to prevent or treat attacks of Asthma characterized by severe and sudden difficulty in breathing.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
The inhaler containing this salt is used to treat the symptoms associated with a group of lung diseases that block airflow and make it very difficult to breathe.
Bronchitis
This medicine is used to relieve and prevent the symptoms of this condition, where the walls of the airways swell, making breathing very difficult.
Working of the salt
Salbutamol belongs to a group of bronchodilators.
It is a short-acting beta-agonist that works to relieve acute breathlessness quickly.
Beta-agonists relax the smooth muscles around the airways. It, in turn, opens the bronchi and bronchioles.
The dilation of bronchi and bronchioles makes oxygen flow to the lungs easier.
Hence, helping in getting relief from breathing difficulties.
-
Ventorlin CFC Free Inhaler 100 Mcg/18 Mg$5.88 – $13.41
-
Asthalin HFA Inhaler 100 Mcg (200 mdi)$4.84 – $16.27
Salbutamol Dosage
Salbutamol dosage is based on your medical condition, age, weight, and response to treatment.
Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often than prescribed without your doctor’s approval.
If you need to use the Salbutamol instant inhaler more than prescribed, contact your doctor immediately.
Side Effects of Salbutamol
Salbutamol is an FDA-approved salt used in inhalers to treat bronchospasm. But, it might show mild side effects in some patients. The side effects include
- Muscle pain
- Difficulty in urination
- Headache
- Chest pain
- Upset Stomach
- Dizziness
- Sore throat
- Rapid heartbeat
How to manage side effects?
If one experiences mild side effects, they can manage the side effects as follows,
- Rapid heartbeat: Ensure you are not taking more than the prescribed dose. If this happens regularly, talk to your doctor or nurse as you may need your treatment reviewed so that you do not need to use your Salbutamol often.
- Upset Stomach: Take light meals and drink plenty of fluids. On the doctor’s recommendation, you can take Vomistop for relief.
- Dizziness: Make sure you rest and take nutritious meals and plenty of fluids. To avoid any accidents, avoid driving while you use the inhaler.
Interactions
All drugs interact differently from person to person. Please consult your doctor about all interactions before starting the medication.
Drug Interactions
- Amitriptyline
- Atenolol
- Ketoconazole
- Propranolol
- Xylometazoline
- Furosemide
- Formoterol
- Mifepristone
- Hydrochlorothiazide
- Azithromycin
- Insulin and other anti-diabetic medicines
Disease interactions
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Hypokalemia
- Seizures
- Kidney Disease
Food interactions
This salt should be used with caution with Castor oil. Please inform your doctor about the usage before taking the Salbutamol inhaler.
Pros and Cons of Salbutamol
| Pros | Cons |
| Works immediately to help one breathe easier when they suffer an Asthma attack or difficulty breathing | It is not safe to use in people with heart disease. |
| You don’t have to use a Salbutamol inhaler daily for it to work. It can be used before planned exercise or when you have COPD symptoms like wheezing or shortness of breath. | If not used as directed, it can cause side effects like a fast heartbeat, headache, and dizziness. |
| Available in many different types of inhalers in case one doesn’t work well for you |
Storage
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture.
Other Products with Similar Salts
-
Aerocort$2.94 – $7.84
-
Aerocort Inhaler 50 Mcg + 50 Mcg$7.84 – $15.68
-
Aerocort Rotacaps 100 +100 Mcg$2.94 – $9.41
-
Ventorlin CFC Free Inhaler 100 Mcg/18 Mg$5.88 – $13.41
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Salbutamol the same as Albuterol?
Salbutamol is the same as Albuterol and is used to treat wheezing and shortness of breath caused by respiratory issues.
Is Salbutamol good for dry cough?
Salbutamol is primarily used to relieve symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. You should consult your doctor before using it to treat dry cough.
Is Salbutamol a steroid?
Salbutamol is a bronchodilator and not a steroid. It works by relaxing the muscles of the lungs’ airways and ultimately eases the airflow through the lungs.
What is the side effect of Salbutamol?
Salbutamol causes mild side effects that include, Headache, Dizziness, Muscle pain, rapid heartbeats, cough, Nausea, Decreased potassium level in the blood, and difficulty in urination.
Who should not take Salbutamol?
Salbutamol is not safe for people with heart disease, Hypertension, and allergic to this salt. It is also not safe for use in pregnant women who have experienced a miscarriage recently.
How quickly does Salbutamol work?
When you take a puff of your Salbutamol inhaler, it acts almost immediately to improve your breathing. It continues to function for around 5 hours.
What happens if you drink water after inhaling?
Drinking water after inhaling may increase the chance of medicine entering the bloodstream. It can result in side effects. Hence, avoid drinking water immediately after using a Salbutamol inhaler.
Can Albuterol worsen cough?
In rare cases, when patients do not take medicine according to the doctor’s recommendation, it might lead to paradoxical bronchospasm and worsens breathing and cough.
How many puffs of Salbutamol can I take?
One to two puffs of Salbutamol four times a day is the recommended dose for the long-term treatment of Asthma. But, do not self-medicate and follow your doctor’s prescription to use the medicine.
Will Albuterol help with congestion?
Salbutamol is most commonly used for Asthma, COPD, and other severe breathing disorders. It is also used to treat instances of nasal and chest congestion. It gives rapid comfort by opening the airways.