Albuterol
Also known as: Salbutamol Sulphate
Salbutamol/Albuterol is a beta receptor agonist. Salbutamol is a short acting agent and is used only in the managment of acute episode of asthma. It relaxes the smooth muscle in the lungs and dilates or expands the bronchi (air ways) in lungs and makes breathing easy.
Primary Characteristics
Albuterol is also known as Salbutamol Sulphate, Salbutamol.
It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Phenylbutylalcohol.
It belongs to Beta-2 adrenergic agonist pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action and also classified in Bronchodilator pharmacological group.
Molecular Weight: 239.3 · pKa: 9.3, 10.3 · Solubility in Water: 1 in 70 · Solubility in Alcohol: 1 in 25 · Non-proprietary name: Salbutamol.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Albuterol has an oral bioavailability is 85%, pre-systemic (first-pass) metabolism accounts for 5.5% (±4.5%).
Distribution: Albuterol has a volume of distribution is 3.4 l/kg. plasma protein binding is 10%.
Elimination: it is metabolised via Hepatic, plasma half-life is 2.7-5 hr, renal excretion is 75%.
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Indications
Albuterol is primarily indicated in conditions like Asthma, Bronchitis, Bronchospasm, Emphysema, Exercise-induced bronchospasm, Reversible airways obstruction.
Albuterol is also indicated for secondary conditions like Premature labour.
Contraindications
Albuterol is contraindicated in conditions like Cardiac arrhythmia, Diabetes mellitus, Hypertension, Thyrotoxicosis, Ischaemic heart disease, Antepartum haemorrhage, Toxaemia of pregnancy, Hypersensitivity.
Dosage
Albuterol's dosage details are as follows:
| Dose | Single Dose | Frequency | Route | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Dosage | ||||
| 3.75 mg | 3.75 mg | Every 6h | Inhalation | To be used with nebuliser or respirator |
| 150 mcg | 150 mcg | Every 6h | Inhalation | Frequency may be increased to 6 times if needed. |
| 3 mg | 3 mg | Every 8h | PO | Frequency may be increased to 4 times if needed. |
| Paediatric Dosage (20kg) | ||||
| 0.25 mg/kg | 0.25 mg/kg | Every 6h | Inhalation | Recommended via Nebulization |
| 0.15 mg/kg | 0.15 mg/kg | Every 8h | Oral | - |
| Neonatal Dosage (3kg) | ||||
| 0.156 mg/kg | 0.156 mg/kg | Every 6h | Inhalation | Via nebulizer |
| 0.125 mg/kg | 0.125 mg/kg | Every 8h | Oral | |
Drug Interactions
Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.
Side Effects
Albuterol in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Tachycardia , Hypokalemia , Sinus bradycardia , Ventricular ectopics , Peripheral vasodilatation.
The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Albuterol are CNS stimulation, Tremor, Flushing, Agitation, Palpitations , Hypokalemia , Weakness , nervousness.
Albuterol is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Anxiety, Appetite stimulation, Headache, Heart burn, Muscle cramps, Nausea, Palpitation, Tremor, Vomiting .
Warnings / Precautions
Available Brands
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Single Ingredient
Multi-Ingredient Combinations
Storage Conditions
Drug Classification
- 1.22.1.2 — Anti-oxytocics
- 2.25.1.1 — Oral/Parenteral antiasthmatics
- 3.25.1.2 — Inhalants
Manufacturers
Manufacturers of Albuterol in Pakistan: