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Salbutamol

Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
Salbutamol ventolin Adult

Salbutamol - What is it for

​Salbutamol is used to relieve breathlessness in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Asthma and COPD affects the lungs which makes it harder for the person to breathe as the disease gets worse over time. Salbutamol helps open up the airway quickly, making it easier for one to breathe. Salbutamol helps to relieve breathlessness quickly and is normally referred to as a 'reliever' inhaler. It does not prevent attacks from happening. 

Salbutamol - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Salbutamol cause?

​Some common side effects of salbutamol include:

  • Fast heartbeat
  • Headache
  • Uncontrolled shaking (tremor)
  • Nervousness
  • Restlessness

 Check with your doctor if any of these symptoms are serious and do not go away.

In very rare cases, some patients might experience the following:

  • Irregular heartbeat, where your heartbeat is uneven or has an extra beat
  • Low blood potassium level, where you may experience the following symptoms:
    • Muscle weakness
    • Muscle pain
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Tingling or numbness at your fingers and toes

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

  • Swollen face/eyes/lips/ tongue
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.  

                    

Before taking Salbutamol , what precautions must I follow?

​Inform your health care professional if:

  • You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients in this medication
  • You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
  • You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies

You have any of the following medication conditions:

  • Glaucoma (a type of eye condition where the pressure in the eye is increased)
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart conditions such as history of chest pain or heart attack, heart failure or irregular heartbeat
  • Hyperthyroidism (a condition where is too much thyroid hormone in the body)
  • Kidney problems

 

                    

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Salbutamol ?

Salbutamol - Dosage and How to Use

How should Salbutamol be used?

  • ​This medication is used when needed. Please inform your doctor if you need to use it more often than instructed.
  • Please refer to the salbutamol metered dose inhaler/Accuhaler's patient information leaflet to learn how to use the inhaler.
  • For the use of salbutamol respiratory solution, please seek advice from your nurse or healthcare professional.
  • Keep the salbutamol inhaler with you at all times in case you need to use it.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

What should I do if I overdose?

Salbutamol - Handling

How should I handle Salbutamol safely?

Salbutamol - Storage

How should I store Salbutamol ?

;#Keep away from children;#Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight;#

For the salbutamol inhaler, keep the cap on when not in use.​

Once the bottle of respiratory solution is opened, throw away the contents after one month.

How should I dispose of Salbutamol safely?

​​​Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin

Salbutamol - Additional Information

  • Updated on 11/4/2020 12:00:00 AM
  • Article contributed by PSS National Medication Information Workgroup PSS National Medication Information Workgroup
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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