Therapeutic Action
Short-acting beta-2 agonist bronchodilator
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Drug reference
Short-acting beta-2 agonist bronchodilator
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Symptomatic treatment of asthma attack
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May cause: headache, tremor and tachycardia, hyperglycaemia; hypokalaemia (after high doses). Pregnancy: no contra-indication Breast-feeding: no contra-indication
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Solution or suspension for inhalation in pressurised metered dose inhaler, delivering 100 micrograms of salbutamol/puff
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Asthma attack Child and adult: 2 to 10 puffs (200 to 1000 micrograms) every 20 minutes for the first hour Then: If the attack is completely resolved: 2 to 4 puffs (200 to 400 micrograms) every 4 to 6 hours for 24 to 48 hours If the attack is not completely resolved: 2 to 10 puffs (200 to 1000 micrograms) every 1 to 4 hours until symptoms subside then 2 to 4 puffs (200 to 400 micrograms) every 4 to 6 hours for 24 to 48 hours Chronic asthma (when symptomatic only) Child and adult: 2 to 4 puffs (200 to 400 micrograms) up to 4 times daily if necessary
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Shake the inhaler. Remove the mouthpiece cover. Breathe in and breathe out as completely as possible. Place the lips tightly around the mouthpiece. Inhale deeply while activating the inhaler. Hold breath 10 seconds before exhaling. Hand-breath co-ordination is very difficult in children under 6 years, older patients and patients with severe dyspnoea. Use a spacer to facilitate administration and improve the efficacy of treatment.
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In severe asthma attack, preferably administer salbutamol by nebulisation, in combination with ipratropium. Use salbutamol metered dose inhaler only if nebuliser solution is not available. Salbutamol is also used for other conditions associated with bronchoconstriction (e.g. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, some severe respiratory infections). Clean the mouthpiece before and after each use. Do not pierce or incinerate used aerosol containers (risk of explosion).
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– Below 25 °C
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2 to 10 puffs (200 to 1000 micrograms) every 20 minutes for the first hour
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2 to 4 puffs (200 to 400 micrograms) up to 4 times daily if necessary
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