Salbutamol

Salbutamol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (reliever bronchodilator) medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

• Quick relief of asthma symptoms (wheeze, breathlessness, chest tightness)
• Acute asthma attacks (as part of emergency treatment)
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm
• Wheezing in bronchiolitis or bronchitis when prescribed by a doctor

For the inhaler, the usual adult dose of Salbutamol is 1–2 puffs as needed for symptoms, up to a maximum advised by your doctor; 2 puffs may be taken 10–15 minutes before exercise. Tablets and syrup are typically taken 3–4 times daily, and nebuliser solution is used as directed in acute attacks. Children's doses must be set by a doctor. Inhaler technique matters: shake the inhaler, breathe out fully, seal your lips around the mouthpiece, press while breathing in slowly and deeply, then hold your breath for about 10 seconds. Use a spacer for children and whenever coordination is difficult. If you need Salbutamol more than 2–3 times a week, your asthma is not controlled — see your doctor about a preventer inhaler rather than simply using more reliever.

Common side effects include fine trembling of the hands, palpitations or a fast heartbeat, headache, muscle cramps, and a feeling of nervousness — these are usually mild and settle quickly, especially with inhaled use. High or frequent doses (such as repeated nebulisation) can lower blood potassium and cause significant heart racing. Rarely, the airways can tighten suddenly right after inhalation (paradoxical bronchospasm) — if breathing worsens immediately after a dose, stop and seek urgent medical help.

Needing your reliever more often is a warning sign. If Salbutamol is needed more than 2–3 times a week, if night symptoms appear, or if a canister finishes within a month, your asthma is uncontrolled — consult your doctor about preventer treatment. Always carry your inhaler with you. Use with caution in heart disease, high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes (it can raise blood sugar). During severe attacks not responding to usual puffs, go to hospital immediately instead of taking repeated doses at home. Check inhaler technique at every doctor visit.

Beta-blockers such as propranolol — including some eye drops for glaucoma — directly oppose salbutamol and can trigger severe bronchospasm in asthma; they should generally be avoided. Combining salbutamol with diuretics, theophylline, or corticosteroids increases the risk of low potassium, especially with nebulised doses. Caution is needed with digoxin, tricyclic antidepressants, and MAO inhibitors due to heart rhythm effects. Tell your doctor about all your medicines, including eye drops.

Salbutamol must not be used by anyone with known hypersensitivity to it or to other components of the product. Non-selective beta-blocker use is a strong reason to avoid it until reviewed by a doctor. Oral and intravenous forms need special caution and specialist decision in severe heart disease, uncontrolled arrhythmias, and in threatened premature labour management contexts.

Pregnancy: Inhaled salbutamol is considered acceptable in pregnancy, and keeping asthma well controlled is safer for both mother and baby than uncontrolled attacks. Use it as prescribed and do not stop asthma treatment on your own. Lactation: Inhaled use delivers very little drug to breast milk and is generally regarded as compatible with breastfeeding. Discuss oral or nebulised regimens with your doctor.

Store below 30°C away from direct sunlight. Pressurised inhaler canisters must not be punctured, burnt, or left in hot places such as a parked car, even when empty. Keep the mouthpiece cap on and clean it weekly. Keep all forms out of the reach of children and do not use after the expiry date.