Molecular structure of salbutamol
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Salbutamol (INN) or albuterol (USAN) is a short-acting β2-adrenergic receptor agonist used for the relief of bronchospasm in conditions such as asthma and COPD. It is marketed by the Allen & Hanbury's respiratory division of GlaxoSmithKline under the trade name Ventolin. The name Albuterol comes from Salbutamol aerosol. more...

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Salbutamol sulfate is usually given by the inhaled route for direct effect on bronchial smooth muscle. This is usually achieved through a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) or nebuliser; but other delivery devices marketed for salbutamol sulfate include the Rotahaler, Diskhaler, and Autohaler. Salbutamol can also be given orally (Volmax®) or intravenously.

Ventolin became available in the United Kingdom in 1969 and in the United States in 1980.

Clinical use

Salbutamol is specifically indicated in the following conditions:

  • acute asthma
  • symptom relief during maintenance therapy of asthma and other conditions with reversible airways obstruction (including COPD)
  • protection against exercise-induced asthma
  • certain conditions involving hyperkalemia

Salbutamol has many bad side effects, including shakiness and tremors.

As a β2-agonist, salbutamol also finds use in obstetrics. Intravenous salbutamol can be used as a tocolytic to relax the uterine smooth muscle to delay premature labour. Whilst preferred over agents such as atosiban and ritodrine, its role has largely been replaced by the calcium-channel blocker nifedipine which is more effective, better tolerated and orally administered. (Rossi, 2004)

Mode of action

As with other β2-adrenergic receptor agonists, salbutamol binds to β2-adrenergic receptors with a higher affinity than β1-receptors. In the airways, activation of β2-receptors results in relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle. resulting in a widening of the airway (bronchodilation). Inhaled salbutamol sulfate has a rapid onset of action, providing relief within 5-15 minutes of administration.

In tocolysis, the activation of β2-receptors results in relaxation of uterine smooth muscle, thus delaying labour.

Adverse effects

Whilst salbutamol is well-tolerated, particularly when compared with previous therapies such as theophylline, like all medications there exists the potential for adverse drug reactions to occur - especially when in high doses, or when taken orally or intravenously.

Common adverse effects include: tremor, palpitations and headache. (Rossi, 2004)

Infrequent adverse effects include: tachycardia, muscle cramps, agitation, hypokalemia, hyperactivity in children, and insomnia. (Rossi, 2004)

Other brand names

Salbutamol is sold under the brand names Airomir, Asmol, Proventil, Sultanol, Ventolin and Volmax.

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Odyssey Pharmaceuticals - Advertisement: New for 2003 - introduces VoSpire ER - Brief Article
From Drug Store News, 1/20/03

Odyssey Pharmaceuticals, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sidmak Laboratories, has introduced its newest branded pharmaceutical: VoSpire ER (albuterol sulfate) 4-mg and 8-mg extended-release tablets. Notably, VoSpire ER is AB-rated therapeutically equivalent to Volmax (albuterol sulfate) extended-release tablets.

But VoSpire ER offers an important advantage over Volmax: Unlike Volmax, VoSpire ER does not require constant refrigeration to maintain its product stability. Because VoSpire ER only requires storage at room temperature, patients can take VoSpire ER to work, at school, on vacation-anywhere--without worrying about refrigeration. Furthermore, warehouses, pharmacies and patients do not have to refrigerate VoSpire ER.

VoSpire ER is a cost-effective choice for patients who are candidates for therapy with Volmax or Proventil Repetabs. It also is an excellent alternative for people who have difficulty using a metered-dose inhaler or who prefer an inconspicuous, easy-to-take tablet.

COPYRIGHT 2003 Reproduced with permission of the copyright holder. Further reproduction or distribution is prohibited without permission.
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group

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