Molecular structure of salbutamol
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Volmax

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 Whilst preferred over agents such as atosiban and ritodrine, its role has largely been replaced by the calcium-channel blocker nifedipine which is more effective, better tolerated and orally administered.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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"Max"imum errors
From Nurse Practitioner, 6/1/01 by Cohen, Hedy

Medication errors have been reported because of the sound-alike names and similar dosage strengths of Volmax (albuterol) and Flomax (tamsulosin HCl). Volmax is indicated for bronchospasm relief and Flomax is indicated for treatment of signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The dosage strengths differ by one decimal point: Flomax is available as 0.4 mg capsules and Volmax is available as 4-mg and 8-mg extended release tablets. Both drugs are available in 100-count bottles.

To prevent errors, prescribers should avoid giving verbal orders for these two drugs. If a verbal order is necessary, the drug name should be spelled and the indication should be provided. When writing orders for Flomax, prescribers should include a leading zero (for example, 0.4 mg). If the order is called in, patients should be given a hard copy of the prescription and told which medication they are receiving and why they are receiving it.

Copyright Springhouse Corporation Jun 2001
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved

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