Respiratory (Beta-Adrenergic Bronchodilators - Salbutamol)

Question 1

Examples of drug (Beta-Adrenergic Bronchodilators - Salbutamol)

Answer 1

• Salbutamol

Question 2

Mechanism of action (Beta-Adrenergic Bronchodilators - Salbutamol)

Answer 2

• Short-acting Beta-2 adrenoceptor agonists (SABA)
• Relaxes bronchial smooth muscle, inducing bronchodilation.
• Inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokine release from mast cells and TNF-α release from monocytes, reducing airway inflammation.
• Increase mucus clearance from the airways by stimulating cilia action.

Question 3

Indications (Beta-Adrenergic Bronchodilators - Salbutamol)

Answer 3

• Asthma

- COPD

Question 4

Side effects (Beta-Adrenergic Bronchodilators - Salbutamol)

Answer 4

• Tremor
• Tachycardia / cardiac dysrhythmia
• Headache
• Sleep disturbances

Question 5

Important pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (Beta-Adrenergic Bronchodilators - Salbutamol)

Answer 5

• Only a small percentage of inhaled drug reaches target in the airways – a spacer may improve drug delivery

Question 6

Patient information (Beta-Adrenergic Bronchodilators - Salbutamol)

Answer 6

• Check inhaler technique, review the need for spacer / nebuliser.
• In exercise-induced-asthma, a dose immediately before exercise can reduce incidence of symptoms.
• If required more than once daily, treatment needs reviewed.