Salbutamol

Question 1

what type of drug is salbutamol

Answer 1

Short Acting Beta-2 Adrenergic Receptor Agonist

prevents bronchial smooth muscle constriction

ie is a bronchodilator

Question 2

Indications

Answer 2

Short release- symptomatic relief of:

Asthma
COPD

any reversible bronchial constriction

Question 3

methods of administration

Answer 3

inhalation of aerosol (inhaler)

inhalation of nebuliser solution (e.g. 2.5 mg every QID)

IV infusion (5 ug per minute)

Question 4

contraindications

Answer 4

only possibly in premature labour

Question 5

interactions

Answer 5

amphetamines- increases blood pressure

benzodiazepines (sedatives) e.g. diazepam, alprazolam - stops excretion of salbutamol

Question 6

side effects/ patient info

Answer 6

feeling shaky (fine tremor)
tachycardia
headaches

people tend to get used to them after using for a while