Salbutamol

Question 1

What is salbutamol

Answer 1

.A drug that stimulates the ‘fight or flight response’ with synthetic adrenaline

Question 2

When to use salbutamol

Answer 2

1) Asthma
2) COPD
3) Exp wheeze due to allergy
4) Anaphylaxis
5) Beta blocker overdose
6) Smoke inhalation

Question 3

Contraindications of salbutamol

Answer 3

. There are none in emergency situations

Question 4

Cautions of salbutamol

Answer 4

1) HTN -causes tachycardia
2) Angina- risk of arrhythmia
3) Beta blocker and HTN- severe HTN
4) Hyperthyroidism - thyroid receptors stimulated
5) Late pregnancy - sites in uterus are targeted- stops contractions!

Question 5

Presentation of salbutamol

Answer 5

.Ampules
2.5mg/2.5ml (LAS)
OR
5mg/2.5ml (other ambulance services)

Question 6

Route of salbutamol

Answer 6

Nebula with 6-8l of oxygen

Question 7

Dose of salbutamol

Answer 7

Paediatrics:
2.5mg (check jrcalc can go up to 5mg)

Adults:
5mg (consider half dose for beta blocker patients)

Question 8

Onset of effects for salbutamol

Answer 8

Effects come in 5-15 minutes

Question 9

Potential side effects of salbutamol

Answer 9

.Tachycardia and palpations
.Tremor and muscle cramps
.Peripheral vasodilation
.Feeling of tension
.Headache
.Rash