Salbutamol

Question 1

What are the indications for salbutamol?

Answer 1

-Bronchospasm secondary to asthma or COPD,
- prominent bronchospasm secondary to airway burns, smoke ihalation, or chest infection
- release syndrome following crush injury
- known or suspected hyperkalaemia with ECG changes.

Question 2

What are the contraindications for salbutamol?

Answer 2

Known severe allergy

Question 3

What are the precautions for salbutamol?

Answer 3

NONE

Question 4

What are the dosages for salbutamol?

Answer 4

MDI: one puff into the MDI and spacer, followed by 6 breaths (repeat 6 times)

Nebulised for bronchospasm: 5mg for adults and children, repeat as required. The initial dose is combined with 0.5mg ipratropium, but repeated doses are not.

Nebulised for release syndrome following crush injury or known suspected hyperkalaemia: 5mg for adults and children, repeat as required.

Question 5

What are the usual preparations for salbutamol?

Answer 5

Metered dose inhaler delivering 100mcg doses per puff

Ampoule containing 5mg in 2.5ml

Ampoule containing 2.5mg in 2.5ml

Question 6

What is the MOA for salbutamol?

Answer 6

Salbutamol is a bronchodilator. It is an agonist (stimulator) of beta-2 receptors.