How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Salbutamol belongs to a class of medications called bronchodilators, and more specifically, β2-adrenergic agonists. This medication is used to treat severe asthma and chronic bronchitis. It works by relaxing the muscles in the walls of the small airways in the lungs. This helps to open up the airways and make breathing easier.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are receiving this medication, speak to your doctor.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Each mL of clear, colourless to pale straw-coloured sterile, isotonic solution contains salbutamol 1000 µg as salbutamol sulfate. Nonmedicinal ingredients: sulfuric acid and/or sodium hydroxide to adjust to PH 3.5.
How should I use this medication?
The dose is determined by your doctor and is adjusted based on your response to this medication. This medication is given as a continuous infusion intravenously (into a vein) for adults.
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications.
Salbutamol I.V. infusion solution should only be given by a health care professional in a hospital or similar location where necessary treatment facilities are available.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not use this medication if you:
- are allergic to salbutamol or any ingredients of this medication
- are pregnant and at risk of miscarriage during the first or second trimester
- have an abnormally fast heartbeat
What side effects are possible with this medication?
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people using this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- difficulty sleeping
- drowsiness
- dry mouth
- faster heartbeat (usually temporary)
- flushing
- headache
- irritability
- nausea
- nervousness
- restlessness
- sweating
- tremor (shakiness)
Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- difficulty urinating
- dizziness
- increased blood pressure
- signs of decreased levels of potassium in the blood (e.g., irregular or pounding heartbeat, persistent muscle cramps, muscle pain or weakness)
- vomiting
Seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- chest pain or discomfort
- severe dizziness
- symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (e.g., hives; swelling of lips, face, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing; fainting; increased wheezing or chest tightness)
- symptoms of too much lactic acid in the blood (deep and rapid breathing, vomiting, abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, feeling unwell)
- worsening breathing problems
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Diabetes: Salbutamol given by infusion into a vein can increase blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Heart conditions: Salbutamol can cause heart complications when used by people with heart conditions, such as heart disease, abnormal heart rhythms, and high blood pressure. If you have any of these conditions, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Lactic acidosis: When given as an infusion into a vein, salbutamol can cause a rare but serious condition called lactic acidosis (build-up of lactic acid in the blood). When there is too much lactic acid in the blood, breathing becomes more difficult and rapid.
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- abdominal pain, swelling, or bloating
- diarrhea
- fatigue
- feeling unwell
- nausea
- shortness of breath
- vomiting
- weakness
- weight loss
Low blood potassium: Salbutamol given by infusion into a vein can cause low potassium levels in the blood. If you experience weakness, tiredness, muscle cramps, nausea, or vomiting while receiving this medication, let your doctor know. Your doctor will monitor your potassium levels with blood tests if needed.
Seizures: Salbutamol can increase the risk of seizures, especially for people with a history of seizure disorders. If you have a seizure disorder, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Thyroid disease: Salbutamol can increase the activity of the thyroid gland. This can become a problem for people who have an overactive thyroid gland. If you have hyperthyroidism (a condition where the thyroid is overactive), discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor.
Salbutamol is not intended to be used to stop or prevent premature labour, as there is a risk of fluid building in the lungs and decreased amounts of oxygen reaching the heart muscle. Both these effects can be life-threatening to the mother and the unborn baby.
Breast-feeding: Salbutamol probably passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are receiving this medication by intravenous infusion, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using salbutamol infusion solution have not been established for children.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
There may be an interaction between salbutamol and any of the following:
- atomoxetine
- beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol, nadolol, sotalol)
- caffeine
- carvedilol
- certain diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide)
- dextroamphetamine
- digoxin
- dobutamine
- dopamine
- epinephrine
- labetalol
- methylphenidate
- monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine, moclobemide)
- other bronchodilators (e.g., salmeterol, terbutaline)
- pseudoephedrine
- tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, desipramine, nortriptyline)
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/Ventolin-infusion-solution
