Salbutamol

Albuterol tablets, USP are indicated for the relief of bronchospasm in adults and children 6 years of age and older with reversible obstructive airway disease.

• The following dosages of albuterol tablets, USP are expressed in terms of albuterol base
• Usual Dosage
• Pediatric Patients 6 to 12 Years of Age: For pediatric patients 6 to 12 years of age, the usual dosage is 2 mg three or four times a day
• Adults and Pediatric Patients Over 12 Years of Age: For adults and pediatric patients over 12 years of age, the usual starting dosage is 2 or 4 mg three or four times a day
• Dosage Adjustment
• Pediatric Patients 6 to 12 Years of Age Who Fail to Respond to the Initial Starting Dosage of 2 mg Four Times a Day : For pediatric patients from 6 to 12 years of age who fail to respond to the initial starting dosage of 2 mg four times a day, the dosage may be cautiously increased stepwise, but not to exceed 24 mg/day (given in divided doses)
• Adults and Pediatric Patients Over 12 Years of Age: For adults and pediatric patients over 12 years of age, a dosage above 4 mg four times a day should be used only when the patient fails to respond to lower dose
• The dosage should be cautiously increased stepwise up to a maximum of 8 mg four times a day as tolerated if a favorable response does not occur with the 4 mg initial dosage
• Elderly Patients and Those Sensitive to Beta-adrenergic Stimulators : An initial dosage of 2 mg three or four times a day is recommended for elderly patients and for those with a history of unusual sensitivity to beta-adrenergic stimulators
• If adequate bronchodilation is not obtained, dosage may be increased gradually as tolerated to as much as 8 mg three or four times a day. …

Albuterol tablets are contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to albuterol, or any of their components.

The concomitant use of albuterol tablets and other oral sympathomimetic agents is not recommended since such combined use may lead to deleterious cardiovascular effects. This recommendation does not preclude the judicious use of an aerosol bronchodilator of the adrenergic stimulant type in patients receiving albuterol tablets. Such concomitant use, however, should be individualized and not given on a routine basis. If regular co-administration is required, then alternative therapy should be considered. …

Paradoxical Bronchospasm Albuterol tablets can produce paradoxical bronchospasm, which may be life threatening. If paradoxical bronchospasm occurs, albuterol tablets should be discontinued immediately and alternative therapy instituted. Deterioration of Asthma Asthma may deteriorate acutely over a period of hours, or chronically over several days or longer. If the patient needs more doses of albuterol tablets than usual, this may be a marker of destabilization of asthma and requires re-evaluation of the patient and the treatment regimen, giving special consideration to the possible need for anti-inflammatory treatment, e.g., corticosteroids. …

The adverse reactions to albuterol are similar in nature to those of other sympathomimetic agents. Albuterol Tablets Adverse Experience Incidence (% of patients) in Adults and Children 6 Years of Age and Older Adverse Event Percent Incidence Central nervous system Nervousness 20 Tremor 20 Headache 7 Dizziness 2 Weakness 2 Sleeplessness 2 Irritability < 1 Drowsiness < 1 Restlessness < 1 Cardiovascular Palpitations 5 Tachycardia 5 Flushing < 1 Chest discomfort < 1 Musculoskeletal Muscle cramps 3 Gastrointestinal Nausea 2 Genitourinary Difficulty in micturition < 1 Albuterol Extended-release Tablets Incidence of Adverse Reactions (% of Patients) in a 1-week Clinical Trials* Adverse Event Albute …

The expected symptoms with overdosage are those of excessive beta-adrenergic stimulation and/or occurrence or exaggeration of any of the symptoms listed under ADVERSE REACTIONS , e.g., angina, hypertension tachycardia with rates up to 200 beats per minute, nervousness, headache, tremor, dry mouth, palpitation, nausea, dizziness, and insomnia. In addition, seizures, hypotension, arrhythmias, fatigue, malaise and hypokalemia may also occur. As with all sympathomimetic medications, cardiac arrest and even death may be associated with abuse of albuterol tablets. …

Take it when you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Then skip the missed one. Never take two doses at once to make up for it. Check your leaflet, as some medicines are different.