Albuterol (Salbutamol).

Salbutamol or albuterol is a short-acting β2-adrenergic receptor agonist used for the relief of bronchospasm in conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Salbutamol/Albuterol belongs to a class of drugs known as bronchodilators. It works in the airways by opening breathing passages and relaxing muscles. Controlling symptoms of breathing problems can decrease time lost from work or school.

Salbutamol is specifically indicated in the following conditions:

* acute asthma
* symptom relief during maintenance therapy of asthma and other conditions with
reversible airways obstruction (including COPD)
* protection against exercise-induced asthma
* hyperkalaemia, especially in patients with renal failure
* can be aerosolized with a nebulizer for patients with cystic fibrosis, along with ipratropium bromide and pulmozyme.

As a β2-agonist, salbutamol also finds use in obstetrics. Intravenous salbutamol can be used as a tocolytic to relax the uterine smooth muscle to delay premature labour. Whilst preferred over agents such as atosiban and ritodrine, its role has largely been replaced by the calcium-channel blocker nifedipine which is more effective, better tolerated and orally administered.

Special warnings and precautions :

The drug should be used with caution in patients with heart diseases and probable rhythm disorders (advanced high grade valvular diseases, ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, etc.), as well as in patients with diabetes mellitus. The safety, efficacy, and dosage of the drug in bellow 2 year-old children have not been established. The drug should be avoided during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester and during labor, because it is established that the high doses can suppress the contractions of the uterus. There are no data for risks related with the administration of the drug in breast-feeding women. Because of the possibility for induction of tremor, dizziness, and weakness, the drug should be used cautiously in drivers and people working with machines.

Drug interactions :

In cases of concurrent administration with MAO-inhibitors or antidepressants, a potentiation of the cardiovascular effects is observed. The β-blockers antagonize the action of Salbutamol. In cases of simultaneous administration with digitalis glycosides, theophylline, oral antidiabetic agents, insulin, sympathomimetics, Salbutamol can increase the toxicity of these agents.

Adverse reactions :

Headache; tremor; tachycardia; hypertension; anxiety. Rarely nausea, vomiting, and skin rash can be observed.

References :
1.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salbutamol
2.http://www.bpg.bg/sopharma/salbutamol.phtml
3.http://www.webmd.com/drugs