Manufacturer:
Medican Pharma Inc.

Generic Name:
salbutamol

Route:
nebulizer

Why is it prescribed?

Med Salbutamol® inhalation solution contains salbutamol.

Salbutamol is used to relieve and prevent bronchospasm associated with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and other pulmonary disorders where bronchospasm is a complicating factor. It is also indicated in the prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm.

Side Effects

Med Salbutamol® inhalation solution contains salbutamol.

Along with its needed effects, salbutamol may cause some unwanted or undesirable effects. Generally, salbutamol is well tolerated and many people will not experience unwanted effects. The severity and duration of these effects are dependant on many factors including duration of therapy, dose, route of administration and individual response. Possible unwanted effects include:

• cough (inhaled preparations only)
• nervousness
• slight palpitations (awareness of heart beat)
• tremor
• dry mouth and throat (inhaled preparations only)

• headache
• increased heart rate
• dizziness
• nausea
• muscle cramps
• trouble sleeping
• weakness

• restlessness
• irritability
• unusual taste
• angina (chest pain/discomfort)
• increase in blood pressure
• hyperactivity in children

Precautions and Warnings for Med Salbutamol® inhalation solution

Med Salbutamol® inhalation solution contains salbutamol

Poor response to salbutamol can often be attributed to improper use of the delivery device. Be sure to follow the directions given to you by your pharmacist and read the patient instructions that are provided with each product. Never exceed the maximum dosage set by your physician. If you find that you are not responding to your usual dose, it could mean that your asthma is worsening and you should contact your physician. Increasing the dose, especially over extended periods, can lead to decreasing response to the drug. Keep in mind that the bronchodilator action should last between 2 and 6 hours. If you are using salbutamol for an acute asthma episode and the condition continues or worsens, call your doctor or seek medical attention immediately. If you need to use salbutamol to relieve symptoms more than 3 times a week you should also be using an anti-inflammatory medication (e.g. beclomethasone, fluticasone).
Drug Interactions: Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about any prescription or over-the- counter medications you are taking. The following drugs and drug classes have been known to interact with salbutamol:

• MAO (monoamine oxidase) inhibitors (e.g. phenelzine, tranylcypromine)
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline)
• some beta-blockers (e.g. propranolol)
• other bronchodilators (e.g. terbutaline)
• digoxin

• allergy to salbutamol or any component of the preparation (some of these products may contain sulfite preservatives or lactose so ask your pharmacist).
• cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heart beat) associated with tachycardia (rapid heart rate)

• hyperthyroidism
• high blood pressure
• diabetes
• cardiovascular disorders
• seizures
• heart disease
• sensitivity to sympathomimetics (drugs that stimulate the central nervous sysytem)

Patient Information

Med Salbutamol® inhalation solution is meant for inhalation via a nebulizer.
Your doctor, pharmacist or health care provider will instruct you on the proper care and use of the nebulizer. It is important to follow the technique outlined by your doctor or pharmacist.
Dilution should be done with sterile normal saline.
The solution should be stored away from direct sunlight at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees centigrade). Do not use if the solution has changed color or becomes cloudy.

Directions for Use

The usual dose for an adult is 2.5 or 5 mg diluted with 2 to 5 mL of sterile normal saline up to 4 times a day if necessary. For children ages 5 to 12 years the average dose is 1.25 or 2.5 mg diluted with 2 to 5 mL of sterile normal saline up to 4 times a day if necessary.

Lung Diseases Treated with this Drug

• asthma
• bronchitis
• bronchospasm associated with COPD
• chronic bronchitis (COPD)
• COPD
• emphysema (COPD)
• exercise-induced bronchospasm

Need More Information?

For more information contact your physician, pharmacist, other health care professional or for general questions call your local lung association.