Why is it prescribed?
Apo-Salvent® tablets 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
Apo-Salvent® tablets 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)
Uncommon:
- headache
- increased heart rate
- dizziness
- nausea
- muscle cramps
- trouble sleeping
- weakness
Rare:
- restlessness
- irritability
- unusual taste
- angina (chest pain/discomfort)
- increase in blood pressure
- hyperactivity in children
Many of these unwanted effects, especially the most common ones, may disappear with continued use. Check with the doctor or pharmacist if any of them continue or become bothersome.
Precautions and Warnings for Apo-Salvent® tablets
Apo-Salvent® tablets 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
Use is not recommended in the following situations:
- 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)
Caution recommended in the following situations:
- hyperthyroidism
- high blood pressure
- diabetes
- cardiovascular disorders
- seizures
- heart disease
- sensitivity to sympathomimetics (drugs that stimulate the central nervous sysytem)
Use in pregnancy: Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you suspect that you may be pregnant.
Use while breastfeeding: Consult your doctor or pharmacist before you begin breastfeeding.
Patient Information
Apo-Salvent® is meant to be taken by mouth. The effects of this medication can last for 4 to 8 hours. Therefore the dosage or frequency of administration should never be increased without consulting the doctor. Store at room temperature (15 to 25 degrees centigrade).
Directions for Use
The ususal adult dose is 2 to 4 mg three to four times daily. For children between 6 and 12 years of age, the usual dose is 2 mg three to four times a day.
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.
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