Background |
Salbutamol, also known as albuterol and marketed as Ventolin among other names, is a medication that opens up the medium and large airways in the lungs. It is used to treat asthma including asthma attacks, exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).It may also be used to treat high blood potassium levels. Salbutamol is usually used with an inhaler or nebulizer but is also available as a pill and intravenous solution.Onset of action of the inhaled version is typically within 15 minutes and lasts for two to six hours.Common side effects include shakiness, headache, fast heart rate, dizziness, and feeling anxious.Serious side effects may include worsening bronchospasm, irregular heartbeat, and low blood potassium levels.It can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but safety is not entirely clear.It is a short-acting beta2 adrenergic receptor agonist which works by causing airway smooth muscles to relax. |