Salbutamol

What is Salbutamol Metered Dose Inhaler / Accuhaler / Respiratory Solution for?

Salbutamol is used to relieve breathlessness in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Asthma and COPD affects the lungs which makes it harder for the person to breathe as the disease gets worse over time. Salbutamol helps open up the airway quickly, making it easier for one to breathe. Salbutamol helps to relieve breathlessness quickly and is normally referred to as a 'reliever' inhaler. It does not prevent attacks from happening. 

How should I take or use Salbutamol Metered Dose Inhaler / Accuhaler / Respiratory Solution?

• This medication is used when needed. Please inform your doctor if you need to use it more often than instructed.
• Please refer to the salbutamol metered dose inhaler/Accuhaler's patient information leaflet to learn how to use the inhaler.
• For the use of salbutamol respiratory solution, please seek advice from your nurse or healthcare professional.

• Keep the salbutamol inhaler with you at all times in case you need to use it.

What precautions should I take when taking or using Salbutamol Metered Dose Inhaler / Accuhaler / Respiratory Solution?

Inform your health care professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients in this medication
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies

You have any of the following medication conditions:

• Glaucoma (a type of eye condition where the pressure in the eye is increased)
• High blood pressure
• Heart conditions such as history of chest pain or heart attack, heart failure or irregular heartbeat
• Hyperthyroidism (a condition where is too much thyroid hormone in the body)
• Kidney problems

What are some common side effects of Salbutamol Metered Dose Inhaler / Accuhaler / Respiratory Solution?

Some common side effects of salbutamol include:

• Fast heartbeat
• Headache
• Uncontrolled shaking (tremor)
• Nervousness
• Restlessness

 Check with your doctor if any of these symptoms are serious and do not go away.

In very rare cases, some patients might experience the following:

• Irregular heartbeat, where your heartbeat is uneven or has an extra beat
• Low blood potassium level, where you may experience the following symptoms:
• • Muscle weakness
  • Muscle pain
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Tingling or numbness at your fingers and toes

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/ tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately. 

How should I store Salbutamol Metered Dose Inhaler / Accuhaler / Respiratory Solution?

• Keep away from children
• Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight

• For the salbutamol inhaler, keep the cap on when not in use.

  Once the bottle of respiratory solution is opened, throw away the contents after one month.

How do I throw away Salbutamol Metered Dose Inhaler / Accuhaler / Respiratory Solution safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin