Salbutamol

Disclaimer to the Online Edition

This Manual has been designed for use in the NICU at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), London, Ontario, Canada, and represents clinical practice at this institution. The information contained within the Manual may not be applicable to other centres. If users of this Manual are not familiar with a drug, it is recommended that the official monograph be consulted before it is prescribed and administered. Any user of this information is advised that the contributors, Editor and LHSC are not responsible for any errors or omissions, and / or any consequences arising from the use of the information in this Manual.

Salbutamol

Indication

  • Used as a bronchodilator in infants with reversible airway obstruction

Pharmacology

  • A selective beta (2) adrenergic agent; the main effect following inhalation or oral administration is broncholidation
  • Has some effects on peripheral vasculature and may produce a small decrease in diasolitic blood pressure
  • It's action is believed to result from an increased level of intracellular cyclic AMP
  • Most effective when administered via inhalation, but may also be given orally; it has beam estimated that less than 10% of an orally administered dose reaches the bronchial tree

Side Effects

  • The most common adverse effects are dose related: tachycardia, arrhythmias, tremor, hypokalemia, peripheral vasodilation.
  • Irritable behaviour, GI upset

Precautions

  • Use with caution, if at all, in infants with hypertension

Dose

  • 0.05 to 0.5 mg/kg, via inhalation, every 2 to 6 hours, prn (equivalent to: 0.01 to 0.1 mL/kg of 5mg/mL respirator solution

Supplied As

  • 5 mg/mL respirator solution
References
  1. McEvoy G K (ed): AHFS Drug Information, American Society of Hospital Pharmacists, 1991.
  2. Gomella TL (Ed): Neonatology - Management, Procedures, On-Call Problems, Diseases, Drugs, 1992, Appleton and Lange, Norwalk, Connecticut.
  3. Bhatt DR, Furman GI, Reber DJ et al: Neonatal Drug Formulary, 1990-1991, 2nd Edition, Fontana, California 92334.
  4. Taketomo CK, Hodding JH and Kraus DM: Pediatric Dosage Handbook, Lexi-Comp Inc., Cleveland, 1992.
  5. Yaffe SJ and Aranda JV (Eds): Pediatric Pharmacology-Therapeutic Principles in Practice, WB Saunders Co, Toronto, Ontario 2nd Edition, 1992.
  6. Young TE and Mangum OB: Neofax - A Manual of Drugs Used in Neonatal Care, Columbus, Ohio: Ross Laboratories, 1992.