Albuterol Pharmacology

Albuterol

About Albuterol
Adrenergic beta2 agonist, Bronchodilator.
Mechanism of Action of Albuterol
Albuterol is a short acting ?2 receptor agonist. It selectively stimulates ?2 receptors present in airway, Uterus, and Vascular Smooth muscles. It directly relaxes the airway smooth muscles and produces bronchodilation. Stimulation of ?2 receptors activates Gs adenylyl-cyclase -cyclic AMP path way and produces reduction in smooth muscle tone. ?2 receptor agonists also increases the conductance of large Ca2+sensitive K+ channels in airway smooth muscles and leads to membrane hyperpolarisation and relaxation of smooth muscles.
?2 receptor agonists also suppress the release of Leukotrienes and histamine from the mast cells in the lung tissue and enhance mucociliary function and decrease micro vascular permeability and also inhibits Phospholipase A2 which produces inhibition of prostaglandins production. Thus Albuterol can inhibit the broncho-constriction produced by inflammatory mediators.
Pharmacokinets of Albuterol
Absorption: It is well absorbed after oral administration.Distribution: It does not cross the blood brain barrier.Metabolism: It is metabolised to inactive metabolites in the liver.Excretion: It is excreted primarily in the urine and small amount in the faeces.
Onset of Action for Albuterol
15 - 30 minutes
Duration of Action for Albuterol
6 - 12 hours
Half Life of Albuterol
4 hours
Side Effects of Albuterol
1. Drowsiness
2. Headache
3. Dizziness
4. Nervousness
5. Tremor
6. Weakness
7. Palpitations
8. Tachycardia
9. Arrhythmia
10. Vomiting
11. Nausea
12. Heartburn
13. Diaphoresis
14. Hypokalaemia (high dose)

Contra-indications of Albuterol
1.Hypersensitivity to Albuterol and other sympathomimetic amines.
Special Precautions while taking Albuterol
1. Myocardial insufficiency
2. Arrhythmia
3. Hypertension
4. Hyperthyroidism
5. Epilepsy
6. Diabetes
Pregnancy Related Information
Use with caution.
Old Age Related Information
Use with caution.
Breast Feeding Related Information
Use with caution.
Children Related Information
Use with caution
Below 6 years: contraindicated
Indications for Albuterol
1. Obstructive airway diseases
2. Acute Bronchospasm
3. Status asthmaticus
4. Premature labour
Interactions for Albuterol
Beclomethasone, Theophylline: Enhances respiratory function.
Beta-blockers: Inhibit bronchodilator effect.
Diuretics and Xanthines: Increased risk of hypokalemia.
Digitalis: Increased risk of digitalis toxicity when salbutamol is given in hilgh doses due to hypokalaemia.
Typical Dosage for Albuterol
Adult:
Oral:
Immediate release tablet: 2 - 4 mg every 6 - 8 hours daily, maximum dose 32mg / day
Sustained release tablets: 8 mg / day in 2 divided doses and if sufficient response does not obtained then dose can be gradually increased to 16mg / day in 2 divided doses
Children: 6 - 14 years
Syrup: 6 - 8mg / day in 3 - 4 divided doses and if needed dose can be increased maximum up to 24mg / day
Uterine Relaxant: (I.V) 4 to 32 mcg/minutes

Schedule of Albuterol
H
Storage Requirements for Albuterol
Store at 15 - 30 degree C. Protect from heat and light. Keep out of the reach of children
Effects of Missed Dosage of Albuterol
Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Effects of Overdose of Albuterol
Give supportive measures and symptomatic treatment. Drug can be removed from the body by gastric lavage or by inducing emesis. Absorption of drug can be reduced by administration of activated charcoal.

Home Delivery for Albuterol in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including albuterol.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for albuterol and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for albuterol may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take albuterol only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for albuterol before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for albuterol with the pharmacy.

Albuterol is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for albuterol might be better known than albuterol itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have albuterol in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for albuterol.