Salbutamol

Question 1

What is salbutamol?

Answer 1

Salbutamol (5mg NEB) is a direct acting sympathomimetic agent which mainly affects B2 adrenoreceptors. It primarily acts as a bronchodilator but also has inotropic and chronotropic actions. It also lowers serum potassium level through its direct stimulation of the sodium/potassium ATPase pump, drawing potassium into cells.

Hepatic metabolism with renal excretion.

Onset: 2-5 min
Duration: 16-60 min
Half-life: 1.6 hrs

Question 2

Indications for salbutamol?

Answer 2

1. Bronchospasm

2. (CCP) Suspected hyperkalaemia (with QRS widening and/or AV dissociation)

Question 3

Contraindications for salbutamol?

Answer 3

1. Allergy/ADR

2. Patients under 1 year

Question 4

Precautions for salbutamol?

Answer 4

1. Acute pulmonary oedema

2. Ischaemic heart disease

Question 5

Side effects of salbutamol?

Answer 5

1. Anxiety
2. Tachyarrhythmias
3. Tremors
4. Hypokalaemia & metabolic acidosis

Question 6

What is the dose of salbutamol for an adult?

Answer 6

5 mg NEB
Repeated PRN
No max dose

Question 7

What is the dose of salbutamol for a paediatric?

Answer 7

1-5 years
2.5mg NEB
Repeated PRN
No max dose

5-12 years
5mg NEB
Repeated PRN
No max dose