📋 Indications & Clinical Dosage
*Severe bronchospasm, status asthmatic, Bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema:*
ORAL: Adults: 2-4 mg three or four times daily.
Children2-6 yr: 1-2 mg three or four times daily; 6-12 yr: 2 mg three or four times daily; Above 12 yrs: 2-4 mg three or four times daily.
BY SC OR IM INJ: Adults: 8 mcg/kg four hourly, or
BY SLOW IV INJ: Adult:4 mcg/kg.
*Uncomplicated premature labour:*
BY IV INF OR IV INJ OR IM INJ: Adults: 100-250 mcg. The dose may be repeated according to the response of the patient. Once the uterine contractions have ceased, maintenance therapy can be continued with Salbutamol Tab 4 mg given three or four times daily.
*Management of Acute Asthma:*
BY IV INJ: Children1 month-2 yr: 5 mcg/kg as a single dose IV injection over 5 minutes; 2-18 yr: 15 mcg/kg, max 250 mcg as a single dose IV injection over 5 minutes.
BY Cont.IV INF: Children 1 month-18 yr:1-2 mcg/kg/minute, adjusted according to response and heart rate up to 5 mcg/kg/minute; doses above 2 mcg/kg/minute should be given in an intensive care setting.
*Severe hyperkalaemia:*
BY IV INJ: ChildrenNeonate:4 mcg/kg as a single doseIV injection over 5 minutes, repeat if necessary; 1 month-18 yr:4 mcg/kg as a single doseIV injection over 5 minutes repeat if necessary.
💊 Mode of Administration
Dilute 5 mg with 500 ml dextrose 5% or sodium chloride 0.9%; For premature labour: Dilute with dextrose 5% to a conc. of 200 mcg/ml for use in a syringe pump or for other infusion methods (preferably via controlled infusion device), dilute to a conc. of 20 mcg/ml; close attention to, patients fluid & electrolyte status essential.
⛔ Contraindications
When used for uncomplicated premature labour: Abruptio-placenta, antepartum haemorrhage, cord compression, eclampsia, history of cardiac disease, intra-uterine infection or fetal death, placenta praevia, pulmonary hypertension, severe pre-eclampsia, risk factors for myocardial ischaemia, threatened miscarriage
⚠️ Precautions & Warnings
Mild to moderate pre-eclampsia, suspected cardiovascular disease, myocardial insufficiency, an-gina, cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, young children
🔄 Drug Interactions
Sympathomimetics.
⚠️ Adverse Reactions / Side Effects
GI distress, tremor, feeling of tension, headache, tachycardia, periheral vasodilation.
🤰 Pregnancy & Lactation Safety
Pregnancy Risk:
Caution advised
Lactation / Breastfeeding:
Caution advised
🧪 Compatibility & Storage Stability
Compatibility: 0.9% NS, 5% dextrose, D5W/NS.
Stability & Storage: Store below 30C. Protect from light.
📚 Official Regulatory & Clinical References
- Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP): Drug Registration, S.R.O. Price Gazettes & National Essential Medicines List (NEML).
- World Health Organization (WHO): Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology (ATC/DDD Index).
- Formulary Standards: British National Formulary (BNF) & Pakistan National Formulary (PNF) guidelines.