Salbetol 4 mg

Composition of Salbetol 4 mg

Salbetol 4 mg contains Salbutamol (4mg). It belongs to the Short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) class of medicines.

Uses of Salbetol 4 mg

• Relief and prevention of bronchospasm in bronchial asthma
• chronic bronchitis and other reversible obstructive airway diseases; wheezing and shortness of breath due to airway narrowing.

Key benefits

• Relieves wheezing
• Reduces shortness of breath
• Opens airways quickly
• Helps prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm
• Improves airflow in asthma/COPD

How Salbetol 4 mg works

Salbutamol is a short-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist (SABA). It relaxes bronchial smooth muscles, leading to bronchodilation and improved airflow, quickly relieving wheeze and breathlessness.

How to take Salbetol 4 mg

Oral tablet. Take as prescribed by the doctor; usually taken 2–3 times daily at fixed intervals. Can be taken with or without food; take with food if stomach upset occurs. Do not exceed the prescribed dose.

Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Do not change the dose or stop early on your own.

Missed dose and overdose

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is almost due, skip the one you missed — never take two doses together to catch up.

If you take too much

An overdose of this medicine can cause a racing heart, marked tremor, headache and a fall in blood potassium. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — go to the nearest emergency department and take the pack or strip with you.

Side effects of Salbetol 4 mg

Most side effects of Salbetol are mild and settle as the body adjusts. Reported side effects include:

• Tremor
• headache
• palpitations
• fast heart rate (tachycardia)
• nervousness
• muscle cramps
• nausea
• dizziness
• throat irritation
• low potassium (hypokalaemia)

Stop the medicine and seek help immediately for a rash, swelling of the face or lips, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Tell your doctor about any side effect that persists or worries you.

Safety advice for Salbetol 4 mg

Warnings and precautions

Use with caution in patients with heart disease (arrhythmias, ischemic heart disease), hypertension, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and seizure disorders. Overuse can cause serious heart rhythm problems and low potassium; seek medical help if breathing worsens or relief is short-lived. May cause tremor and dizziness—use caution while driving. In diabetics, monitor blood glucose. Not a substitute for anti-inflammatory controller therapy in persistent asthma.

Do not take Salbetol if

Not for anyone with a known allergy to this medicine or to any ingredient in the pack. Not for anyone with a known allergy to the propellant used in the inhaler.

Interactions with other medicines

Beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol) may reduce effect and precipitate bronchospasm; diuretics and corticosteroids may increase risk of hypokalaemia; digoxin (may reduce digoxin levels); MAO inhibitors/TCAs may increase cardiovascular effects; other sympathomimetics (additive side effects).

How to store Salbetol 4 mg

Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place. Protect from moisture and direct light. Keep out of reach of children.

Expert advice for Salbetol 4 mg

Keep a spare reliever and check the counter so you are not caught with an empty one. Follow your written asthma action plan if you have one. Do not stop a preventer because you feel better — that is the medicine working.

Manufacturer and class

Manufacturer:

FDC LIMITED

Therapeutic class:

Bronchodilator (Anti-asthmatic/COPD)

Drug class:

Short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA)