CLINICAL USE
Beta2-adrenoceptor agonist:Reversible airways disease
DOSE IN NORMAL RENAL FUNCTION
Oral: 2–4 mg 3–4 times daily SC/IM: 500 micrograms, repeated 4 hourly if necessaryIV: 250 micrograms slow bolus, repeated if requiredInfusion: start with 5 micrograms/minute, adjust according to response, usually 3–20 micrograms/minuteAerosol: 100–200 micrograms (1–2 puffs) 4 times dailyPowder: 200–400 micrograms 4 times dailyNebulisation: 2.5–5 mg 4 times daily, or more frequently
PHARMACOKINETICS
DOSE IN RENAL IMPAIRMENT
GFR (mL/MIN)
DOSE IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING RENAL REPLACEMENT THERAPIES
IMPORTANT DRUG INTERACTIONS
Potentially hazardous interactions with other drugsIncreased risk of hypokalaemia when diuretics, theophylline or large doses of corticosteroids are given with high doses of salbutamolAntihypertensives: acute hypotension with
IV infusion
of salbutamol and methyldopa
ADMINISTRATION
Reconstition
–
Route
IV, SC, IM, oral, inhaled, nebulised
Rate of Administration
IV slow bolus;
IV infusion
3–20 micrograms/minute
Comments
Infusion: dilute 10 mL (10 mg) to 500 mL with sodium chloride 0.9% or glucose 5% (20 micrograms/mL)Via syringe pump: dilute 10 mL (10 mg) to 50 mL with sodium chloride 0.9% or glucose 5% (200 micrograms/mL)
OTHER INFORMATION
Monitor ECG/BP/pulse Nebulised salbutamol may be prescribed for hypokalaemic effect in acute hyperkalaemia (unlicensed).