Salbutamol

Salbutamol is a direct beta2-sympathomimetic with short acting beta agonists (SABA). Salbutamol dissolves in many organic solvents, 1:70 in water.

Salbutamol is structurally related to adrenalin and other sympathomimetics. It has sympathomimetic and bronchodilator (bronchospasmolytic) properties. Its effect is based on the selective stimulation of the adrenergic β2 receptors of the bronchial muscles.

In particular, higher doses or systemic use may also result in relaxation of the smooth muscles of the uterus. Furthermore, stimulation of the cardiac beta1 receptors can lead to tachycardia and cardiac arrhythmia.

Salbutamol can be applied by inhalation or orally. If used orally, significantly more adverse events (adverse effects) are to be expected.

Acute therapy of respiratory diseases with reversible obstruction, such as bronchial asthma or chronic obstructive bronchitis. After inhalation, the effect sets in quickly within about 5 minutes (SABA). Salbutamol is therefore suitable for the treatment of an asthma attack. The effect lasts about 4 hours. Other beta2 sympathomimetics such as salmeterol or indacaterol have a significantly longer duration of action.

1st Trimenon: Salbutamol belongs to the well-studied beta2-sympathomimetics; most studies did not show any evidence of an embryotoxic risk.

2-3rd trimester / perinatal: The use of salbutamol according to the asthma schedule generally does not lead to any negative effects on the fetus or the newborn. The use of inhaled high doses may lead to tachycardia with cardiac arrhythmia (in mother and child). A contraction-inhibiting effect has also been described and can be used for emergency tocolysis.

Recommendations for pregnancy

Planning of a therapy or planning of a pregnancy under therapy: Salbutamol is the first choice among the short-acting beta2-sympathomimetics in the asthma step-by-step plan during the whole pregnancy. A patient with asthma should be stable even during pregnancy.

Recommendation: Salbutamol is the first choice among the short-acting beta2-sympathomimetics even during lactation in the framework of the asthma therapy step-by-step plan.