Confirmation

Are you sure you want to sign out?

Sign Out Cancel

Clinical Practice Guidelines
Drug Monographs
Clinical Resources
BCEHS Handbook FAQ
About BCEHS Handbook
Licence Level Filtering

PCP ACP CCP EMR DISPATCH

Open All

Salbutamol

Classification

Bronchodilator

Sympathomimetic

Indications

PCP: Bronchospasm

ACP: Adjunctive management of hyperkalemia

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to salbutamol
Hemodynamically significant tachycardia

Adult dosages

PCP: Bronchospasm

5 mg nebulized; repeat doses back to back as necessary
NB: nebulized medication therapy not authorized during Covid
4 x 100 mcg via metered dose inhaler; repeat as required

ACP: Adjunctive management of hyperkalemia

10-20 mg via nebulizer; may require multiple doses back-to-back to reach total dose
NB: nebulized medication therapy not authorized during Covid
4 x 100 mcg via metered dose inhaler; repeat as required

Pediatric Considerations And Dosing

Follow weight-based dosing

PCP: Bronchospasm

Via nebulizer
- Age < 1 year: 2.5 mg
- Age ≥ 1 year: 5 mg
- NB: nebulized medication therapy not authorized during Covid
Via metered dose inhaler
- < 10 kg: not indicated
- 10-20 kg: 5 x 100 mcg per course; may repeat up to 3 times
- > 20 kg: 10 x 100 mcg per course; may repeat up to 3 times

Mechanism Of Action

Salbutamol is a selective beta-2 adrenergic agonist that produces bronchodilation and some degree of vasodilation. Some beta-1 effects can be seen, particularly at higher doses.

Pharmacokinetics

Inhaled:

Onset: 5-15 minutes
Peak: 60-90 minutes
Duration: 3-6 hours

Adverse Effects

Restlessness, weakness, vertigo, apprehensiveness
Nausea and vomiting
Tachycardia or other dysrhythmias
Paradoxical worsening of respiratory distress
Cough
Pulmonary edema
Sweating, pallor, flushing
Tremors

Overdose

Discontinue administration if signs of toxicity develop: heart rate > 150/minute (> 200/minute in pediatrics); severe tremors; ventricular arrhythmias.

Confirmation

Are you sure you want to sign out?

Licence Level Filtering

Salbutamol

Classification

Indications

Contraindications

Adult dosages

Pediatric Considerations And Dosing

Mechanism Of Action

Pharmacokinetics

Adverse Effects

Overdose