Salbutamol is a short-acting beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonist that relaxes the smooth muscle of the airways, opening the medium and large airways of the lungs; it is used to treat asthma, including asthma attacks, exercise-induced bronchoconstriction and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and may also help lower high blood potassium. Activating beta-2 receptors on airway muscle cells triggers the enzyme adenylyl cyclase to convert ATP into cAMP, which relaxes the muscle and reduces the release of inflammatory mediators. Researchers led by David Jack discovered salbutamol in 1966 at the Allen and Hanburys laboratory in Ware, Hertfordshire, England; the drug was launched as Ventolin in 1969 and approved for medical use in the United States in 1982, and it remains sold as a racemic mixture under brand names including Ventolin, Proventil and ProAir.
Facts
Drug ClassShort-acting beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonist. 1 Mechanism of ActionStimulates beta-2 adrenergic receptors in airway smooth muscle, causing relaxation and bronchodilation. 1 Approved UseRelief of bronchospasm in asthma, including asthma attacks and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, and in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 1 First Approved / Isolated Year Significant RiskTachycardia, tremor and anxiety are common; overuse can worsen bronchospasm and cause low blood potassium. 1 Classification
Approval Status ATC ClassSourced to the subject's own account Route of Administration Route of Administration WHO Essential MedicineSourced to the subject's own account Connections
Treats
Source Salbutamol (Wikipedia)
Sources
1. Salbutamol (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationLead section
It is used to treat asthma, including asthma attacks and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Infobox, drug class
β2 adrenergic receptor agonist
Lead section, mechanism
It is a short-acting β2 adrenergic receptor agonist that causes relaxation of airway smooth muscle.
Lead section, adverse effects
Common side effects include shakiness, headache, fast heart rate, dizziness, and feeling anxious. Serious side effects may include worsening bronchospasm, irregular heartbeat, and low blood potassium levels.
History section
Salbutamol was patented in 1966 in Britain and became commercially available in the United Kingdom in 1969. It was approved for medical use in the United States in 1982.
Lead section, route-of-administration statement
Salbutamol is usually used with an inhaler or nebuliser, but it is also available in a pill, liquid, and intravenous solution.
Lead section, route-of-administration statement (inhalation)
Onset of action of the inhaled version is typically within 15 minutes and lasts for two to six hours.
- Regulatory approval status
Treats: Asthma, Lead section, indication
It is used to treat asthma, including asthma attacks and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
View the Source 2. Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System (Wikipedia)
WikipediaFirst-level anatomical group codes, Code RQuote, First-level anatomical group codes, Code R
Respiratory system
3. WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (Wikipedia)
WikipediaWHO Model List of Essential Medicines, Antiasthmatic medicines and medicines for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease sectionQuote, WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, Antiasthmatic medicines and medicines for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease section
Salbutamol
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