Salbutamol: Use And Side Effects
Salbutamol, also known as albuterol, is a widely used drug for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is administered by inhalation in order to produce a direct effect on the smooth muscle of the bronchi.
On the other hand, this drug began to be produced in 1969 under the name of Ventolin, a selective agonist on β₂-adrenergic receptors.
What is COPD?
As the name suggests, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic disease that impairs the flow of air through the lungs. The cause of this disease is usually contact with toxic particles over a long period of time. Tobacco is an example of this.
Not surprisingly, smokers are more likely to develop this disease. Likewise, COPD patients are more likely to suffer from other conditions such as lung cancer or heart disease.
As for the symptoms, the most characteristic is chronic cough. However, the signs usually appear until the disease is advanced and has caused serious damage to the body.
What about asthma?
This disease affects the airways, which narrow and become inflamed, producing more mucus. As a result, the patient may have difficulty breathing. In addition to this, coughing, shortness of breath and wheezing are common during breathing.
It is still unclear why some people suffer from this disease and others do not. It is likely caused by a combination of factors, both environmental and genetic.
It is important to know that asthma cannot be cured, but the symptoms it produces can be treated. The latter is the purpose of treatment with salbutamol.
However, continued medical supervision will be required to monitor symptoms and modify treatment as needed.
How does salbutamol exert its effect in the body?
Salbutamol interacts with beta-2-adrenergic receptors, which are the main receptors in the smooth muscle of the bronchi. When these receptors are activated by the action of the drug, various biochemical reactions are triggered that result in signal transduction.
This signal lowers the levels of ionic calcium, necessary for muscle contraction, as well as the number of inflammatory cells in the airways. In this way, it is possible to calm and combat the symptoms of asthma and COPD, two diseases that affect the smooth muscle of the bronchi.
Finally, it should be noted that salbutamol has a longer action than isoproterenol, another drug with similar characteristics. The reason for this is that salbutamol is not a substrate for enzymes in the processes of cell metabolism.
Side effects of sabutamol
Like other medications, sabutamol causes a number of side effects that must be taken into consideration when starting treatment.
Among the most frequent adverse reactions we can mention the following:
- Tremor.
- Headache.
- Insomnia.
- Nervousness.
- Hyperactivity in children.
- Transient muscle cramps.
- Hypersensitivity reactions in people allergic to the drug or its components.
On the other hand, it should be remembered that controlled clinical trials and clinical experience have shown that inhaled salbutamol, like other beta-adrenergic drugs, can produce significant cardiovascular effects, such as an increase in blood pressure, changes in heart rhythm and abnormalities in the cardiac activity.
Treatment with salbutamol: conclusions
Salbuamol is a drug with selective agonist-type activity on β₂-adrenergic receptors. It is mainly used for the treatment and prevention of asthma and bronchospasms in the treatment of obstructive pulmonary diseases.
Remember that it is important to always follow your doctor’s recommendations and tell him any other medications you are taking, as these can interact with each other and produce unwanted effects.
Finally, don’t forget that asthma and COPD are not curable, but the symptoms can be treated and the quality of life can improve dramatically.
