Description
Albuterol, also known as salbutamol in some countries, is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called beta-2 adrenergic agonists. It is primarily used as a bronchodilator to treat or prevent bronchospasm in people with reversible obstructive airway diseases, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Mechanism of Action:
Albuterol works by stimulating beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the smooth muscle lining the airways. These receptors, when activated, cause the muscles surrounding the airways to relax. This relaxation leads to the widening (dilation) of the airways (bronchi and bronchioles), allowing air to flow more freely into and out of the lungs. This action helps relieve symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing that are commonly associated with asthma and COPD.
Albuterol acts quickly, making it particularly useful for acute relief of bronchospasm, such as during an asthma attack. The onset of action is typically within 5 to 15 minutes when inhaled, and its effects can last for 3 to 6 hours. This rapid action makes it an essential “rescue” medication for people with asthma or COPD, providing quick relief from symptoms when they occur.
Indications:
- Asthma: For both acute relief of bronchospasm and as a preventive measure before exercise or exposure to known triggers.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): To relieve bronchospasm associated with chronic bronchitis or emphysema.
- Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm: Taken before exercise to prevent airway constriction.
Conclusion:
Albuterol is a critical medication for managing respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD. By relaxing the smooth muscles in the airways, it provides quick and effective relief from bronchospasm, helping patients breathe more easily. It’s essential for patients to use albuterol as directed and to be aware of its potential side effects, especially with long-term or frequent use.
Dosage Instructions
For treatment of bronchospasm:
- For oral dosage form (syrup, tablets):
- Adults and children older than 12 years of age—2 or 4 milligrams (mg) taken 3 or 4 times per day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed up to a maximum of 32 mg per day, divided and given 4 times per day.
- Children 6 to 12 years of age—2 mg taken 3 or 4 times per day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed up to a maximum dose of 24 mg per day, divided and given 4 times per day.
- Children 2 to 6 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 0.1 milligram (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per dose, given 3 times per day, and each dose will not be more than 2 mg. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed up to a maximum dose of 12 mg per day, divided and given 3 times a day.
- Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your child’s doctor.
Side Effects
Common side effects of albuterol include tremors, nervousness, headache, palpitations, and tachycardia (rapid heartbeat). These effects are usually mild and temporary but can be more pronounced with higher doses or more frequent use. Albuterol can also cause low potassium levels (hypokalemia) in some individuals.
Shipping & Returns
Looking for a bit more information about how online orders are processed? Here are some commonly asked questions and answers regarding our Online Shop!
How do I know that my order has been received?
When your order has been successfully received by our system, you’ll see a confirmation page. A confirmation email will also be sent to the e-mail address you specified, giving the details of your order. This confirmation indicates that your order has been received. If you can’t find this confirmation email, check your spam or junk mail folders.
Fulfilment of your order may be impacted by stock availability however an email will be forwarded to you once your order is packed and ready for shipping. This email will include tracking details so that you can trace your parcel.
I live outside of South Africa, can I place an order?
Unfortunately, we only deliver to addresses within South Africa at this stage.
I live in South Africa, how much does shipping cost?
Shipping from our Anabolics ZA site is only R 150 nationwide!
When will the delivery arrive?
All orders are sent via a door-to-door courier service. Please make sure that there is someone to receive your order at your nominated address between Monday to Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm. Please note that your order will take 2 – 3 working days from the date of payment to arrive. Deliveries to outlying areas may take longer.
Can I make a change or cancel my order after purchasing?
No changes and cancellations are not possible once the order has been processed and an order confirmation screen is displayed.
What is the return policy and process?
Anabolics ZA products are medicines so we cannot refund or accept returns. If you are unsatisfied with your order in any way, please contact us within 30 days of your order via email and we will do our best to resolve your issue.
I have an issue with my order – what do I do next?
Contact us if you have any queries about your order. Refer to your order number as a reference.