Salbutamol (Albuterol)
Salbutamol is a short-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (SABA) that acts by relaxing airway smooth muscle, leading to rapid bronchodilation. It is primarily used as a rescue medication to quickly relieve symptoms of acute asthma, wheezing, and reversible obstructive airway disease.
Dosage by Body Weight
Inhalation is the preferred route of administration for quick-relief therapy. For inhalers: 1 to 2 puffs (90 to 180 mcg) every 4 to 6 hours as needed. For nebulizers: 2.5 mg to 5 mg per dose. For oral syrup (2mg/5mL) in children, dosing is typically based on weight (0.1 mg to 0.2 mg/kg per dose, 3 to 4 times daily). Consult a healthcare provider for precise dosing.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not routine
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy in young infants have not been established. Oral bronchodilators are generally avoided. Use only under strict specialist supervision.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 0.5 mg to 1.0 mg (approx. 1.25 mL of 2mg/5mL syrup)
- Frequency
- 3 to 4 times daily
- Tracking Notes
- Strict medical supervision required. Inhalation route via a spacer is highly preferred over oral syrup to minimize systemic side effects.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 1.0 mg (approx. 2.5 mL of 2mg/5mL syrup)
- Frequency
- 3 to 4 times daily
- Tracking Notes
- Monitor closely for side effects such as rapid heart rate (tachycardia), muscle tremors, and hyperactivity.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 1.0 mg to 2.0 mg (approx. 2.5 mL to 5.0 mL of 2mg/5mL syrup)
- Frequency
- 3 to 4 times daily
- Tracking Notes
- Do not exceed 8 mg total in a 24-hour period. Shake syrup well before administering.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 2.0 mg (approx. 5.0 mL of 2mg/5mL syrup)
- Frequency
- 3 to 4 times daily
- Tracking Notes
- For children 4 years and older, transition to a metered-dose inhaler with a spacer is the standard clinical recommendation.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not routine | Use only if prescribed | Safety and efficacy in young infants have not been established. Oral bronchodilators are generally avoided. Use only under strict specialist supervision. |
| 5-7 kg | 0.5 mg to 1.0 mg (approx. 1.25 mL of 2mg/5mL syrup) | 3 to 4 times daily | Strict medical supervision required. Inhalation route via a spacer is highly preferred over oral syrup to minimize systemic side effects. |
| 8-10 kg | 1.0 mg (approx. 2.5 mL of 2mg/5mL syrup) | 3 to 4 times daily | Monitor closely for side effects such as rapid heart rate (tachycardia), muscle tremors, and hyperactivity. |
| 11-15 kg | 1.0 mg to 2.0 mg (approx. 2.5 mL to 5.0 mL of 2mg/5mL syrup) | 3 to 4 times daily | Do not exceed 8 mg total in a 24-hour period. Shake syrup well before administering. |
| 16-20 kg | 2.0 mg (approx. 5.0 mL of 2mg/5mL syrup) | 3 to 4 times daily | For children 4 years and older, transition to a metered-dose inhaler with a spacer is the standard clinical recommendation. |
Formulation
Purpose
Relief and prevention of bronchospasm in patients with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and exercise-induced bronchospasm.
Generic Name
Salbutamol (Albuterol)Branded Drug Names
Salbutamol (Albuterol) is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.