Clinical beta
FMBM is currently in clinical beta. Content is for professional review/testing and must not replace local protocols, senior clinical judgment, or official prescribing references.
Drug Monograph
USE IF: Acute bronchospasm (asthma, COPD), wheezing, hyperkalemia (adjunct)
AVOID IF: Severe tachyarrhythmia, hypersensitivity
Salbutamol (Albuterol)
Short-acting beta-2 agonist bronchodilator (SABA)
Indication
Bronchospasm • Asthma • COPD • Hyperkalemia (adjunct)
INDICATIONS (CORE USE)
- Acute asthma exacerbation - COPD exacerbation - Bronchospasm - Hyperkalemia (adjunct)
ADULT DOSE (STANDARD)
Inhaled PRN via MDI or nebulizer Nebulized dosing for moderate-severe exacerbations
MAX DOSE
Protocol- and response-based in acute care; frequent dosing requires HR and potassium monitoring
Route
Inhaled (MDI / nebulizer)
PEDIATRIC DOSE
Protocol-based
Must-not-miss safety points
Major warning
- Tachycardia and arrhythmia risk - Hypokalemia risk, especially with repeated high-dose use - Overuse signals uncontrolled asthma and poor controller coverage - Hyperkalemia role is adjunctive only, not definitive therapy
INDICATION: Bronchospasm • Asthma • COPD • Hyperkalemia (adjunct)
Primary
Secondary
STANDARD (ADULT PO)
MDI PRN in many settings; nebulizer repeated dosing in exacerbations per protocol
ADULT DOSE
STANDARD (ADULT): - MDI: PRN dosing - Nebulizer: repeated dosing in exacerbations
PEDIATRIC DOSE
Protocol-based
MAX DOSE
Escalation and repeat frequency are protocol-guided; monitor for tachycardia and hypokalemia
Practical Note
- MDI with spacer is often as effective as nebulizer in mild-moderate exacerbations - Nebulizer is preferred in severe exacerbation or poor inhaler technique - Frequent dosing requires monitoring of heart rate and potassium
Clinical warnings
Adverse effects
Pediatrics
Protocol-based
Pregnancy
Cardiac disease: Use caution due to arrhythmia risk Pregnancy/
Lactation
Use based on maternal respiratory need and protocol guidance.
Renal impairment
No primary renal dose adjustment for inhaled rescue use; monitor potassium in high-dose repeated regimens.
Hepatic impairment
No routine hepatic adjustment for inhaled rescue use; monitor systemic adverse effects in high exposure contexts.
Elderly
Increased sensitivity to tachycardia and tremor; monitor clinical response and tolerability closely.
- Inhaled via MDI or nebulizer - Use spacer with MDI when possible - Ensure proper technique
Clinical Picture
Tachycardia, tremor, and hypokalemia
Immediate Actions
Supportive care and electrolyte monitoring/correction
Antidote
None specific
Decontamination
Supportive toxicology-directed care
Escalation
Escalate for persistent arrhythmia, severe hypokalemia, or refractory symptoms
Common mistakes, resistance logic, and bedside traps
Pharmacy Tool
solution · oral
Pharmacist verification beta
Preparation formulas are currently in pharmacist verification beta and must be validated against institutional protocols before use.
Acknowledge the statements above to unlock volume scaling and ingredient quantities.
- Rapid onset - Short duration
- Beta-2 agonist causing bronchodilation
Saudi Arabia
Ventolin, Airomir, Salbutamol
Global
ProAir, Albuterol, Ventolin (example), (placeholder — verify local formulation)
Common trade names are curated examples only — formulations and availability vary. Verify the exact product name with your local pharmacy and national regulator before prescribing or dispensing.
Global data (no country-specific data available)
Saudi Arabia
International