Salbutamol (Ventolin) is a bronchodilator which can relax the muscles of the airways and open up the airways in the lungs and hence making breathing easier. It is most commonly used to treat asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchoconstriction by relieving symptoms of shortness of breath like breathlessness, coughing and wheezing.
Salbutamol (Ventolin) can be taken many ways, including by mouth, subcutaneous injections, intramuscular injections, slow intravenous injection, intravenous infusion, inhalation of aerosol, and inhalation of nebulised solution. Note that inhalation route is more preferable. The doses for children vary with their ages and the intentions for uses. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.
The adult doses for treating asthma or reversible airway obstruction by different routes of administration are listed below.
Oral
4 mg 3-4 times daily. The maximum single dose is 8 mg. Sensitive patients should use elderly dose, which starts at 2 mg 3-4 times daily.
Inhalation of aerosol
100-200 micrograms (0.1-0.2 mg). For persistent symptoms, you may use up to 4 times daily.
Inhalation of nebulised solution
2.5-5 mg. For severe cases, you may use up to 4 times daily or use it more frequently.
Anyone who has an allergy to Salbutamol or any of its components.
Common dosing schedule:
Salbutamol is often taken on an as-needed basis, but can be used on a regular dosing schedule for acute treatment of bronchospasm.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Salbutamol may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist of other concurrent medications you are taking, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, the inhaler forms of Salbutamol (Ventolin) are pharmacy only medicines and can be purchased without a prescription in a pharmacy by speaking with the pharmacist. They can also be obtained from doctors.
Other forms of Salbutamol are prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Salbutamol in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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