International reference: 6 US FDA recalls for this ingredient
Does Not Deliver Proper Metered Dose: Potential content of albuterol per dose is below specification. (aerosol)
cGMP Deviations (aerosol)
CGMP Deviations: Intermittent exposure to temperature excursion during storage. (aerosol)
Chemical contamination: Presence of benzene (aerosol)
cGMP Deviations (aerosol)
Defective Delivery System: There is a potential for some units in certain lots of Qnasl Nasal Aerosol 80 mcg metered spray to have clogged stem valves. (aerosol)
US-market enforcement records (OpenFDA), shown for reference - not specific to this product in Malawi.
What it does
Aerosol is a form of medication that is sprayed to deliver drugs directly to the lungs or other areas.
Commonly used for: asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), allergic reactions
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
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Sourcing - Kenya onlyRegistration & product details
Source: Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority · fetched 2026-04-21 17:37:41 · updated 2026-09-15 04:32:43
About aerosol
Aerosol is a form of medication that is sprayed to deliver drugs directly to the lungs or other areas.
What it treats
- asthma
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- allergic reactions
How it works
Aerosols deliver medication in a fine mist, making it easy to inhale directly into the lungs for quick relief.
Who it's for
Aerosols are suitable for individuals with respiratory conditions, such as asthma or COPD.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
About salbutamol
Salbutamol is a medication used to help open up the airways in the lungs, making it easier to breathe.
What it treats
- asthma
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- exercise-induced bronchospasm
How it works
Salbutamol relaxes the muscles in the airways, allowing them to widen and improve airflow.
Who it's for
This medicine is for people who have breathing difficulties due to asthma or other lung conditions.
Cautions
- • Be cautious if taking other medications that can lower potassium levels in the blood.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: aerosol
Aerosols are a method of delivering medication directly to the respiratory system. They consist of particles or droplets suspended in a gas, allowing for targeted treatment of respiratory conditions. The medications delivered via aerosol can include bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and other therapeutic agents, making them essential in managing conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The use of aerosols promotes rapid onset of action due to the direct delivery to the lungs, which minimizes systemic side effects.
Indications
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Bronchospasm
- Allergic rhinitis
- Cystic fibrosis
Dosage
Children: Refer to specific aerosol medication guidelines for paediatric dosing, as it varies based on the active ingredient and age
Adults: Refer to specific aerosol medication guidelines for dosing details, as it varies widely depending on the active ingredient and condition being treated.
Mechanism of action
The mechanism of action for aerosolized medications varies depending on the specific drug used. For bronchodilators, they typically act by stimulating beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the bronchial smooth muscle, leading to relaxation and dilation of the airways. Corticosteroids, when delivered via aerosol, work by reducing inflammation and mucus production in the airways, thus improving airflow and reducing symptoms.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamics of aerosolized medications involves their interaction with specific receptors in the respiratory tract. For example, beta-agonists lead to bronchodilation, which is characterized by decreased airway resistance and improved airflow. Corticosteroids exert anti-inflammatory effects, which contribute to the reduction of exacerbations and improvement in lung function over time. The onset of action for aerosolized medications is typically rapid, especially for short-acting bronchodilators, with peak effects occurring within minutes.
Pharmacokinetics
Aerosolized medications exhibit distinct pharmacokinetics due to their delivery method. The absorption occurs primarily in the lungs, where the drug can enter systemic circulation. The distribution can be localized to the lungs or systemic depending on the drug's properties and the size of the aerosol particles. Metabolism may occur in the liver or lungs, and elimination typically follows renal excretion. The half-life varies based on the specific medication used in aerosol form.
Adverse effects
- Cough
- Wheezing
- Throat irritation
- Nausea
- Headache
Precautions
- Use with caution in patients with asthma or other respiratory conditions
- Monitor for respiratory distress during use
- Ensure proper technique to avoid improper dosing
Pregnancy
Safety during pregnancy has not been established. Use only if clearly needed and the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast-feeding
Consult a healthcare provider before use. It's not known if aerosolized drugs pass into breast milk.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Formulations
- Metered-dose inhalers
- Nebulizer solutions
- Dry powder inhalers
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Clinical monograph: Salbutamol
BNF-referencedSalbutamol is a moderately selective beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonist used primarily as a bronchodilator for the treatment of asthma and other obstructive airway diseases. It acts by relaxing the smooth muscles of the airways, leading to dilation and improved airflow, making it an effective rescue medication for acute bronchospasm.
Indications
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Exercise-induced bronchospasm
- Other conditions associated with reversible airways obstruction
Dosage
Children: Child 5–11 years: 2.5 mg via nebulisation or 50 micrograms by inhalation; Child 12–17 years: 5 mg via nebulisation or
Adults: 500 micrograms every 4 hours if required, or 50 micrograms by inhalation twice daily, with possible increase to 100 micrograms twice daily in more severe cases.
Mechanism of action
Salbutamol preferentially binds to beta-2 adrenergic receptors, stimulating adenyl cyclase and increasing intracellular cyclic AMP. This results in protein kinase A activation, which inhibits myosin phosphorylation and reduces intracellular calcium concentrations, leading to smooth muscle relaxation in the airways. Additionally, increased cyclic AMP inhibits the release of inflammatory mediators from mast cells.
Pharmacodynamics
Salbutamol is known for its bronchodilatory effects, particularly in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It selectively stimulates beta-2 receptors, which are predominantly located in bronchial smooth muscle. The drug is effective in providing rapid relief from bronchospasm and has been shown to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm. The R-isomer of salbutamol is primarily responsible for its therapeutic effects, while the S-isomer may contribute to side effects. Salbutamol may also induce metabolic effects, such as hyperglycemia.
Pharmacokinetics
Salbutamol is administered via inhalation, with onset of action typically occurring within minutes. Its duration of action is around 4 to 6 hours for the immediate-release formulation. The drug undergoes hepatic metabolism and is excreted primarily in urine. Its pharmacokinetic profile can vary based on the route of administration, with inhalation providing faster and more localized effects compared to oral or parenteral routes.
Adverse effects
- Tremors
- Nervousness
- Palpitations
- Tachycardia
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Hypokalemia
- Increased blood glucose levels
Interactions
- Other beta-agonists
- Beta-blockers
- Diuretics
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Thyroid hormones
- Caffeine
Precautions
- Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disorders
- Hypertension
- Hyperthyroidism
- Diabetes mellitus
- Seizure disorders
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy
Inhaled drugs for asthma can be taken as normal during pregnancy.
Breast-feeding
Inhaled drugs for asthma can be taken as normal during breastfeeding.
Storage
Store below 25 degrees Celsius. Protect from light and moisture.
Formulations
- Inhalation aerosol
- Inhalation solution
- Inhalation powder
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: Salbutamol
PubChem CID 2083Molecular formula: C13H21NO3
Mechanism of action
In vitro studies and in vivo pharmacologic studies have shown that salbutamol has a preferential effect on beta2-adrenergic receptors compared with isoproterenol. Although beta2 adrenoceptors are the predominant adrenergic receptors in bronchial smooth muscle and beta1 adrenoceptors are the predominant receptors in the heart, there are also beta2-adrenoceptors in the human heart comprising 10% to 50% of the total beta-adrenoceptors. The precise function of these receptors has not been established, but their presence raises the possibility that even selective beta2-agonists may have cardiac effects. Activation of beta2-adrenergic receptors on airway smooth muscle leads to the activation of adenyl cyclase and to an increase in the intracellular concentration of cyclic-3′,5′-adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP). This increase of cyclic AMP leads to the activation of protein kinase A, which inhibits the phosphorylation of myosin and lowers intracellular ionic calcium concentrations, resulting in relaxation. Salbutamol relaxes the smooth muscles of all airways, from the trachea to the terminal bronchioles. Salbutamol acts as a functional antagonist to relax the airway irrespective of the spasmogen involved, thus protecting against all bronchoconstrictor challenges. Increased cyclic AMP concentrations are also associated with the inhibition of release of mediators from mast cells in the airway. Salbutamol has been shown in most controlled clinical trials to have more effect on the respiratory tract, in the form of bronchial smooth muscle relaxation, than isoproterenol at comparable doses while producing fewer cardiovascular effects. Controlled clinical studies and other clinical experience have shown that inhaled albuterol, like other beta-adrenergic agonist drugs, can produce a significant cardiovascular effect in some patients, as measured by pulse rate, blood pressure, symptoms, and/or electrocardiographic changes. A measurable decrease in airway resistance is typically observed within 5 to 15 minutes after inhalation of salbutamol. The maximum improvement in pulmonary function usually occurs 60 to 90 minutes after salbutamol treatment, and significant bronchodilator activity has been observed to persist for 3 to 6 hours. Adrenergic bronchodilators act by stimulating beta2-adrenergic receptors in the lungs to relax bronchial smooth muscle, thereby relieving bronchospasm. /Adrenergic bronchodilators/ Primarily stimulates beta2-adrenergic receptors, with some minor beta1-adrenergic activity. In vitro studies and in vivo pharmacologic studies have demonstrated that albuterol has a preferential effect on beta2-adrenergic receptors compared with isoproterenol. While it is recognized that beta2-adrenergic receptors are the predominant receptors in bronchial smooth muscle, date indicate that there is a population of beta2-receptors in the human heart existing in a concentration between 10% and 50% of cardiac beta-adrenergic receptors. The precise function of these receptors has not been established. Activation of beta2-adrenergic receptors on airway smooth muscle leads to the activation of adenylcyclase and to an increase in the intracellular concentration of cyclic-3',5'-adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP). This increase of cyclic AMP leads to the activation of protein kinase A, which inhibits the phosphorylation of myosin and lowers intracellular ionic calcium concentrations, resulting in relaxation. Albuterol relaxes the smooth muscles of all airways, from the trachea to the terminal bronchioles. Albuterol acts as a functional antagonist to relax the airway irrespective of the spasmogen involved, this protecting against all bronchoconstrictor challenges. Increased cyclic AMP concentrations are also associated with the inhibition of release of mediators from most cells in the airway.
Pharmacodynamics
Salbutamol (INN) or albuterol (USAN), a moderately selective beta(2)-receptor agonist similar in structure to terbutaline, is widely used as a bronchodilator to manage asthma and other chronic obstructive airway diseases. The R-isomer, levalbuterol, is responsible for bronchodilation while the S-isomer increases bronchial reactivity. The R-enantiomer is available and sold in its pure form as levalbuterol and subsequently may produce fewer side-effects with only the R-enantiomer present - although this has not been formally demonstrated. After oral and parenteral administration, stimulation of the beta receptors in the body, both beta-1 and beta-2, occurs because (a) beta-2 selectivity is not absolute, and (b) higher concentrations of salbutamol occur in the regions of these receptors with these modes of administration. This results in the beta-1 effect of cardiac stimulation, though not so much as with isoprenaline, and beta-2 effects of peripheral vasodilatation and hypotension, skeletal muscle tremor, and uterine muscle relaxation. Metabolic effects such as hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia also may occur, although it is not known whether these effects are mediated by beta-1 or beta-2 receptors. The serum potassium levels have a tendency to fall.
Biological pathways
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.
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