Optimal dose of salbutamol respiratory solution: comparison of three doses with plasma levels.

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Salbutamol solution is usually administered by nebulizer in a dose of 5 mg. Little evidence exists that this is the optimal dose for bronchodilatation or that this dose is without side effects. Twelve patients with asthma were given increasing doses of salbutamol, 1.5, 3.0 and 7.5 mg, and placebo. Treatments were administered twice daily for 4 days in a double-blind manner. Measurements of ventilatory capacity, pulse rate and tremor were recorded before and for 3 h after treatment. There was a significant dose-related response for FEV1 [1 s forced expiratory volume] and peak flow rate. There was also a significant dose-related response in pulse rate and tremor. The incidence of palpitations was similarly related to dose. Plasma levels of salbutamol were measured before and after treatment with salbutamol and showed a dose-related increase in salbutamol absorption which begins to be evident after the 3.0 mg dose. Three mg of salbutamol nebulizer solution may be an optimal dose, producing satisfactory bronchodilatation but fewer side effects related to systemic absorption.