MedPath

Salbutamol

Generic Name
Salbutamol
Brand Names
Airomir, Airsupra, Combivent, Proair, Proventil, Ventolin
Drug Type
Small Molecule
Chemical Formula
C13H21NO3
CAS Number
18559-94-9
Unique Ingredient Identifier
QF8SVZ843E

Overview

Salbutamol is a short-acting, selective beta2-adrenergic receptor agonist used in the treatment of asthma and COPD. It is 29 times more selective for beta2 receptors than beta1 receptors giving it higher specificity for pulmonary beta receptors versus beta1-adrenergic receptors located in the heart. Salbutamol is formulated as a racemic mixture of the R- and S-isomers. The R-isomer has 150 times greater affinity for the beta2-receptor than the S-isomer and the S-isomer has been associated with toxicity. This lead to the development of levalbuterol, the single R-isomer of salbutamol. However, the high cost of levalbuterol compared to salbutamol has deterred wide-spread use of this enantiomerically pure version of the drug. Salbutamol is generally used for acute episodes of bronchospasm caused by bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis and other chronic bronchopulmonary disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). It is also used prophylactically for exercise-induced asthma.

Background

Salbutamol is a short-acting, selective beta2-adrenergic receptor agonist used in the treatment of asthma and COPD. It is 29 times more selective for beta2 receptors than beta1 receptors giving it higher specificity for pulmonary beta receptors versus beta1-adrenergic receptors located in the heart. Salbutamol is formulated as a racemic mixture of the R- and S-isomers. The R-isomer has 150 times greater affinity for the beta2-receptor than the S-isomer and the S-isomer has been associated with toxicity. This lead to the development of levalbuterol, the single R-isomer of salbutamol. However, the high cost of levalbuterol compared to salbutamol has deterred wide-spread use of this enantiomerically pure version of the drug. Salbutamol is generally used for acute episodes of bronchospasm caused by bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis and other chronic bronchopulmonary disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). It is also used prophylactically for exercise-induced asthma.

Indication

Salbutamol is indicated for (i) the symptomatic relief and prevention of bronchospasm due to bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, reversible obstructive airway disease, and other chronic bronchopulmonary disorders in which bronchospasm is a complicating factor, and/or (ii) the acute prophylaxis against exercise-induced bronchospasm and other stimuli known to induce bronchospasm.

Associated Conditions

  • Asthma
  • Asthmatic Bronchitis
  • Bronchial Asthma
  • Bronchoconstriction
  • Bronchospasm
  • Chronic Asthma
  • Chronic Bronchitis
  • Cough
  • Emphysema
  • Exacerbation of asthma
  • Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm
  • Hyperkalemia
  • Wheezing
  • Excess mucus or phlegm

FDA Approved Products

Albuterol Sulfate
Manufacturer:A-S Medication Solutions
Route:RESPIRATORY (INHALATION)
Strength:2.5 mg in 3 mL
Approved: 2021/01/11
NDC:50090-6560
Albuterol Sulfate
Manufacturer:Advanced Rx Pharmacy of Tennessee, LLC
Route:RESPIRATORY (INHALATION)
Strength:90 ug in 1 1
Approved: 2023/02/09
NDC:80425-0266
VENTOLIN HFA
Manufacturer:A-S Medication Solutions
Route:RESPIRATORY (INHALATION)
Strength:90 ug in 1 1
Approved: 2021/08/18
NDC:50090-1159
Albuterol Sulfate
Manufacturer:REMEDYREPACK INC.
Route:RESPIRATORY (INHALATION)
Strength:0.83 mg in 1 mL
Approved: 2024/01/15
NDC:70518-3560
Albuterol Sulfate
Manufacturer:RPK Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Route:RESPIRATORY (INHALATION)
Strength:108 ug in 1 1
Approved: 2023/08/09
NDC:53002-1557

Singapore Approved Products

AZMASOL HFA INHALATION AEROSOL 100MCG
Manufacturer:BEXIMCO PHARMACEUTICALS LTD
Form:AEROSOL, METERED
Strength:100mcg/actuation
Online:Yes
Approved: 2011/06/24
Approval:SIN13980P
VENTOLIN RESPIRATOR SOLUTION 0.5% w/v
Manufacturer:GLAXO WELLCOME OPERATIONS
Form:SOLUTION
Strength:0.5% w/v
Online:Yes
Approved: 1989/05/26
Approval:SIN02988P
VENDEROL TABLET 2 mg
Manufacturer:BEACONS PHARMACEUTICALS PTE. LTD.
Form:TABLET
Strength:2 mg
Online:Yes
Approved: 1989/04/28
Approval:SIN02687P
ZENMOLIN SYRUP 2 mg/5 ml
Manufacturer:PT ACTAVIS INDONESIA
Form:SYRUP
Strength:2 mg/5 ml
Online:Yes
Approved: 1988/02/02
Approval:SIN00022P
BUVENTOL EASYHALER 100 mcg/inhalation dose
Manufacturer:ORION CORPORATION (ESPOO PLANT)
Form:POWDER, METERED
Strength:100 mcg/dose
Online:Yes
Approved: 1996/04/24
Approval:SIN08676P

Drug Development Updates

Stay informed with timely notifications on clinical trials and research advancements.

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by MedPath