Salbutamol/budesonide

Salbutamol/Budesonide

Salbutamol, also known as albuterol in the United States, is a bronchodilator medication that opens up the airways in the lungs, making it easier to breathe. It is used to treat or prevent bronchospasm in people with reversible obstructive airway disease and exercise-induced bronchospasm. Salbutamol is also used to prevent asthma attacks and other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Budesonide is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation in the body. It is used to prevent difficulty breathing, chest tightness, wheezing, and coughing caused by asthma. Budesonide does not work right away and should not be used to relieve an asthma attack. If an attack occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler (such as albuterol, also called salbutamol in some countries) as prescribed.

The combination of Salbutamol/Budesonide is used to control and prevent symptoms (wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by asthma or ongoing lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema). It works in the airways by opening breathing passages and relaxing muscles. Controlling symptoms of breathing problems can decrease time lost from work or school.

Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]

Salbutamol works by stimulating receptors in the lungs called beta 2 receptors. This causes the muscles in the airways to relax, allowing the airways to open. In conditions where there is narrowing of the airways, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema, it is difficult for air to get in and out of the lungs. By opening the airways, salbutamol makes it easier to breathe.

Budesonide belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It works by reducing the irritation and swelling of the airways. Budesonide is a direct anti-inflammatory agent that works locally in the lungs, leading to reduced inflammation and maintenance of asthma control.

Side Effects[edit | edit source]

Like all medicines, Salbutamol/Budesonide can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Some common side effects include tremor, headache, rapid heartbeat, and palpitations. Less common side effects include muscle cramps, restlessness, and hypersensitivity reactions including angioedema, urticaria, bronchospasm, hypotension and collapse.

Precautions[edit | edit source]

Before using Salbutamol/Budesonide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.