Salbutamol (Easyhaler)

Salbutamol Easyhaler for Asthma & Breathing Problems

Asthma and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are breathing conditions that primarily affect the lungs and can cause a range of breathing difficulties. Asthma often occurs after exposure to a trigger, however, it can happen randomly. Triggers may include common allergies to pollen or animal dander, infections, environmental changes or from exercise.

Salbutamol is a fast-acting reliever inhaler used to reduce the symptoms of asthma. It can also be used to prevent asthma symptoms that may be brought on by exercise or allergen exposure that cannot be avoided.

What is a Salbutamol Easyhaler and how does it work?

The active ingredient, salbutamol, opens up the airways which reduces the symptoms of chest tightness, wheezing and coughing while easing breathing. Salbutamol is a medication called a short-acting beta-2-agonist that will relax the muscles in the airways causing them to expand.

This medicine has a short and quick effect that can last between 4 to 6 hours.

Is a Salbutamol Easyhaler right for me?

If you are diagnosed with asthma, COPD or other breathing condition, you may be prescribed a Salbutamol Easyhaler by a doctor or healthcare professional. However, it may not be suitable for you if you have the following:

• If you are allergic to salbutamol or any other ingredients in this medicine
• If you have any diseases of the heart or blood vessels
• If you have any infections of the lungs
• If you have a history of heart problems
• If you have an overactive thyroid gland
• If you have low levels of potassium in your blood
• If you have diabetes
• If you have hereditary problems of galactose intolerance
• If you are taking xanthine derivatives or steroids to treat asthma
• If you are taking diuretics (water tablets), corticosteroids, beta-blockers, medicine for depression

All medications can cause potential side effects, below we have listed some potential side effects of the Salbutamol Easyhaler. However, these do not always occur and are mostly mild in nature. But if you experience any prolonged or worrying side effects of the Salbutamol Easyhaler, please discontinue the medication immediately and consult your doctor.

Common side effects include:

• Feeling a bit shaky
• Increased or uneven heart rate
• Increased blood flow to your extremities

To view Patient Leaflet click here.

To view PDF patient leaflet click here.

You should not use salbutamol if you are allergic to it. To make sure salbutamol is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have: heart disease, high blood pressure, or congestive heart failure; a seizure disorder such as epilepsy; diabetes; or overactive thyroid.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Salbutamol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using salbutamol. Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

Salbutamol Inhaler

How should I use salbutamol? Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. An overdose of salbutamol can be fatal.

Salbutamol is usually taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed. For best results, take at evenly spaced intervals. Do not take more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Shake the inhaler well before each spray. Prime the inhaler if you are using it for the first time or if you have not used it in a while (more than 2 weeks).

If you use salbutamol more often than you should, the medicine may stop working as well. Do not take more of this medication than recommended for your age and weight. An overdose of albuterol can be fatal.

To clean your inhaler: Remove the metal canister from the plastic casing. The canister has a counter on it that shows how many sprays of medicine you have left. Wash the plastic casing in warm water and dry thoroughly before putting the inhaler back together again. Wash your mouthpiece with warm water at least once a week.

Seek medical attention in the case of an overdose, as it may be fatal. Salbutamol can cause: a fast or irregular heartbeat; chest pain and severe dizziness, feeling like you might pass out; tremors, nervousness, headache, feeling light-headed; or low potassium (confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination).

Common side effects

may include:

cough;

headache, back pain; or

changes in taste.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.