Salbutamol Tablets (called albuterol tablets in the USA) is the non-proprietary name for tablets containing salbutamol, which is perhaps the most widely-used treatment in the world for breathing difficulties associated with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Unlike most salbutamol, which is found in inhaler form, Salbutamol Tablets come in, as the name suggests, tablet form.

Salbutamol Tablets can be used in all ages, but patients under age 12 will need modified dosing.

Pros & Cons of Tablets versus Inhalers

Most patients with asthma or COPD will have encountered salbutamol (also called albuterol) at some point; many of these patients may routinely use salbutamol rescue inhalers. Salbutamol Tablets offer similar benefit, but there are some differences as well:

• Inhalers are fast-acting, working in seconds or moments; tablets can take up to 30 minutes before effects are felt, and up to 2 hours for maximum benefit.
• Inhalers wear off quickly; tablets last considerably longer, 6 or 8 hours.
• Inhalers deliver the medication directly to the lungs; tablets, delivered systemically, are somewhat less potent with respect to the lungs.
• Inhalers are ideal as a rescue treatment; tablets are better for prevention.

This is a complicated subject, but in simple terms Salbutamol Tablets should not be expected to completely replace a rescue inhaler, as inhalers work very quickly and are vital during serious attacks. However, Salbutamol Tablets are not strictly in the "preventative" class either, though they will help an acute attack from starting. In ideal circumstances Salbutamol Tablets can significantly reduce rescue inhaler use. Tablets can be taken to:

• Help with a currently happening attack;
• Prior to an anticipated attack;
• Manage chronic, mild symptoms.

In other words, for routine daily maintenance Salbutamol Tablets can largely or completely eliminate rescue inhaler use. Taken prior to an anticipated attack---before exercise or before visiting a friend with pets that might trigger an attack---tablets can prevent an attack from starting or minimize the attack. In a sudden, severe attack, however, a rescue inhaler is best.

Taking Salbutamol Tablets

Tablets can be taken with or without food as desired. The exact dose depends on a number of personal variables; however, children under age 12 should not take more than 2 to 6 mg in a single dose nor exceed 24 mg in a day. Patients age 12 and up can take 4 to 8 mg in a single dose and up to 32 mg per day.

Use varies from daily to as-needed.

To help with a current attack:

• Take a tablet at the earliest symptoms.
• Additional tablets may be taken, if needed, every 6 hours.

To prevent an attack:

• Take a tablet about 2 hours prior to exposure to triggers.
• Additional tablets may be taken every 6 hours as long as exposure to triggers continues.

To alleviate mild chronic symptoms use is often daily. Maximum use guidelines for patients age 12 and up are:

• Start with 4 mg taken three or four times per day at evenly-spaced intervals.
• If 4 mg doses do not fully alleviate symptoms, dosage may increase to 8 mg taken four times per day at evenly-spaced intervals.
• Do not exceed 32 mg (8 mg taken four times) per day.
• Do not take more than 8 mg in a single dose.

Maximum use guidelines for patients under 12 are:

• Start with 2 mg taken three or four times per day at evenly-spaced intervals.
• Dosage may be increased to 6 mg taken four times per day if needed.
• Do not administer more than 24 mg (6 mg taken four times) per day.
• Do not administer more than 6 mg in a single dose.

Most patients will not need the maximum treatment, and most patients don't take Salbutamol Tablets every day for the long-term. As long as the above maximum use guidelines are not exceeded, Salbutamol Tablets can be used in whatever manner works best for an individual.

Potential Complications

Patients who rely on salbutamol-based rescue inhalers and also take Salbutamol Tablets should be aware of the risk of too much salbutamol. While overdosing on salbutamol is extremely unlikely to happen in normal circumstances even with rescue inhaler use, it can be a problem during severe or ongoing attacks, when patients have taken tablets and are also using the rescue inhaler excessively.

Unfortunately the more common side effects of salbutamol and the stress on the body during a severe or ongoing attack are very similar to overdose symptoms, and can often be differentiated only in severity. Both side effects and overdose symptoms include:

• Nervousness
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Tremor/shaking
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Dizziness
• Chest pain
• Rapid or erratic heartbeat
• Pain in throat
• Pain in the arms or shoulders

Those reluctant to seek medical attention even for severe attacks should definitely do so if experiencing any of the above severely or multiple of the above. Overdosing can prove fatal.