Talk:Salbutamol

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The chemical formula for this was changed by user:cacycle. The formula at http://chemfinder.cambridgesoft.com is alpha1-((tert-butylamino)methyl)-4-hydroxy-m-xylene-alpha,alpha-diol (search for salbutamol). The formula 4-(2-(tert-butylamino)-1-hydroxyethyl)-2-(hydroxymethyl)phenol doesn't seem to represent the image (though my ability to interpret IUPAC names is weak). http://www.ch.ic.ac.uk/local/projects/j_hettich/salbutamol/project/start.html also has the first formula listed as IUPAC. Matt 17:15, 17 Aug 2004 (UTC)

Ok after re-reading the formula, the current one does seem to represent the image (I told you my ability to interpret IUPAC names is weak), but I still don't know which one is more correct. The current one does seem shorter. Matt 17:20, 17 Aug 2004 (UTC)

Contents 1 Legal Status and History of use 2 long-term overuse of albuterol? 3 Albuterol as a vasoconstrictor? 4 Other brand names

[edit] Legal Status and History of use

I've been wondering why albuterol is regulated in the U.S. (and other countries) as prescription only. It doesn't have a high abuse potential and is completly safe if used in moderation. I haven't found any information on this and there is none in the article as to how it became under this legal status. There also is no section about the history of albuterol, which I think would make a good addition to the article. Would someone with knowledge on these areas be interested and adding this into the article? --Dr. WTF 23:12, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

[edit] long-term overuse of albuterol?

For the last month or so, I've been heavily (over)using my albuterol inhaler. I finally went to see my doctor and have upped my daily steroids to get my chronic asthma under control, however, I'm very interested in the possible side effects of this kind of overuse. It's possible that on some days I did 30-40 puffs, and I don't think I went through many nights/days with out at least 2-4 puffs. It was not uncommon for me to do 5-10 puffs at a time, just to be able to go back to sleep or to continue regular activities. Yesterday morning I did 10-15 puffs, went on a 15mi bike ride, and now, over 24 hours later, I still have tremors in my hands when I hold my arms out (I haven't done a single puff since then).

I'm particularly interested in studies that have been done about overuse of albuturol, or other individuals' experiences. I was not able to find out much about this even after a fairly extensive web search.

The talk page of Wikipedia is probably not the most appropriate place to be having such a discussion, but here goes... I'm not surprised that you've experienced tremors, because the high doses you took would've resulted in systemic absorption of the salbutamol/albuterol, leading to systemic β₂-adrenoceptor activation. Tremors are probably the most common manifestation, in addition to palpitations and headache. A more serious outcome of excessive doses of salbutamol is hypokalaemia (in fact, IV salbutamol is often used to treat hyperkalaemia). The long-term overuse of β₂-agonist may also cause downregulation of the β₂-adrenergic receptors, such that tolerance develops to their effects. To cut to the chase, long-term overuse of salbutamol/albuterol is NOT a good idea.

If you required that much salbutamol, I'm curious as to why your doctor didn't prescribe a long-acting β₂-agonist (perhaps in a combination inhaler with your inhaled corticosteroids) to improve your maintenance therapy. One obvious question I want to ask is whether your pharmacist or doctor has checked your inhaler technique? It seems to me that if you need that many puffs you're either having an acute asthma attack (which doesn't appear to be the case), or you mightn't be using the inhaler correctly and therefore not receiving the full dose to your airways. -Techelf 11:43, 12 Jun 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Albuterol as a vasoconstrictor?

I've heard that Albuterol also acts as a vasoconstrictor. Can someone more knowledgeable about this confirm of deny this as it would be an important side effect it seems. Mediocretes 23:26, 25 March 2006 (UTC)

No, activation of β₂-adrenergic receptors does not cause vasoconstriction. -Techelf 07:52, 26 March 2006 (UTC)

It actually appears that it might cause vasodilation. It does have a high potential for causing tachycardia, though. Zuiram 01:37, 27 October 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Other brand names

Xpenex I believe is different as the active ingredient is Levalbuterol HCl. Someone possibly needs to do a cleanup? RonEJ 19:18, 17 March 2007 (UTC)

Aleta, thank you. RonEJ 21:36, 17 March 2007 (UTC)

You're welcome.  :) Aleta 21:52, 17 March 2007 (UTC)