Salbutamol 2.5mg/2.5ml Nebuliser Solution
SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
1 NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
Salbutamol 2.5mg/2.5ml Nebuliser Solution
2 QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION
Each ampoule contains 2.5 mg salbutamol (as sulfate).
For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1.
3 PHARMACEUTICAL FORM
Nebuliser Solution
A clear, colourless to pale yellow solution in a clear, plastic single dose ampoule.
4 CLINICAL PARTICULARS
4.1 Therapeutic Indications
Salbutamol Nebuliser Solution are indicated in adults, adolescents and children aged 4 years and above, see section 4.2.
Salbutamol Nebuliser Solution is indicated for use in the routine management of chronic bronchospasm unresponsive to conventional therapy and the treatment of acute severe asthma.
4.2. Posology and Method of Administration
Salbutamol Nebuliser Solution should be administered by a suitable nebuliser, via a face mask or T piece or via an endotracheal tube.
To open the plastic ampoule, take a strip of ampoules from the foil pack, remove one ampoule, replacing the rest back in the foil pack, and replace the foil pack back in the carton. Hold the ampoule upright and open it by twisting off the top. Squeeze the liquid into the solution holder of the machine.
Dosage:
Adults
The usual starting dose is 2.5mg as a single dose. This may be increased to 5mg. Treatment may be repeated up to four times a day.
For the treatment of severe airways obstruction in adult hospitalised patients, higher doses up to 40mg per day can be given under strict medical supervision.
In domiciliary practice the benefits of increasing the dosage should be weighed against the risk that a deterioration in the patient's underlying condition may be masked. In this case a medical assessment should be considered and alternative therapy instituted where indicated.
Paediatric Population
Children aged 12 years and over: Dose as per adult population.
Children aged 4 to 11 years: 2.5mg to 5mg up to four times a day.
Other pharmaceutical forms may be more appropriate for administration in children under 4 years old.
Clinical efficacy of nebulised salbutamol in infants under 18 months is uncertain. As transient hypoxaemia may occur, supplemental oxygen therapy should be considered.
Salbutamol Nebuliser Solution is designed to be used undiluted. However, if a prolonged delivery time is indicated (more than 10 minutes) then dilution with Sodium Chloride Solution (0.9%w/v) for Nebulisation or sterile sodium chloride injection (normal saline) may be required.
4.3 Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the active substance salbutamol or to the excipients (see section 6.1 List of excipients).
Although some forms of salbutamol sulfate have been used in the management of premature labour, Salbutamol Nebuliser Solution should not be used for this purpose. Salbutamol Nebuliser Solution should not be used in threatened abortion.
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
Salbutamol Nebuliser Solution is for use with a nebuliser under the direction of a physician. The solution must not be injected or administered orally.
In patients with severe or unstable asthma, bronchodilators should not be the only or main treatment. Regular medical assessment is required including lung function testing, as they are at risk of severe attacks and even death. Oral corticosteroid therapy and/or inhaled corticosteroids should be considered. Increasing use of bronchodilators to relieve symptoms indicates deterioration of asthma control.
In the following cases, salbutamol should only be used with caution and if strictly indicated:
- serious cardiac disorders, in particular recent myocardial infarction
- coronary heart disease, hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy and tachyarrhythmia (due to the positive ionotropic effect of P2 - agonists) severe and untreated hypertension
- aneurysm
- hyperthyroidism
- diabetes which is difficult to control
- pheochromocytoma
Daily self assessment of asthma control following instructions regarding the use of Salbutamol Nebuliser Solution and any other drugs required for the management of asthma is important in order that the course of the disease can be followed and the success of both bronchodilator and anti inflammatory therapy monitored. The patient should be instructed in the regular measurement of peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) using a portable peak flow meter.
Patients receiving treatment with Salbutamol Nebuliser Solution at home should be warned that, if asthma control does not improve satisfactorily or deteriorates, or if the short-acting relief bronchodilator treatment becomes less effective, or more inhalations than usual are required, medical advice must be sought in order that the clinical condition can be re-assessed and therapeutic management revised appropriately. In this situation anti-inflammatory therapy may be required, the dose of anti - inflammatory therapy may need to be increased or a short course of oral glucocorticoids may be needed. Increasing use of bronchodilators and in particular short-acting inhaled beta2 adrenergic agonists to relieve symptoms indicates deterioration of asthma control.
A sudden and increasing deterioration of asthma symptoms can be life threatening. Therefore, medical assistance must be sought immediately.
The administration of salbutamol in patients with acute asthma may cause a further reduction of the O2 saturation.
The dose and frequency of inhalation of short-acting beta2 agonists should only be increased following medical advice and if a previously effective dose fails to give the expected relief the patient should be advised to seek medical advice. Exceeding the prescribed dose can be dangerous with resultant cardiac effects, hypokalaemia, taste alteration, nausea, restlessness, sweating, headache, or tremor.
Cardiovascular effects may be seen with sympathomimetic drugs, including salbutamol. There is some evidence from post-marketing data and published literature of rare occurrences of myocardial ischemia associated with salbutamol. Patients with underlying severe heart disease (e.g. ischemic heart disease, arrhythmia or severe heart failure) who are receiving salbutamol should be warned to seek medical advice if they experience chest pain or other symptoms of worsening heart disease. Attention should be paid to assessment of symptoms such as dyspnoea and chest pain, as they may be of either respiratory or cardiac origin.
Potentially serious hypokalaemia may result from p2-agonist therapy, mainly from parenteral and nebulised administration. Particular caution is advised in acute severe asthma as this effect may be potentiated by hypoxia and by concomitant treatment with xanthine derivatives, steroids, and diuretics.
Serum potassium levels should be monitored in such situations.
Due to the hyperglycaemic effects of beta2 - stimulants, additional blood glucose measurements are initially recommended when treatment with Salbutamol Nebuliser Solution is started in diabetic patients.
Inhalation of high doses of salbutamol can increase the blood glucose level. Therefore, blood glucose levels in diabetic patients should be monitored closely.
The use of nebulised salbutamol in combination with nebulised anticholinergic agents has been reported to precipitate acute angle closure glaucoma. This combination should be used with caution, in particular in patients with actual or potential glaucoma. Patients should be warned
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Salbutamol Nebuliser Solution should be used with caution in patients receiving other sympathomimetics.
Salbutamol and non-selective P - receptor blocking drugs should not usually be prescribed together. In patients with asthma administration of P - receptor blocking drugs is associated with a risk of severe bronchoconstriction.
Treatment with salbutamol can lead to hypokalaemia (see 4.4 special warning and precautions for use and 4.8 Undesirable effects). This effect may be potentiated by the concomitant administration of other drugs, in particular xanthine derivatives, glucocorticoids, diuretics and cardiac glycosides (digoxin). Serum potassium levels should be monitored in these situations.
Tricyclic antidepressants may increase the risk of cardiovascular side effects.
Corticosteroids may increase the risk of hyperglycaemia.
A few cases have been reported where the combination of nebulised salbutamol and ipratropiumbromide has given rise to acute angle-closure glaucoma.
4.6 Pregnancy and lactation
Based on preclinical studies and long-term clinical experience, salbutamol has not been shown to have any teratogenic effects. If the mother uses salbutamol during pregnancy, the pulse rate of the foetus may increase. Since salbutamol is passively excreted in breast milk, high doses may induce drug effect in the breast-fed infant.
Although salbutamol is considered the first line treatment to relieve bronchospasm in asthmatic pregnant women, use during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, and lactation should only be considered once the benefits have been carefully weighed against the risks.
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
None known
4.8 Undesirable effects
Up to approximately 10% of patients can be expected to experience adverse reactions. These depend upon the dose and the individual sensitivity. Most commonly reported are: taste alteration (bad, unpleasant and unusual taste) and application site reaction (mouth and throat irritation, burning sensation of the tongue), fine tremor (usually of the hands) nausea, sweating, restlessness, headache, dizziness and muscle cramps. These undesirable effects may subside on continuation of treatment within 1-2 weeks.
As with other inhalation therapies, in rare cases paradoxical bronchospasm may occur, manifest by an immediate increase in wheezing after dosing. Paradoxical bronchospasm should be treated immediately with an alternative presentation or a different fast-acting inhaled bronchodilator. Salbutamol Nebuliser Solution should be discontinued immediately, the patient should be assessed, and if necessary, alternative therapy instituted. Hypersensitivity reactions such as rash, urticaria, dermatitis, pruritus and erythema have been observed. There have been very rare reports of angioedema (oedema of the face, lips, eyes and throat), bronchospasm, hypotension and collapse.
Tachycardia, with or without peripheral vasodilation, may occur. In common with other beta2 agonists, cardiac arrhythmias (including atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia and extrasystoles), palpitations, angina pectoris, and blood pressure effects have been reported in association with the use of salbutamol, usually in susceptible patients. There are reports about stimulating effects on the central nervous system after inhalation of salbutamol which manifest themselves in hyperexcitability, hyperactive behaviour, sleeping disturbances and hallucinations. These observations were predominantly made in children up to 12 years of age.
The table below presents possible adverse drug reaction in system organ class order and sorted by frequency.
|
Organ System |
Frequency |
Adverse drug reaction |
|
Immune system disorders |
Very rare (including isolated cases) (<1/10,000) |
Hypersensitivity reaction |
|
Metabolism |
Rare ( >1/10,000, <1/1,000) |
Hypokalaemia, hyperglycaemia |
|
Psychiatric disorders |
Common (>1/100, <1/10) |
Restlessness |
|
Nervous system disorders |
Common (>1/100, <1/10) |
Fine tremor, dizziness |
|
Rare ( >1/10,000, <1/1,000) |
Hyperactive behaviour | |
|
Very rare (including isolated cases) (<1/10,000) |
Hyperexcitability, sleeping disturbances, hallucinations | |
|
Cardiac disorders |
Rare ( >1/10,000, <1/1,000) |
Tachycardia, cardiac arrhythmia (atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, extrasystoles), palpitations, angina pectoris, blood pressure effects (lowering or increase) |
|
Unknown1 |
Myocardial ischemia | |
|
Vascular disorders |
Rare ( >1/10,000, <1/1,000) |
Peripheral vasodilation |
|
Very rare (including isolated cases) (<1/10,000) |
Collapse | |
|
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders |
Rare ( >1/10,000, <1/1,000) |
Paradoxical bronchospasm |
|
Gastrointestinal disorders |
Common (>1/100, <1/10) |
Nausea, taste alteration |
|
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders |
Common (>1/100, <1/10) |
Pruritus, rash, erythema, urticaria, angioedema |
|
Very rare (including isolated cases) (<1/10,000) | ||
|
Musculoskeletal disorders |
Rare ( >1/10,000, <1/1,000) |
Muscle cramps |
|
General disorders and administration site condition |
Common (>1/100, <1/10) |
Headache, application site reaction (mouth and throat irritation, burning sensation of the tongue) |
of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard
4.9 Overdose
The risk of overdose with Salbutamol Nebuliser Solution is rather unlikely, if used according to the instructions.
Symptoms of an overdose
In the case of an overdose, the above-mentioned undesirable effects (see 4.8, Undesirable effects) occur very quickly and with increased severity. Typical symptoms are: tachycardia, palpitations, arrhythmia, restlessness, sleep disturbances, chest pain and vigorous tremor, especially on hands but also on the whole body. Nausea, dizziness, increased systolic blood pressure and decreased diastolic blood pressure may also be observed.
Occasionally, psychotic reactions were observed after excessive doses of salbutamol.
In the case of a salbutamol overdose there can increasingly be a shift of potassium into the intracellular space resulting in hypokalaemia, as well as hyperglycaemia, hyperlipidaemia, and hyperketonaemia.
Increased serum lactate levels and rarely, lactic acidosis, have been reported following therapy with salbutamol, particularly after high dose administration. Symptoms include deep, rapid breathing, cold and blue coloured fingers and toes, inability to concentrate and general malaise.
Management of an overdose
Treatment after an overdose of a P-sympathomimetic is mainly symptomatic. The following measures may be considered, depending upon the individual circumstances:
o If large amounts of the drug are swallowed, irrigation of the stomach should be considered. Activated charcoal and laxatives can have favourable effects on the undesired absorption of the P-sympathomimetic.
o For the cardiac symptoms of overdosage with salbutamol a cardioselective beta-blocking agent may be considered, but betablocking drugs should only be used with caution and be avoided as far as possible in patients with a history of bronchospasm. ECG monitoring is indicated in such patients. o In the case of fairly pronounced lowering of the blood pressure, volume substitution (e.g. plasma expanders) is recommended. o If hypokalaemia develops, electrolyte balance should be monitored and, if appropriate, electrolytes may need to be administered.
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Broncholytic/antiasthmatic/ p2-sympathomimetic ATC-Code: R03AC02.
Salbutamol is a selective beta2-adrenoceptor agonist. At therapeutic doses it acts on the beta2-adrenoceptors of bronchial muscle to provide bronchodilation. With its fast onset of action (within 5 minutes) it is particularly suitable for the management and prevention of attacks in asthma. Salbutamol has a duration of action of 4 to 6 hours in most patients.
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
Absorption and metabolism of salbutamol in lungs and gastrointestinal tract differ.
After inhalation, between 10 and 20 % of the active substance reaches the lower airways. The remainder is retained in the delivery system or is deposited in the oropharynx where it is swallowed. The fraction deposited in the airways is absorbed into the pulmonary tissues and circulation, but is not metabolised by the lung. On reaching the systemic circulation it becomes accessible to hepatic metabolism and is excreted, primarily in the urine, as unchanged drug and as the phenolic sulfate.
The swallowed portion of an inhaled dose is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and undergoes considerable first-pass metabolism to the phenolic sulfate. Both unchanged drug and conjugate are excreted primarily in the urine. Approximately 90% of an oral dose is excreted in urine and 10% in faeces. Salbutamol administered intravenously has a half life of 4 to 6 hours and is cleared partly renally, and partly by metabolism to the inactive 4’-O-sulfate (phenolic sulfate) which is also excreted primarily in the urine. Most of a dose of salbutamol given intravenously, orally or by inhalation is excreted within 72 hours. Salbutamol is bound to plasma proteins to the extent of 10%.
5.3 Preclinical safety data
Preclinical data revealed no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety pharmacology, repeated dose toxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenic potential and toxicity to reproduction. Effects seen in toxicity studies were related to the beta-adrenergic activity of salbutamol.
6.1 List of excipients
Sodium chloride
Water for injections
Sulfuric acid for pH adjustment
6.2 Incompatibilities
Not applicable.
6.3 Shelf life
As packaged for sale, 3 years
After opening of foil packaging, 6 months
6.4 Special precautions for storage
Store below 25 °C. Store in the original packaging.
Ampoules should be opened immediately before use and any solution remaining after use should be discarded.
6.5 Nature and contents of container
Each carton contains 20 or 60 unit dose low density polyethylene ampoules in foil wrapped strips of ten.
6.6 Special precautions for disposal
Salbutamol Nebuliser Solution is designed to be used undiluted. However, for a prolonged delivery time (more than 10 minutes) dilution with sodium chloride solution (0.9%w/v) for nebulisation or sterile sodium chloride injection (normal saline) may be necessary.
7 MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER
Breath Limited Whiddon Valley Barnstaple North Devon EX32 8NS United Kingdom
8 MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)
PL 18023/0001
9 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION
22/06/2008
10 DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT
23/05/2016
Reported spontaneously in post-marketing data therefore frequency regarded as unknown
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance