Salbutamol Tablets Bp 2mg
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Please read this leaflet carefully before you take these tablets. It briefly outlines the most important things you need to know. If you want to know more about this medicine, or you are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or your pharmacist.
The name of your medicine is Salbutamol 2 and 4 mg Tablets.
WHAT IS SALBUTAMOL?
Salbutamol tablets contain 2.41 mg or 4.82 mg of salbutamol sulphate equivalent to 2 mg and 4 mg of salbutamol respectively. They also contain lactose, maize starch, povidone, magnesium stearate and dispersed pink (containing E127 and E131).
The product is available in pack sizes 1 of 7, 10, 14, 21, 28, 30, 50, 56, 60, 84, 90, 100, 110, 112, 120, 150, 160, 168 and 500 tablets.
See outer packaging or the pharmacy label for contents i.e. the number of tablets.
Salbutamol belongs to a group of medicines called beta-adrenoceptor stimulants which are used as bronchodilators and also to prevent premature labour.
The Marketing Authorisation holder and company responsible for manufacture is TEVA UK Ltd, Eastbourne BN22 9AG, United Kingdom.
WHAT IS SALBUTAMOL USED FOR?
Salbutamol tablets are used to treat patients suffering from bronchial asthma, bronchitis, emphysema or other bronchial disorders. They may also be used for the management of premature labour. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for additional information.
BEFORE YOU TAKE SALBUTAMOL
Do not take if you:
Are sensitive to any of the ingredients in the medicine, listed above Are pregnant (unless being treated for premature labour) or breast-feeding.
Talk to your doctor if you:
Have problems with your thyroid gland Suffer with hypoxia Are diabetic
Are taking aminophylline, theophylline or any medication containing caffeine
Are taking any beta-blockers e.g. atenolol or propranolol, diuretics ("water tablets"), digoxin or digitoxin.
It is important to have regular medical checks and you may be prescribed additional medication.
TAKING SALBUTAMOL
Your doctor has decided the dose which is suited to you. Always follow your doctor's instructions and those which are on the pharmacy label. If you do not understand these instructions, or you are in any doubt, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
The tablets should be swallowed with a drink of water.
The usual dosage instructions are given below:
Adults:
The minimum starting dose is 2 mg three times daily. The usual effective dose is 4 mg three or four times daily but this will be adjusted according to your needs. The maximum single dose is 8 mg.
Children
The usual starting doses are:
2 - 6 years: 1 mg three times daily. This may be increased to 2 mg three times daily if
necessary.
6 - 12 years: 2 mg three times daily.
Over 12 years:
2 mg three times daily. This may be increased to 4 mg three or four times daily if necessary.
The elderly and those patients particularly sensitive to salbutamol:
The usual starting dose is 2 mg three or four times daily.
Management of premature labour
4 mg three or four times daily, after the contractions have been controlled by salbutamol injection.
The effect of each dose of Salbutamol should last for 4 - 6 hours. If the effect wears off sooner you should not change or increase the dosage but should seek advice from your doctor.#
You should continue to take these tablets for as long as your doctor tells you to. If you forget to take a tablet, take one as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time to take the next one. Never take two doses together. Take the remaining doses at the correct time.
If you see another doctor or go into hospital, let him or the staff know what medicines you are taking.
If you (or someone else) swallows a lot of the tablets all together, or if you think a child has accidentally swallowed any of the tablets, contact your nearest hospital casualty department or your doctor immediately.
AFTER TAKING SALBUTAMOL
If after taking your tablets, you immediately have further difficulty in breathing, swelling of the lips, face and neck contact your doctor urgently.
Salbutamol, like many other medicines may occasionally cause side-effects in some people. These
may include:
low potassium levels
slight shaking, particularly of the hands
a feeling of tension.
If these effects are severe, whilst taking Salbutamol tell your doctor immediately.
Other rare side-effects may include headache, muscle cramps, skin reactions e.g. nettle rash, uneven heart beat and hyperactivity in children.
Very rarely, patients may experience wheezing, low blood pressure and collapse.
If you experience these or any other symptoms, tell your doctor. Also, if you feel unwell in any other way, tell your doctor.
STORING SALBUTAMOL
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date shown on the outside packaging. These tablets should be stored below 25°C and protected from light in the package or container supplied. Do not transfer them to another container. Keep them in a secure place where children cannot get at them. This medicine is for you ONLY, do not give it to anyone else. Unless your doctor tells you to, do not keep these tablets for longer than you need. Return all unused medicines to your pharmacist for safe disposal.
FURTHER INFORMATION
This leaflet only gives a brief outline of some of the more important points about Salbutamol. If you want to know more about these tablets or their effects, please ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Revised: July 2012