Salbutamol, also known as albuterol is a pharmaceutical used for the treatment of bronchospasm, usually in asthma and COPD. It is usually administered by inhalation from an inhaler and acts directly on the muscles of the bronchial tract. It usually provides an immediate improvement, although its effectiveness peaks 5-20 minutes after administration.
It can also be injected in cases of premature labor to reduce contractions.
Since it relaxes smooth muscles, its use has numerous side effects such as tremors, anxiety, cramps, dry mouth and palpitations. Rarer but more serious side effects are tachycardia, arrhythmia and, most importantly, paradoxial bronchospasm.