Oral albuterol sulfate (salbuterol) belongs to a class of antiasthmatic agents called sympathomimetic bronchodilators. It is used to treat and prevent bronchospasm in patients with reversible obstructive airway disease and exercise-induced bronchospasm. Albuterol sulfate facilitates breathing by stimulating certain receptors in the lungs which causes relaxation of the smooth muscle in the lungs.

FDA Approved Uses

Used as a bronchodilator to treat reversible airway obstruction due to asthma.

Used to prevent bronchospasm associated with chronic bronchitis, pulmonary emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder.

Contraindications

Any of the following may be reason to choose a different drug. Inform your doctor before starting therapy.

Allergic to albuterol

Heart rhythm abnormalities

Dosage and Directions for Use

Volmax tablets must be swallowed whole with a glass of water and not chewed or crushed.

One 8 mg tablet twice daily or two 4 mg tablets twice daily.

As there may be adverse effects associated with excessive dosing, the dosage or frequency of administration should only be increased on medical advice.

Side-effects

Volmax tablets may cause a fine tremor of skeletal muscle, usually the hands are most obviously affected.

Feelings of tension may occur also due to the effects on skeletal muscle and not to direct CNS stimulation.

Peripheral vasodilatation and an increase in heart rate may occur. Headaches may occur.

Hypersensitivity reactions including angioedema, urticaria, bronchospasm, hypotension and collapse have been reported.

Precautions

Volmax tablets and non-selective beta-blocking drugs, such as propranolol, should not usually be prescribed together.

Volmax tablets should be administered cautiously to patients suffering from thyrotoxicosis.

The effects of Volmax may be enhanced by concommitant administration of aminophylline.

Potentially serious hypokalaemia may result from beta2-agonist therapy mainly from parenteral and nebulised administration. Particular caution is advised in acute severe asthma as this effect may be potentiated by concomitant treatment with xanthine derivatives, steroids, diuretics and by hypoxia. It is recommended that serum potassium levels are monitored in such situations.

In asthmatic patients whose condition deteriorates despite Volmax therapy, the dosage should not merely be increased, but alternative or additional therapy should be considered.

Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established.

Known Symptoms of Overdosage and Particulars of its Treatment

The preferred antidote for overdosage with Volmax tablets is a cardio-selective beta- blocking agent, but beta-blocking drugs should be used with caution in patients with a history of bronchospasm.