Asthalin SA (salbutamol) is a bronchodilator useful in managing asthma, COPD, and other respiratory ailments. It can also be used to lower blood potassium when levels are too high. The medication can be used in patients age 6 and up, with those age 12 and up taking adult doses.

This is an interesting product, containing a fast-acting medication but delivered relatively slowly through tablets. It is probably not ideal for those suffering severe attacks; inhaled salbutamol (also known as albuterol or salbuterol) may work better, as when inhaled it begins working in about 5 minutes. With tablets, like Asthalin SA, effects are noticeable after 15 minutes and full effects are felt between 30 minutes to an hour. On the plus side, effects often last longer.

Asthalin SA tablets can be taken to prevent or treat mild to moderate breathing difficulty. Note that, if taking Asthalin SA or other tablets containing salbutamol/albuterol, use of rescue inhalers---particularly those containing salbutamol/albuterol---may be inadvisable.

Taking Asthalin SA

Asthalin SA tablets are available in 2 mg, 4 mg, and 8 mg doses. 2 mg doses are typically reserved for very young or elderly patients, though those of any age who suffer only very mild breathing impairment may find them beneficial.

The majority of patients take 4 mg or 8 mg doses. Treatment with Asthalin SA typically consists of:

• Start with 4 mg taken three or four times per day.
• If after several days results are insufficient, dosage may be increased to 8 mg three or four times per day.
• Do not exceed 32 mg in a single day (8 mg X 4 times).
• Effects are more powerful if taken on an empty stomach.

Assuming breathing is not severely impaired---which likely calls for rescue inhalers---Asthalin SA should decrease and eventually eliminate breathing difficulty. The tablets can also be taken as a preventive measure; prior to exercise for those with exercise-induced asthma, for example, will help prevent an attack from developing in the first place.

If taking the maximum dosage---8 mg four times per day---using rescue inhalers is somewhat dangerous, especially if they also contain salbutamol/albuterol. At lower doses rescue inhaler use a few times per day will most likely not be harmful.

Side Effects

Side effects from Asthalin SA are similar to those encountered with other salbutamol formulas, though they may be a little more pronounced and last a little longer when administered by tablet. Regardless, most are not dangerous. Most commonly reported are:

• Dry mouth
• Tremor
• Mild muscle cramps
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Nausea

Rarely side effects can develop into something more alarming. Seek medical attention if experiencing:

• Severe muscle cramps
• Rapid, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Bone or back pain
• Severe nausea or vomiting
• Metabolic acidosis
• Worsening of diabetes

Again, most patients take Asthalin SA with only mild side effects, if experienced at all. The majority of patients find the improved breathing offered by Asthalin SA more than compensates for side effects.

Other Options

There's a wide range of similar products available to help with asthma, COPD, and other breathing difficulties. Kiwi Drug is happy to carry many of them, presented here for your consideration:

• Albuterol inhalers deliver albuterol directly to the lungs, providing fast-acting relief. Also available here.
• Albuterol nebules contain fluid for use in a nebulizer. Many patients find nebulized medication works much better than inhalers---which contain HFA propellant that many patients react poorly to---but, on the downside, it does require a nebulizer and power supply to use.
• Combination inhalers contain albuterol and another bronchodilator, taken regularly for long-term maintenance. These are generally not rescue inhalers, but might work as such in a pinch.
• Inhaled steroids are another long-term maintenance inhaler, never suitable as a rescue inhaler. These products reduce the frequency and severity of attacks for many patients, though they don't work for everyone.
• EpiPens will work to abort severe asthma attacks in a pinch when other treatments aren't available. The Junior version can be found here.

The above are just a few of many similar products. They can be browsed in full on our albuterol page, our salbuterol page, or our fluticasone page. The full range of our inhalers and other breathing treatments can be found on our Blood & Respiratory page, but be aware you'll need to filter through the unrelated blood products.