Salbair Transhaler

Salbair 50 Transhaler contains levosalbutamol as an active ingredient. It an anti-asthmatic medication that belongs to a group of medicines called fast-acting bronchodilators or relievers. It is used to treat difficulty in breathing, coughing and whistling sound while breathing which are the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

COPD is a disorder where your lung is damaged and making the passage of air in the lungs difficult. Salbair 50 Transhaler is a rescue medicine (quick reliever) and shows its instant effect which lasts for several hours. You should not increase the dose or stop the treatment on your own even if you feel better, as it can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.

Also, you should inform your doctor if you are already taking any other medicines.

Dosage

Overdose

• Overdose of this medicine can be serious. Symptoms of overdose may be nervousness, headache, fainting, tremor, dry mouth, chest pain or heavy feeling, rapid or uneven heart rate, nausea, sweating, dizziness, fits etc. These demand emergency medical attention immediately.

Missed a Dose

If you missed any dose take it as quickly as you remember. However, if it is time for the next dose, then skip the missed dose and continue with the next dose. Do not take extra medicine for missed dose compensation.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Asthma and COPD are common lung problem that produces damage to the lungs over the period. Levosalbutamol acts by widening the airways in asthma and COPD. It is inhaled through a pump and acts on smaller lung tubes and dilates them by relaxing the muscles. This aids non-obstructed airflow into the lungs.

Directions for Use

• The medicine is taken by inhalation only.
• Read the instructions on the label or leaflet before use.
• Shake the inhaler.
• You should take the exact number of puffs as recommended by your doctor for treatment of bronchospasm.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I use Salbair 50 Transhaler during pregnancy?

This medicine should be used during pregnancy, only if your doctor considers it essential.

Breast Feeding

Can I use Salbair 50 Transhaler while breastfeeding?

This medicine should be used during pregnancy, only if your doctor considers it essential.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Salbair 50 Transhaler?

This medicine does not impair your ability to drive. However, if you develop side effects such as dizziness, muscle cramps or fits, avoid driving.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Salbair 50 Transhaler?

Intake of alcoholic beverages or tobacco while on treatment with Salbair 50 Transhaler may increase the side effects. Smoking should be avoided strictly since it is known to worsen breathing disorders.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You have any kind of medical condition like heart-related disorder or blood disorder.
• You have a thyroid problem.
• You are diabetic.
• You have a low level of potassium in your blood.
• You have an infection in your lungs.
• You should avoid smoking.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to levosalbutamol or any of the ingredient of this medicine.
• If you have a history of premature labour or miscarriage.

Side effects

• Increased heart rate
• Fits or feeling a bit shaky, especially hands
• Muscle cramps
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Tiredness
• Sleeplessness
• Increased blood flow

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Sometimes Salbair 50 Transhaler may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how Salbair 50 Transhaler works if taken along.
• Tell your doctor about all the medicines, supplements, or herbals you are currently taking or might take to avoid any possible interaction.
• Especially if you are taking medicines to treat high blood pressure, brain-related disorder, heart-related problems, or anti-asthmatic medicines etc.
• Concomitant use of this medicine with water pills like Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide may decrease the potassium level in the body which leads to heart rhythm abnormalities. Your doctor may advise the monitoring of blood potassium levels.

Storage and disposal

You should store this medicine below 25°C in a cool, dry place and its original packaging. Make sure this medication remains unreachable to children and pets. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect from heat and moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Salbair 50 Transhaler a steroid?

No, it belongs to a class of drugs called beta-agonists. It relaxes the airways wall muscles, opens them and thereby eases breathing in patients who have reversible obstructive airway diseases like asthma or in some cases of chronic bronchitis.

How long should you use this medicine?

• You should take your medicine as long as it is recommended by your doctor for the treatment of bronchospasm. If you happen to meet an asthma attack, you should take the number of puffs quickly recommended by your doctor.

What is COPD?

• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a common lung problem that produces damage to the lungs over the period. This condition produces symptoms like coughing with mucous for a long time and eventually leading to breathing difficulties.

Can I experience dry mouth due to Salbair 50 Transhaler?

• Dry mouth may occur as a side effect. Frequent mouth rinses, good oral hygiene, increased water intake, and sugarless candy may help. Gargle with warm water after each inhalation to avoid any fungal infections in your mouth and throat.

When and how should I use it?

• Learn from your doctor/nurse how to use the pump. Also, read the instructions on the label or leaflet before use. Your doctor will inform you how many inhalations (puffs) to use for each dose and the maximum number of inhalations you should use in 24 hours. Strictly follow the prescribed regimen. If you do not get relief from your symptoms after using Salbair 50 Transhaler, you must contact your doctor for advice immediately.