Introduction

Since its approval nearly 20 years ago by the FDA, Salbutamol (known as Albuterol in the United States of America) has become the life-saving drug of choice for the millions of people worldwide afflicted with asthma. At the time of its development in 1970, Salbutamol represented a quantum leap in asthma therapy. Like existing drugs, it functioned on the basis of inducing bronchodilation through stimulation of beta₂ receptors on the cells lining the airways in the lungs; unlike existing drugs, however, Salbutamol could be delivered in small enough doses to only interact with beta₂ receptors whilst still being effective.

Existing treatments such as Bronkosol (Isoetharine) had both beta₁ and beta₂ effects, resulting in side-effects such as increased heart rate, palpitations, tremor, and nausea. Furthermore, a number of these older bronchodilators had additives which increased sensitivities while doing nothing to increase effectiveness, such as saccharin, now known to be a carcinogen. Another common drawback to many earlier bronchodilators was their short duration of action, usually 1-4 hours. Salbutamol extended this to six hours.

Salbutamol is marketed under a number of names including Ventolin, Proventil, Albuterol, Aerolin, Salbulin, Ventodisks, Asmol, Respax and Respolin. However, these names encompass both salbutamol and its sulphate salt, a form in which it is commonly delivered.

2-(tert-butylamino)-1-(4-hydroxy-3-hydroxymethylphenyl) ethanol –

Salbutamol

2-(tert-butylamino)-1-(4-hydroxy-3-hydroxymethylphenyl) ethanol hemisulfate

Salbutamol Sulphate