Brand Name
Apo-Salvent
Common Name
salbutamol tablet
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 02146843 | APO-SALVENT 2MG TABLET |
| 02146851 | APO-SALVENT 4MG TABLET |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Salbutamol belongs to a class of medications called bronchodilators, and more specifically, β2-adrenergic agonists. This medication is used to treat asthma, chronic bronchitis, and other breathing disorders. It works by relaxing the muscles in the walls of the small airways in the lungs. This helps to open up the airways and make breathing easier.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
The usual dose for adults and children over 12 years of age is 2 mg to 4 mg, given 3 to 4 times per day. For children 6 to 12 years of age, the usual dose is 2 mg, 3 to 4 times per day.
For seniors and people who are unusually sensitive to medication such as salbutamol, treatment is usually started at 2 mg, 3 to 4 times per day.
The maximum daily dose is 32 mg for adults and children over 12 years of age, and 16 mg for children 6 to 12 years of age.
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
Salbutamol tablets should not be used for sudden breathing difficulties. For asthma attacks and other sudden breathing problems, a short-acting bronchodilator inhaler (e.g., salbutamol, terbutaline) should be used.
Salbutamol is best taken on an empty stomach. Take it 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
2 mg
Each light purple, round, flat-faced, bevelled-edged tablet, scored and engraved "APO" over "2" on one side, contains salbutamol sulfate equal to 2 mg of salbutamol. Nonmedicinal ingredients: lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, cornstarch, magnesium stearate, D&C Red No. 30 Aluminum Lake, and ferric-ferrous oxide.
4 mg
Each light purple, round, flat-faced, bevelled-edged tablet, scored and engraved "APO" over "4" on one side, contains salbutamol sulfate equal to 4 mg of salbutamol. Nonmedicinal ingredients: lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, cornstarch, magnesium stearate, D&C Red No. 30 Aluminum Lake, and ferric-ferrous oxide.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not take this medication if you:
- are allergic to salbutamol or any ingredients of this medication
- are experiencing sudden wheezing or difficulty breathing due to asthma, chronic bronchitis, or other breathing problems
- have an abnormally fast heart rate
