This leaflet answers some common questions about Salbutamol Inhalation Solution. It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

All medicines have benefits and risks. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you taking Salbutamol Inhalation Solution against the benefits this medicine is expected to have for you.

This medicine is likely to be used while you are at the clinic or in hospital. If possible, please read this leaflet carefully before this medicine is given to you. In some cases this leaflet may be given to you after the medicine has been used.

You may need to read it again.

Salbutamol Inhalation Solution belongs to a group of medicines called beta-2-agonists. These work rapidly to open up the air passages in your lungs.

Salbutamol is inhaled into the lungs for the treatment of asthma. Asthma is a disease where the lining of the lungs become inflamed (red and swollen), making it difficult to breathe. This may be due to an allergy to house dust mites, smoke, air-borne pollution and other irritants. Salbutamol opens up the air passages in people suffering from asthma, bronchitis and other breathing problems. It may also be used before exercise to keep your air passages open if you start to wheeze or have difficulty breathing each time you exert yourself.

Salbutamol Inhalation Solution may be used for the management of other conditions that are not mentioned above. Your doctor will be able to tell you about the specific condition for which you have been prescribed Salbutamol Inhalation Solution.

This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription.

If you are not sure whether any of these apply to you, check with your doctor.

Some medicines and salbutamol may interfere with each other. These include medicines used to treat:

Your doctor will advise you about continuing to take other medicines while you are receiving Salbutamol Inhalation Solution.

Salbutamol Inhalation Solution is inhaled through a nebuliser. You will need to follow the instructions given by the manufacturer of your nebuliser.

The usual dose is 5mg for an adult and 2.5mg for a child over four years, given every four to six hours. Your doctor will decide what dose and how often you will receive Salbutamol Inhalation Solution. The dosage you will be given will depend on your condition, what it is being used for and other factors, such as your age, and whether or not other medicines are being given at the same time.

Fresh solution must be used for each dose. After the full dose has been given, any solution remaining in the nebuliser must be thrown away. Nebulisers must be cleaned after use according to the instructions given by the manufacturer of your nebuliser.

Immediately telephone your doctor, pharmacist or the Poisons Information Centre (telephone 13 11 26), or go to Accident & Emergency at your nearest hospital, if you think that you or anyone else may have used too much salbutamol.

Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. You may need medical attention.

If you inhale too much salbutamol, you may experience some of the effects listed under "Side Effects" below.

If you have an Asthma Action Plan that you have agreed with your doctor, follow it closely at all times.

If you find that the usual dose of salbutamol is not giving as much relief as before, or you need to use it more often, please contact your doctor so that your condition can be checked. This is important to ensure that your breathing problem is controlled properly.

Continue using salbutamol for as long as your doctor tells you. Visit your doctor regularly to check on your condition.

If you become pregnant while using salbutamol, tell your doctor. Tell any other doctors, dentists or pharmacists who are treating you that you are using salbutamol.

Do not take any other medicines for your breathing problems without checking with your doctor.

Do not give salbutamol to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.

Do not use salbutamol to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.

Like other medicines, salbutamol can cause some side effects. If they occur, most are likely to be minor or temporary. However, some may be serious and need medical attention.

Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them.

These may be serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention. Serious side effects are rare.

These are the more common side effects of salbutamol. Mostly these are mild and short-lived.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor. Some side effects may only be seen by your doctor.

Salbutamol Inhalation Solution in Sterinebs: Store below 25°C in the carton. Do not freeze. Use once only. Throw away any solution left in the sterineb after use.

Salbutamol Inhalation Solution in bottles: Store upright below 25 degrees C in the carton. Do not freeze. Throw away any solution left in the bottle 3 months after opening.

A locked cupboard at least one and a half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.

Do not store salbutamol or any other medicine in the bathroom or near a sink.

If your doctor tells you to stop using salbutamol or it has passed its expiry date, ask your pharmacist what to do with any that are left over.

Salbutamol Inhalation Solution is a clear solution contained in either 10mL or 30mL screw cap bottles or in plastic single-use sterinebs.

Salbutamol Inhalation Solution in bottles contains Salbutamol Sulfate and Benzalkonium Chloride (as a preservative) in water.

Salbutamol Inhalation Solution in Sterinebs contains Salbutamol Sulfate BP in water. The solutions are sterile and preservative free.