Effect of intravenous injection of salbutamol in asthma

The effect of i.v. salbutamol was compared with aerosol salbutamol in ten asthmatic patients. 2 A cumulative dose of salbutamol (300 mug) given in three separate injections over 45 min resulted in a mean increase in peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) of 38.3% and FEV1 of 36%. 3 There was no significant difference in degree of bronchodilatation to the same dose of salbutamol administered intravenously or by aerosol. 4 Palpitations, tremor, and postural hypotension were common when the drug was injected intravenously over one minute, but did not occur after aerosol administration. 5 It is suggested that sulbutamol by intravenous injection is a useful addition to the treatment of acute asthma.