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Updated: May 23, 2026
13:28
Methodology for Sputum Induction and Laboratory Processing
Published on: December 17, 2017
Investigation of salbutamol tolerance
1Department of Therapeutics and Pharmacology, The Queen's University, Belfast.
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|March 29, 2012
Summary
Regular use of salbutamol inhalers or tablets does not diminish their effectiveness in patients with reversible airways disease. Studies show consistent bronchodilator response, indicating no significant decrease in efficacy over time.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Reversible airways disease, such as asthma, requires effective bronchodilator therapy.
- Salbutamol is a common short-acting beta-agonist used for relief of bronchospasm.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether regular salbutamol treatment leads to a decreased response in patients with reversible airways disease.
- To assess the impact of chronic salbutamol administration on bronchodilator responsiveness.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, cross-over study involving two groups of patients with reversible airways disease.
- Group 1 received salbutamol (200 μg) or placebo via aerosol for two weeks.
- Group 2 received salbutamol (4 mg) or placebo tablets for four weeks, with both taken four times daily.
Main Results:
- Measurement of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) 10 minutes post-inhalation showed no significant difference after prior salbutamol treatment.
- Statistical comparison of bronchodilator response after aerosol and oral salbutamol administration indicated no diminished effect.
Conclusions:
- Regular treatment with salbutamol, whether by aerosol or oral tablet, does not result in a decreased response.
- Patients with reversible airways disease can expect consistent bronchodilator efficacy with regular salbutamol use.
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