Cardiovascular and biochemical responses to nebulised salbutamol in normal subjects

When conventional therapeutic doses of nebulised salbutamol were given to normal volunteers, there was a significant rise in pulse rate, systolic blood pressure and plasma glucose and a significant fall in diastolic blood pressure and serum potassium in comparison with placebo. Such changes may be potentially hazardous in certain situations. Patients with airways obstruction due to chronic bronchitis who have coexistent ischaemic heart disease or diuretic induced hypokalaemia may be at particular risk from the unwanted cardiovascular and biochemical responses to nebulised salbutamol.