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Salbutamol Intravenous for Adults
Who can administer
May be administered by registered competent doctor or nurse/midwife
Important information
- Salbutamol (and other Beta2 agonists) are no longer recommended for inhibiting pre-term labour. Use of high-dose short acting beta2 agonists in obstetric indications has been associated with serious, sometimes fatal cardiovascular events in the mother and fetus, particularly when used for a prolonged period of time (ref BNF)
- For Y-site compatibility see below
Available preparations
Ventolin 500 microgram per 1ml ampoule (for intravenous injection)
Ventolin concentrate 5mg per 5ml ampoule (for intravenous infusion)
Reconstitution
Already in solution
Dilute further prior to administration
Draw up using a 5 micron filter needle
Infusion fluids
Sodium chloride 0.9% or Glucose 5%
Methods of intravenous administration
Slow intravenous injection (ref 1)
- Use 500 microgram per ml ampoule - make up to 10ml with Water for Injections
- Administer required dose over 3 to 5 minutes
Intravenous infusion (use an electronically controlled infusion device)
- Add 1 X 5mg ampoule to 500ml infusion fluid (result is a 10microgram per ml infusion)
- If fluid restricted anecdotal evidence suggests 10mg in 50ml (200micrograms per ml) via central or peripheral line could be used if larger volumes are thought to lead to adverse effects (ref 1)
Dose in adults
Indication | Route of administration | Dose |
---|---|---|
Bronchospasm and status asthmaticus | Slow intravenous injection | Give 250 micrograms (4micrograms/kg), repeated if necessary |
Continuous intravenous infusion |
A starting dose of 5 micrograms per minute is recommended with appropriate adjustment in dosage according to patient response and heart rate. Infusion rates of 3 to 20micrograms per minute are generally adequate but in patients with respiratory failure, higher doses have been used with success. |
Monitoring
- Potentially serious hypokalaemia may result from salbutamol therapy. Plasma-potassium concentration should therefore be monitored in severe asthma
- Monitor blood glucose, lactate and potassium levels
Storage
- Store below 250C
References
SPC Ventolin injection 04/03/82024
SPC Ventolin concentrate solution 04/03/82024
(1) Injectable Medicines Administration Guide Medusa, downloaded 28/01/2025
Therapeutic classification
Bronchodilator, Beta-2-agonist