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.

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