Intranasal salbutamol instillation in asthma attack

Am J Emerg Med. 1999 Nov;17(7):686-8. doi: 10.1016/s0735-6757(99)90160-2.

Abstract

Beta-two sympathomimetic drugs are the treatment of choice for asthmatic attack. Their main effect is to dilate the bronchi by a direct action on beta-two adrenoreceptors on the smooth muscle, and also by mediator release inhibition from mast cells. Salbutamol is widely used in the treatment of bronchial asthma, and is usually administered either by inhalation, orally, or parenterally. The nasal route seems to afford an effective way to administer medications, since the nasal mucosa has a relatively large surface area, and there is no gastrointestinal-hepatic first pass-effect, thus avoiding extensive loss of the administered drug. We describe herein the use of nasal salbutamol in 3 patients with severe asthma attacks who were refractory to conventional therapy, with favorable responses and without significant undesirable effects.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Administration, Intranasal
  • Adrenergic beta-Agonists / administration & dosage*
  • Adrenergic beta-Agonists / immunology
  • Adrenergic beta-Agonists / pharmacology
  • Adult
  • Albuterol / administration & dosage*
  • Albuterol / immunology
  • Albuterol / pharmacology
  • Asthma / drug therapy*
  • Asthma / immunology
  • Asthma / physiopathology
  • Bronchodilator Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Bronchodilator Agents / immunology
  • Bronchodilator Agents / pharmacology
  • Emergency Treatment / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Instillation, Drug
  • Intubation, Intratracheal
  • Male
  • Mast Cells / drug effects
  • Muscle, Smooth / drug effects
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Agonists
  • Bronchodilator Agents
  • Albuterol