What is the recommended dosage of Asthalin (salbutamol) for adults and children?

Asthalin (Salbutamol) Tablet Dosage

For adults, the standard oral salbutamol dosage is 2-4 mg three to four times daily, while children typically receive 0.1 mg/kg body weight per dose (maximum 2 mg) three to four times daily.

Adult Dosing

Oral tablets for adults:

• Standard dose: 2-4 mg administered 3-4 times daily 1
• The dosing should be adjusted based on clinical response and tolerance
• For nebulized solution (when tablets are not appropriate): 2.5 mg (one vial) administered 3-4 times daily 1

Pediatric Dosing

For children weighing ≥15 kg:

• Nebulized solution: 2.5 mg administered 3-4 times daily 1
• Oral tablets: typically 0.1 mg/kg per dose, maximum 2 mg per dose, 3-4 times daily

For children weighing <15 kg:

• Use lower concentration formulations (0.5% solution) as they require less than 2.5 mg per dose 1
• Half doses should be used in very young children when using nebulized therapy 2

Acute Severe Asthma (Emergency Dosing)

Adults with acute severe asthma:

• Nebulized: 5 mg salbutamol via oxygen-driven nebulizer 2
• Can be repeated every 15-30 minutes if not improving 2
• Once improving, continue every 4-6 hours 2

Children with acute severe asthma:

• Nebulized: 5 mg salbutamol (or 0.15 mg/kg) via oxygen-driven nebulizer 2
• Half doses in very young children 2
• Repeat every 1-4 hours if improving, or every 30 minutes if not improving 2

Important Clinical Considerations

Critical warnings:

• If a previously effective dosage regimen fails to provide usual relief, seek immediate medical attention as this indicates seriously worsening asthma requiring reassessment 1
• Regular use of salbutamol tablets for chronic asthma control is not recommended - salbutamol should be used only as needed for symptom relief 3
• Long-term regular salbutamol use has been associated with subtle deterioration in asthma control over time and longer duration of major exacerbations 3

Administration timing:

• Nebulized solution should be delivered over approximately 5-15 minutes 1
• Most patients gain optimum benefit from regular use during acute episodes, but chronic regular use should be avoided 1, 3

When to escalate therapy:

• More frequent administration or higher doses than standard are not recommended without medical supervision 1
• If symptoms persist despite appropriate dosing, add systemic corticosteroids (prednisolone 30-60 mg for adults, 1-2 mg/kg for children with maximum 40 mg) 2
• Consider adding ipratropium bromide 0.5 mg (adults) or 100-250 mcg (children) to nebulizer if not improving after 15-30 minutes 2