Asthalin tablets general information

What is Asthalin tablets used for?

Asthalin tablets are used to treat and relieve symptoms of brochospasm, which is narrowing of the small airways of the lungs or brochioles that happens in reversible obstructive diseases like asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. Asthalin can also be used to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm, which is a form of asthma that is only triggered by exercise; also allergy-induced asthma, such as allergy to pollen or cats. Asthalin tablets are particularly helpful for nocturnal asthma and for people with severe or unstable asthma. Asthalin is used to relieve breathing difficulties caused by brochospasm with symptoms including, wheezing, shortness of breath, tightness of the chest, but will not treat the asthma disease and you will most likely be taking a regular “preventer” medication such as an inhaled corticosteroid.

How does Asthalin tablets work?

Asthalin tablets contain salbutamol, a beta 2-agonist and bronchodilator that acts directly on the small airways of the lungs (bronchioles). Contraction of the bands of smooth muscle that surrounds the small bronchiole tubes causes narrowing of the airways in response to an asthma trigger. Salbutamol in Asthalin binds to beta 2 receptors on the smooth muscle causing the muscle to relax and the airways to widen (bronchodilation). This reduces bronchospasm (contraction or the airways) and allows the airways to open making it easier to breathe and removing symptoms of asthma, such as tightness of the chest, wheezing, cough and shortness of breath. Asthalin slow release tablets are effective within 15 minutes with maximum effect at 2 hours that lasts for up to 8 hours.

What does Asthalin tablets contain?

Asthalin tablets contain the active ingredient salbutamol sulphate, a bronchodilator used to relieve symptoms of bronchospasm in severe asthma and other respiratory conditions.

Treating asthma with Asthalin tablets

Asthalin tablets contain salbutamol, a beta 2-agonist and bronchodilator that is used to relieve symptoms of bronchospasm (contraction or the airways) that are caused by asthma and other respiratory conditions. Contraction of the bands of smooth muscle that surrounds the small bronchiole tubes of the airways causes narrowing of the airways in response to an asthma trigger. Salbutamol in Asthalin binds to beta 2 receptors on the smooth muscle causing the muscle to relax and the airways to widen (bronchodilation). This reduces bronchospasm and allows the airways to open making it easier to breathe and removing symptoms of asthma, such as tightness of the chest, wheezing, cough and shortness of breath. Asthalin can also be used to prevent exercise induced bronchospasm, which is a form of asthma that is only triggered by exercise; also allergy induced asthma, such as allergy to pollen or cats. Asthalin tablets are particularly helpful for nocturnal asthma and for people with seve
re or unstable asthma.

What are the side effects of Asthalin tablets?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Asthalin tablets include: headache, tremor, tachycardia (rapid heart beat); less common side effects include, palpitations mouth and throat irritation, muscle cramp.

When should Asthalin tablets not be used?

You should not use Asthalin tablets if you:

• are allergic to salbutamol or any ingredients in Asthalin tablets
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• have kidney or liver disease
• are taking medicines that interact with Asthalin tablets, including: non-selective beta-blockers like propranolol, xanthines like theophylline or aminophylline, corticosteroids like beclometasone and prednisolone, other beta 2 agonists, such as salmeterol, diuretics like furosemide

What medications interact with Asthalin tablets?

Several medications interact with Asthalin tablets to cause a serious decrease in the levels of potassium in the blood (hypokalaemia) and should either not be taken while you are taking Asthalin or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor. These include: non-selective beta-blockers like propranolol, xanthines like theophylline or aminophylline, corticosteroids like beclometasone and prednisolone, other beta 2 agonists, such as salmeterol, diuretics like furosemide

What is paradoxical bronchospasm?

Asthalin tablets  can cause paradoxical bronchospasm, which is when the medication taken to relieve bronchospasm actually makes it worse, causing wheezing, shortness of breath and tightness of the chest. If this happens you should stop taking your Asthalin tablets , inform your doctor and take their advice,

How should Asthalin tablets be taken?

You should take your Asthalin tablets 2mg swallowed whole with a glass of water, 3-4 times daily depending on your condition. Your doctor may increase or decrease your dose depending on how well you respond and your condition. You should continue to take your Asthalin for as long as recommended by your doctor.

How long should you take Asthalin tablets?

You should continue to take your Asthalin for as long as recommended by your doctor.

Missed dose of Asthalin tablets

If you miss a dose of Asthalin tablets  take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.

How should Asthalin tablets be stored?

You should store your Asthalin tablets below 30°C in a cool dry place.