Salbutamol

Salbutamol In Dogs & Cats: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• Selective beta-2 stimulation causes smooth muscle relaxation and bronchodilation.

Uses of Salbutamol

• Treatment of bronchospasm in inflammatory airway disease and irritation in cats and dogs.
• Experimental studies have shown chronic use in cats can exacerbate airway inflammation, leading to recommendations that salbutamol be reserved for acute/short-term management in this species.

Dose of Salbutamol in Dogs and Cats

Dogs:

• Bronchodilation: 100–300 μg (micrograms)/dog q4–6h or as needed for relief of bronchospasm.

Cats:

• Bronchodilation: 100 μg (micrograms)/cat q4–6h or as needed for relief of bronchospasm.

Side Effects of Salbutamol in Dogs and Cats

• In humans, side effects of the beta-2 agonists include headache, muscle cramps and palpitation.
• Other side effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, peripheral vasodilation, and
  disturbances of sleep and behaviour.
• Shivering and agitation is occasionally seen in dogs.

Contraindications of Salbutamol in Dogs and Cats

• No information is available.

Some Notes:

• In humans, there is an increased risk of side effects if salbutamol is used by patients also taking diuretics, digoxin, theophylline or corticosteroids.