Albuterol (Asthalin Rotacap) 200 mcg contains salbutamol, a rapidly-acting bronchodilator drug that assists in providing relief to the patient’s breathing problems as a result of the narrowed airways.
The drug causes relaxation of muscles surrounding pulmonary passages, thus, airway resistance significantly reduces, so the person breathes with less effort.
For example, Asthalin may be prescribed for such conditions that result in wheezing and chest tightness.
Salbutamol is also used for asthma.
Uses of Albuterol Asthalin Rotacap 200 mcg
This medicine used to help relieve breathing symptoms such as:
- Asthma
- Bronchospasm
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Exercise-related narrowing of the airways
- Other situations where the airways become temporarily narrowed
Salbutamol is also used to help prevent bronchospasm in situations known to trigger breathing difficulties.
How Does Albuterol Asthalin Rotacap 200 mcg Work?
Difficult breathing with wheeze and chest tightness can be experienced when airways are narrowed.
Salbutamol acts on beta-2 adrenoreceptors in the muscle cells lining the airways. Such muscle relaxation leads to opening of the air passages.
Consequently, air is able to flow freely in the lungs, and breathing becomes effortless.
Benefits of Albuterol Asthalin Rotacap
When used as prescribed, the medicine may help:
- Relax tightened airway muscles
- Make breathing easier
- Reduce wheezing and chest tightness
- Relieve shortness of breath caused by bronchospasm
- Provide quick relief from certain asthma symptoms
It is a reliever medicine and should not be considered a replacement for long-term asthma treatment when a preventer medicine has been prescribed.
Dosage and How to Use
Use Albuterol Asthalin Rotacap only as directed by your healthcare professional.
Your dosage and how often you take the medication depend on your condition, age, severity of your symptoms and the medicine you take. Salbutamol inhalers and other preparations containing the medicine can have different strengths and usage instructions.
- Do not use the Rotacap with any other device that is not indicated for its use.
- Do not swallow the capsule.
- Follow the instructions that came with the device for how to insert the capsule into the inhaler.
- To get the full benefit out of the device, follow your healthcare professional’s instructions.
- Do not increase the number of doses you are taking without your healthcare provider’s advice.
- Besides cleaning your inhaler regularly, make sure you’re using it exactly as instructed.
- If you’re not sure about a device, a pharmacist can show you how to use it.
Contact your doctor if you need your reliever more than you usually do. Frequent use of a reliever might be an indicator that you need a revision of the treatment plan for asthma or another breathing condition.
Possible Side Effects
Some people might notice very mild side effects following the administration of salbutamol.
Among those are:
- Tremor or shaking
- Pain in head
- Feeling restless
- Elevated pulse / heart rate
- Body cramps especially in the legs
- Irritation in the throat
- Feeling dizzy
Such effects are likely to happen when one uses the medicine in higher amounts than normal.
Contact your doctor if you notice heart-related pain, irregular heartbeat to great degree, worsened breathing, or another major symptom as a result.
Warnings and Precautions
Tell your doctor before using this medicine if you:
- Have heart problems
- Have an irregular heartbeat
- Have high blood pressure
- Have an overactive thyroid
- Have diabetes
- Have low potassium levels
- Have previously reacted badly to salbutamol
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Take other medicines for breathing or heart conditions
Some medicines can affect how salbutamol works, so your doctor should know about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter products and supplements you use.
When to Seek Medical Help
A reliever inhaler can help with sudden airway narrowing, but worsening breathing symptoms should not always be managed by taking more doses.
Get urgent medical attention if:
- Your breathing becomes severely difficult
- Your usual reliever does not provide the expected relief
- Your symptoms get worse quickly
- You develop severe chest pain
- You become very weak, confused or unable to speak normally because of breathlessness
If you regularly need your reliever more often than recommended, arrange a review with your healthcare professional.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor if you use:
- Other inhalers
- Beta-blockers
- Diuretics
- Steroid medicines
- Medicines for heart problems
- Other medicines that affect heart rhythm
- Diabetes medicines
- Herbal supplements
Some combinations can affect heart rate, blood pressure or potassium levels. Your healthcare professional can check whether your current medicines are suitable together.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
In case you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy and breastfeeding, you should speak with your doctor before taking Albuterol Asthalin Rotacap.
Don’t stop the therapy you have been receiving for asthma all by yourself during pregnancy. It is essential to maintain the respiratory conditions under proper control, and your physician will guide you about the right treatment.
Storage
- Keep the Rotacaps in their original packaging until needed.
- Store them in a cool, dry place.
- Protect them from moisture.
- Keep them away from excessive heat and direct sunlight.
- Do not store the capsules in the bathroom.
- Keep the medicine out of reach of children.
- Do not use capsules after the expiry date.
- Follow the storage instructions printed on your specific product packaging.
Storage instructions can vary between inhaled products, so the product label should always be checked.
FAQs
How quickly can Albuterol Asthalin Rotacap 200 mcg help with breathing?
Salbutamol is designed to act quickly after inhalation. The exact response can vary depending on the person and the cause of the breathing problem.
Can I use Albuterol Asthalin Rotacap before exercise?
Salbutamol may be used to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm in appropriate patients. Your healthcare professional can tell you whether using it before exercise is suitable for you.
Why do I sometimes feel my heart beating faster after using it?
A faster heartbeat or feeling your heart beat more strongly can occur because salbutamol can affect beta receptors outside the lungs as well. If this is severe, persistent or accompanied by chest pain, seek medical advice.
Can I use Albuterol Asthalin Rotacap with another inhaler?
It may be prescribed alongside other inhalers, but each inhaler has a different role. Do not add another inhaler or change the order of your medicines without checking with your healthcare professional.
What if I accidentally swallow the Rotacap?
The capsule is designed to be used with the appropriate inhalation device, not swallowed. If you accidentally swallow one, contact your pharmacist or healthcare professional for advice rather than taking another capsule.
Why does my breathing feel worse even after using my reliever?
This can happen when the underlying breathing problem is worsening or when the medicine is not being used correctly. If your symptoms are not improving or are getting worse, seek medical attention rather than repeatedly increasing the dose yourself.
Can Albuterol Asthalin Rotacap cause shaking?
Yes. Mild trembling or shaking can occur after salbutamol because of its action on beta receptors. If the shaking is severe or keeps happening, discuss it with your doctor.
Can I use the Rotacap if I have heart problems?
People with certain heart conditions may need extra monitoring when using salbutamol. Tell your doctor about any heart condition before starting treatment so they can decide whether it is appropriate.
Does Albuterol Asthalin Rotacap 200 mcg treat the cause of asthma?
No. It helps relax narrowed airways and relieve symptoms, but it does not remove the underlying cause of asthma. Some people also need a regular preventer treatment to control airway inflammation.
What should I do if I need my reliever every day?
Needing a reliever frequently can be a sign that your breathing condition is not well controlled. Speak with your healthcare professional so your overall treatment can be reviewed.
References
- Healthdirect Australia – Salbutamol
Healthdirect Salbutamol Information - Healthdirect Australia – Airomir
Airomir Australian Medicine Information - Healthdirect Australia – Ventolin Inhaler
Ventolin Australian Medicine Information
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Albuterol Asthalin Rotacap is presented as a product containing salbutamol. It should be used according to the instructions of a qualified healthcare professional. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medication.
