Abstract
ObjectiveTachycardia is a potential side effect of salbutamol inhalation. We aimed to study the short-term effect of salbutamol nebulization on the heart rate of healthy volunteers.Material and methodsA randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled, cross-over study was conducted with 30 healthy volunteers divided into two groups of 15 each. One group was nebulized with salbutamol (2.5 mg/2 ml dilution) while the other group was given normal saline (2 ml). Each arm underwent administration of the opposite drug the following week. Baseline readings of heart rate and blood pressure were taken at zero (T0), seven (T7), 15 (T15), and 30 (T30) minutes.ResultsThirty volunteers between the ages of 20 and 25 years were studied. The mean heart rate value was higher for nebulized salbutamol at each point as compared to saline. When nebulized with salbutamol, the heart rate had a significant rise (p= < 0.00001) at 15 minutes as compared to saline nebulization.ConclusionSalbutamol nebulization, even at a low dose, can lead to a significant increase in heart rate when compared to nebulization with normal saline in healthy individuals.
Highlights
Salbutamol, a short-acting beta-2-agonist (SABA), is a widely used bronchodilator and is prescribed as a “reliever” medication for asthmatics and chronic obstructive airway disease (COAD) patients [1]
The mean heart rate value was higher for nebulized salbutamol at each point as compared to saline
Salbutamol causes an increase in the heart rate by the following propositioned mechanisms: first, after being absorbed into the bloodstream, it shortens the time of diastole, increasing heart rate and, in turn, increasing the myocardial oxygen demand; second, it acts on beta-adrenergic receptors of the heart, resulting in an increased sympathetic outflow [2]
Summary
A randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled, cross-over study was conducted with 30 healthy volunteers divided into two groups of 15 each. One group was nebulized with salbutamol (2.5 mg/2 ml dilution) while the other group was given normal saline (2 ml). Each arm underwent administration of the opposite drug the following week. Baseline readings of heart rate and blood pressure were taken at zero (T0), seven (T7), 15 (T15), and 30 (T30) minutes
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