Butalin Sugar-Free Syrup, Tablets: A Comprehensive Guide

Butalin Sugar-Free Syrup, Tablets are a trusted bronchodilator [a type of medication that relaxes the muscles in the airways and increases airflow to the lungs] used to treat respiratory conditions. This blog post provides a detailed overview of the product, including its composition, indications, dosage, precautions, and more.

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Composition

Butalin Sugar-Free Syrup

Each teaspoonful (5mL) contains:

• Active ingredient: Salbutamol sulphate equivalent to salbutamol 2mg.
• Excipients [inactive ingredients]: Sodium citrate, saccharin sodium, sodium chloride, citric acid, sodium benzoate, hypromellose, hydroxyethylcellulose, tangerine flavour, strawberry flavour, and purified water.

Butalin 2mg Tablet

Each tablet contains:

• Active ingredient: Salbutamol sulphate equivalent to salbutamol 2mg.
• Excipients: Lactose, starch, FD&C yellow no. 6 (sunset yellow), and magnesium stearate.

Butalin 4mg Tablet

Each tablet contains:

• Active ingredient: Salbutamol sulphate equivalent to salbutamol 4mg.
• Excipients: Lactose, starch, FD&C red no. 3, and magnesium stearate.

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Properties

Salbutamol, the active ingredient in Butalin, is a selective beta(_2)-adrenergic agonist [a medication that stimulates beta(_2) receptors in the lungs to relax bronchial smooth muscles]. It is known for its effectiveness in producing marked bronchodilation [widening of the airways] with minimal effects on the cardiovascular system.

Butalin is rapidly absorbed, with its action starting within 30 minutes of administration. The time to peak concentration is 2 hours for the syrup and 2-3 hours for the tablets. Its duration of action is 4-8 hours, and it is primarily eliminated through the kidneys.

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Indications

Butalin is indicated for the treatment of:

• Bronchial asthma [a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways causing difficulty in breathing]
• **Reversible airways obstruction [a condition where the airways narrow, making it hard to breathe] associated with bronchitis, pulmonary emphysema [a lung condition that causes shortness of breath], bronchiectasis [a condition where the airways are abnormally widened], and other pulmonary diseases.

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Dosage and Administration

Adults

The usual recommended dose is 2-4mg, 3-4 times daily.

Children

• 6-12 years: 2mg (1 teaspoonful or a 2mg tablet), 3-4 times daily.
• 2-6 years: 1-2mg (½ – 1 teaspoonful), 3-4 times daily.

Notes

• Elderly patients and those sensitive to beta-adrenergic stimulation should start with an initial dose of 2mg, 3-4 times daily, and increase gradually as needed.
• For adults and children above 12 years, a dosage above 4mg, 4 times a day, should only be used if the patient fails to respond to the initial dose. The dose can be cautiously increased up to a maximum of 8mg, 4 times a day, as tolerated.

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Contraindications

Butalin should be avoided by patients who are hypersensitive [allergic] to salbutamol or any of the other components in the formulation.

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Precautions

Salbutamol should be used with caution in patients with:

• Hyperthyroidism [an overactive thyroid gland]
• Cardiovascular disease, especially arrhythmias [irregular heartbeats] and hypertension [high blood pressure]
• Diabetes mellitus [a condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels]: Blood glucose levels should be carefully monitored.

Pregnancy

Although salbutamol may be used for premature labour during the third trimester of pregnancy, it should only be administered if the expected benefit to the mother outweighs any potential risk to the fetus.

Lactation

Salbutamol is likely secreted in breast milk. Its use during lactation should be restricted to situations where the expected benefit to the mother outweighs any potential risk to the neonate [newborn].

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Side Effects

Some patients may experience:

• Fine tremor [shaking], particularly in the hands, which is dose-related and common with beta(_2)-adrenergics.
• Nervous tension, headache, peripheral dilatation [widening of blood vessels], and palpitations [rapid or irregular heartbeat].
• Arrhythmias [irregular heartbeats] and tachycardia [fast heart rate], especially in susceptible patients.
• Muscle cramps and hypersensitivity reactions [allergic reactions], including paradoxical bronchospasm [worsening of airway constriction], urticaria [hives], and angioedema [swelling under the skin].
• Hypokalaemia [low potassium levels] with high doses.

Children may rarely experience sleep and behavioral disturbances.

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Overdosage

In case of accidental overdosage, immediate induction of emesis [vomiting] and gastric lavage [stomach pumping] should be performed. A cardioselective beta-adrenergic blocker [a medication that blocks the effects of adrenaline on the heart] can be used with caution, especially in patients with a history of bronchospasm.

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Drug Interactions

• Beta-adrenergic blocking agents [medications that block the effects of adrenaline], including ophthalmic agents, may reduce the therapeutic effects of salbutamol.
• Increased risk of hypokalemia [low potassium levels] may occur when salbutamol is taken with theophylline, acetazolamide, loop diuretics, thiazides, or corticosteroids. This interaction does not generally apply to topical or inhaled corticosteroids.

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Presentations

• Butalin Sugar-Free Syrup: Bottles of 120mL.
• Butalin 4mg Tablets: Packs of 20 tablets. Hospital packs of 1000 tablets.
• Butalin 2mg Tablets: Packs of 20 tablets. Hospital packs of 500 or 1000 tablets.

Storage Instructions: Store at room temperature not exceeding 25°C. Protect the syrup from light. Keep the tablets in a dry place.

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Important Reminders

• Butalin is a medicament [medication] that affects your health. Use it strictly as prescribed by your doctor.
• Do not interrupt the treatment period without consulting your doctor.
• Keep all medications out of reach of children.

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Latest Information

For the most up-to-date information about Butalin Sugar-Free Syrup, Tablets, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Always follow the latest medical guidelines and recommendations.

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Conclusion

Butalin Sugar-Free Syrup, Tablets are an effective treatment for bronchial asthma and other respiratory conditions. By understanding its composition, indications, and precautions, patients can use this medication safely and effectively. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.

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Produced by: Julphar
Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries,
Ras Al Khaimah, U. A. E.

For more information, call Toll-Free No. (971) 800-4994.

This blog post is based on the patient information leaflet dated 08/05/2005.