Use of Salbutamol
Salbutamol, commonly known as albuterol, is used to treat bronchospasm in patients with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and other lung diseases. The most common method of delivering salbutamol is the metered dose inhaler, that delivers a set amount of medication directly into the lungs. A brand example includes Ventolin HFA. This is most effective because the drug is delivered directly to the bronchioles, thus giving rapid relief, allowing smaller doses, and reducing the risk of side effects. Additionally, salbutamol is often prescribed to prevent exercise-related bronchospasm. Common side effects of the prescribed drug include heart palpitations, chest pain, faster heart rate, shakiness, nervousness, pain, sore throat, runny nose, headaches and dizziness.
Chemical StructureSalbutamol's IUPAC name is 4-[2-(tert-butylamino)-1-hydroxyethyl]-2-(hydroxymethyl)phenol and its chemical formula is C13H21NO3. The compound contains a benzene, hydroxyl groups, and phenol. It is described as being a member of the phenols and derivatives group, as it contains a phenol moiety (benzene bearing a hydroxyl group). Substituents of salbutamol include 1,2-aminoalcohol; secondary alcohol; polyol, secondary amine; enol, secondary aliphatic amine; polyamine, primary alcohol, alcohol, amine, and organonitrogen compound. Its melting point has a value of 147-149 and a water solubility value of 1.41E+004 mg/L. Additionally, its polar surface area has a value of 72.72 Å2
With a high melting point value and polar functional groups, it is obvious that salbutamol is highly soluble in water due to the hydrogen bonding present in the hydroxyl groups. This is an important property as it allows for the chemical to be absorbed into the bodies circulatory system upon inhalation and provide effective relief for the airway. . |