Asthalin 2 Mg

Description

Same active ingredient (albuterol) as Ventolin® HFA and ProAir®, the US brands. Asthalin 2 mg is an Indian brand, made and licensed in India. Compare all Albuterol Inhalers (Generic Ventolin & ProAir) options.

About Asthalin 2 mg Tablets

Asthalin 2 mg is a prescription tablet containing 2 mg of albuterol (salbutamol), made by Cipla Limited, used to relieve and prevent bronchospasm (tightening of the airways) in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is the lower of Cipla’s two tablet strengths and is typically chosen for children aged 6 to 12, older adults and anyone who is sensitive to stimulant-type side effects.

How does Asthalin 2 mg work?

Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist. It stimulates beta-2 receptors on the smooth muscle that wraps around the airways, making that muscle relax so the breathing tubes widen. Taken by mouth, it is absorbed from the gut, starts to act in about 30 minutes and keeps working for roughly 4 to 6 hours. Because the drug travels through the bloodstream before it reaches the lungs, a tablet needs a far larger dose than an inhaler to have a similar effect, which is why tremor and a racing pulse are more noticeable.

Tablets or inhaler?

Inhaled albuterol acts within minutes and uses a fraction of the dose, so doctors prefer it for almost everyone. Tablets are an option for people who genuinely cannot manage any inhaler device, spacer or nebulizer. They are never suitable for rescuing a sudden attack, and they do not replace an inhaled corticosteroid preventer, which most people with persistent asthma need. Compare delivery options in our guide to the types of asthma inhalers.

How to take Asthalin 2 mg

• Children 6–12 years: 2 mg three or four times a day; the US label caps the total at 24 mg a day in divided doses.
• Adults and teens over 12: 2 mg or 4 mg three or four times daily. Higher amounts are used only under close supervision, up to a ceiling of 8 mg four times a day (32 mg a day).
• Older adults and sensitive patients: usually start at 2 mg three or four times daily.
• Swallow with water, with or without food, spacing doses evenly through the day.
• Children younger than 6 are usually given an oral liquid measured by weight instead of tablets.

What are the side effects?

The most common are fine shaking of the hands, a pounding heartbeat, nervousness, headache, dizziness, muscle cramps and trouble sleeping. They are dose related and often ease after the first week or two. Higher doses can lower blood potassium and raise blood sugar.

Get urgent medical help for chest pain, a very fast or irregular heartbeat, fainting, swelling of the face or throat, a widespread rash, or breathing that gets worse instead of better. Call 911 if an asthma attack is not settling with your usual reliever.

Who should not take it?

Do not take Asthalin if you are allergic to albuterol. Talk to your doctor first if you have heart disease, an irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid, diabetes, epilepsy or low potassium. Oral albuterol must not be used to stop premature labor. In pregnancy and breastfeeding it is used only when a doctor judges the benefit worth it, and an inhaled form is usually preferred.

Interactions to check

• Non-selective beta-blockers such as propranolol, including timolol eye drops, can block albuterol and trigger bronchospasm.
• Water pills (diuretics), steroids, theophylline and digoxin can add to potassium loss or heart rhythm effects.
• MAO inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants, taken now or in the past two weeks, can strengthen effects on the heart and blood vessels.
• Avoid decongestants and other stimulants unless a pharmacist confirms they are safe together.

Pack sizes and storage

Sold in packs of 28, 60 or 90 tablets, from $2. Store below 86°F (30°C) in a dry place, out of the reach of children.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Asthalin 2 mg during an asthma attack?

No. Tablets act too slowly. Use a fast-acting inhaler such as the Asthalin Inhaler and seek help if it fails.

What if 2 mg is not enough?

Your doctor may prescribe Asthalin 4 mg instead of several small tablets.

Where can I see other breathing medicines?

Browse the asthma category or the COPD range.

For general information only. Asthalin 2 mg is a prescription medicine; follow your doctor’s dosing instructions and ask a pharmacist before combining it with other medicines.