Dr. Emem Jay, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at M&M Fertility Centre, Abuja, has advised asthma patients against using oral salbutamol tablets, stating they are no longer recommended under current guidelines.
Jay explained in an interview with reporters on Friday in Abuja that while salbutamol relaxes the airways, inhaled treatment options are more effective.
He noted that the oral form can cause systemic effects such as tremors, palpitations, and rapid heartbeat, offering no advantage over inhaled treatments for asthma management and control.
“Oral salbutamol tends to produce more systemic beta-2 agonist effects, like tremors, palpitations, and tachycardia, without providing any benefit over inhaled treatment,” he said.
He added that modern asthma management has shifted away from primarily using short-acting bronchodilators—medications that open the airways and improve breathing.
The consultant emphasized that asthma patients need appropriate inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)-containing therapy to control underlying inflammation, rather than repeatedly relying on salbutamol to relieve airway narrowing and worsening symptoms.
Jay explained that the move away from oral beta-2 agonists has been ongoing for decades, as evidence shows inhaled formulations offer more effective bronchodilation with fewer systemic side effects.
He cited the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) as the international authority on current asthma management, noting that its guidelines do not recommend oral salbutamol due to increased adverse effects.
“GINA’s current strategy emphasizes ICS-containing inhaled treatments, including ICS-formoterol for suitable patients,” he said, highlighting the importance of evidence-based approaches in asthma care.
Jay advised people currently using or keeping salbutamol tablets at home not to panic or discard them immediately. Instead, they should have their asthma treatment reviewed by a qualified doctor.
He emphasized that patients need their diagnosis, symptom frequency, inhaler technique, and treatment needs assessed by healthcare professionals to ensure effective management.
While salbutamol remains an important medication, Jay stressed that the concern lies with the oral route and dependence on it rather than appropriate inhaled anti-inflammatory treatment.
He added that oral salbutamol is registered and available in Nigeria, but its availability does not make it the preferred modern treatment option.
Finally, he called for increased awareness among patients and healthcare providers about current asthma management guidelines to ensure that individuals receive appropriate, effective, and evidence-based treatment nationwide.
