Last reviewed · How we verify
racemic salbutamol
Racemic salbutamol is a non-selective beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonist that relaxes airway smooth muscle and increases bronchial airflow.
Racemic salbutamol is a non-selective beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonist that relaxes airway smooth muscle and increases bronchial airflow. Used for Acute bronchospasm and reversible airway obstruction in asthma, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations, Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.
At a glance
| Generic name | racemic salbutamol |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Ventolin, ventolin |
| Sponsor | University of Dundee |
| Drug class | Beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonist (short-acting) |
| Target | ADRB2 (beta-2 adrenergic receptor) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Respiratory |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Salbutamol binds to beta-2 adrenergic receptors on bronchial smooth muscle, activating adenylyl cyclase and increasing intracellular cAMP, which leads to smooth muscle relaxation and bronchodilation. The racemic mixture contains both R- and S-enantiomers, though the R-enantiomer is the pharmacologically active form. It is used as a rapid-acting bronchodilator for acute relief of airway obstruction.
Approved indications
- Acute bronchospasm and reversible airway obstruction in asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations
- Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction
Common side effects
- Tremor
- Headache
- Nervousness/anxiety
- Palpitations
- Muscle cramps
- Tachycardia
Key clinical trials
- Albuterol Versus Xopenex in Treatment of Acute Asthma in the Emergency Department (ED) (PHASE4)
- Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Standard Versus Positive Pressure Nebulization in Infants With Bronchiolitis to Reduce Hospital Admissions (NA)
- Efficacy and Safety of Levalbuterol in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) (PHASE3)
- Levalbuterol Compared to Albuterol Regarding Cardiac Side Effects and Potassium Lowering Effects. (PHASE4)
- Trough Bronchoprotection Conferred by Levosalbutamol and Racemic Salbutamol (PHASE4)
- Continuous Levalbuterol for Treatment of Status Asthmaticus in Children (PHASE4)
- A Study of Daily Dosing With Levalbuterol, Racemic Albuterol, and Placebo in Pediatric Subjects With Asthma (PHASE2)
- Peak Bronchoprotection Conferred by Levosalbutamol and Racemic Salbutamol (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- racemic salbutamol CI brief — competitive landscape report
- racemic salbutamol updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of Dundee portfolio CI