Which one of the following is not an adverse effect of salbutamol –
**Core Concept**
Salbutamol, a short-acting β2-adrenergic receptor agonist, is commonly used to relieve bronchospasm in conditions such as asthma and COPD. Its therapeutic effects are primarily due to its ability to stimulate β2-adrenergic receptors in the lungs, leading to bronchodilation.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is not an adverse effect of salbutamol because it does not align with the known side effects of this medication. Salbutamol can cause several adverse effects, including tremors, palpitations, and hypokalemia, due to its stimulation of β2-adrenergic receptors and subsequent increase in cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels. However, the correct answer is not associated with these effects.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:**
This is not a known adverse effect of salbutamol. In fact, salbutamol is often used to treat hypokalemia by stimulating potassium entry into cells.
**Option B:**
This is a known adverse effect of salbutamol, as it can cause tremors due to its stimulation of β2-adrenergic receptors in skeletal muscle.
**Option C:**
This is also a known adverse effect of salbutamol, as it can cause palpitations due to its stimulation of β2-adrenergic receptors in the heart, leading to an increase in heart rate and contractility.
**Option D:**
This is not a known adverse effect of salbutamol. In fact, salbutamol is often used to treat bronchospasm and improve lung function in patients with asthma and COPD.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
When using salbutamol, it is essential to monitor patients for signs of hypokalemia, such as muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias, and to advise them to avoid excessive physical activity or strenuous exercise, which can exacerbate these effects.
**Correct Answer: A. This is not a known adverse effect of salbutamol.**