Forensic aspects of salbutamol overdose – doping, abuse, and suicide

Maciej Kycler
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Szymon Rzepczyk
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Artur Teżyk
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Czesław Żaba
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Department of Forensic Medicine, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
Department of Forensic Medicine, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
Department of Forensic Medicine, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
Department of Forensic Medicine, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
Received: 17 April 2024 / Revised: 27 May 2024 / Accepted: 28 May 2024 / Published: 30 December 2024

Abstract

Introduction and aim. Salbutamol is a popular drug used in respiratory diseases. With the increasing prevalence of the use of this substance for therapeutic purposes and its availability on the market, the frequency of its use for other purposes has also risen due to its effects outside the respiratory system. The aim of the study was to investigate the medico-legal aspects of salbutamol.

Material and methods. Medical literature databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar were searched. The search was carried out in accordance with the specified purpose of the keyword research using Boolean operators.

Analysis of the literature. In sports, the use of salbutamol is strictly regulated by anti-doping regulations. Recreational substance abuse and accidental overdoses, mainly among children and the elderly, are also important. Rare cases of suicide attempts associated with the use of salbutamol have also been reported.

Conclusion. Salbutamol overdoses are usually not life threatening. However, one should remember about the possibility of accidental overdose, especially among the elderly and children taking the drug chronically. Currently, the use of salbutamol for recreational purposes is rare. In sports, the status of salbutamol use, especially among athletes who do not require its use for therapeutic reasons, is still a controversial issue.

 

Cite

Kycler M, Rzepczyk S, Teżyk A, Żaba C. Forensic aspects of salbutamol overdose – doping, abuse, and suicide. Eur J Clin Exp Med. 2024;22(4):885–896. doi: 10.15584/ejcem.2024.4.2.

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