International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology
Volume 16, Issue 15s, 2026

Revisiting Bronchodilator Strategies in Adults Acute Severe Asthma: A Randomized Comparative Study of Inhalational Magnesium Sulphate and Salbutamol

Dr. Bharath Angadi1, Dr. Prathibha Nag2, Dr. Punith K G3*, Dr. Srinivas R4

1Associate Professor, Dept of Emergency Medicine, KLE Jagadguru Gangadhar Mahaswamigalu Moorusavirmath Medical College and Hospital, Hubli, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Deemed to be University, Belagavi, Karnataka, India – 590010. Email: dr.bpangadi@gmail.com

2Assistant Professor, Dept of Respiratory Medicine, SDM College of Medical sciences and Hospital, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University, Dharwad, Karnataka, India- 580009. Email: appi.9422@gmail.com

3*Associate Professor, Dept of Emergency Medicine, SDM College of Medical sciences and Hospital, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University, Dharwad, Karnataka, India- 580009. Email: drpkg2u@gmail.com

4Associate Professor, Dept of Orthopaedics, Chettinad Hospital and Research institute, Kelambakkam, Chengalpattu District, Deemed university, Tamil Nadu, 603103. Email: shiningsini@gmail.com

Corresponding Author: Dr. Punith K G, Associate Professor, Dept of Emergency Medicine, SDM College of Medical sciences and Hospital, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University, Dharwad, Karnataka, India- 580009. Email: drpkg2u@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Acute severe asthma remains a frequent emergency presentation requiring rapid bronchodilation and timely escalation of therapy. Salbutamol is a standard first-line bronchodilator, whereas magnesium sulphate has been studied as either an alternative bronchodilator or an adjunct in severe exacerbations. This study evaluates magnesium sulphate in comparison with salbutamol during acute asthma exacerbations. Direct comparative trials suggest that nebulized magnesium sulphate may have bronchodilator activity, but salbutamol generally remains superior or at least more established as primary rescue therapy. Intravenous magnesium sulphate may show benefits comparable to intravenous salbutamol in selected severe adult cases, while more recent inhaled adjunctive studies suggest limited additional benefit overall, although higher nebulized doses may improve clinical scores in some adults with status asthmaticus. Hence this study is taken to compare nebulized magnesium sulphate versus salbutamol in acute severe status asthmaticus.

Keywords: NA

How to cite this article: Angadi B, Nag P, Punith KG, Srinivas R. Revisiting Bronchodilator Strategies in Adults Acute Severe Asthma: A Randomized Comparative Study of Inhalational Magnesium Sulphate and Salbutamol. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(15s): 931-937. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.15s.104

Source of support: Nil.

Conflict of interest: None