FARCOLIN
1. Disclaimer
This information is provided for general educational and reference purposes only and is not a substitute for the approved product information, prescribing information, professional medical judgment, or advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Product composition, indications, dosing, warnings, availability, and regulatory status may vary by pharmaceutical form, country, and time.
We do not guarantee the accuracy, currency or completeness of information regarding medications or medical products, and official sources should be verified before making any decisions. Readers are responsible for independently verifying the information before relying on it.
2. Summary
Farcolin is a salbutamol-containing bronchodilator marketed by Pharco Pharmaceuticals, Egypt in more than one pharmaceutical form. Current Egyptian-market listings identify Farcolin 2 mg tablets, Farcolin Syrup 120 mL, and Farcolin Respirator Solution 0.5% w/v, 20 mL. The formulations are not identical and should not be considered interchangeable. The tablets contain salbutamol alone; the syrup contains salbutamol plus ammonium chloride; and the respirator solution contains salbutamol for nebulization.
Salbutamol is a short-acting selective β2-adrenoceptor agonist that relaxes bronchial smooth muscle and produces bronchodilation. The syrup is additionally marketed as an expectorant preparation because of its ammonium chloride content.
An important current clinical distinction is that modern asthma guidance does not recommend oral salbutamol as routine asthma therapy because oral β2-agonists have a less favorable adverse-effect profile than inhaled therapy. Inhaled salbutamol remains an established rapid bronchodilator, while asthma management should generally include appropriate anti-inflammatory therapy rather than relying on bronchodilator monotherapy.
3. Brand Name
Farcolin
Manufacturer: Pharco Pharmaceuticals
Country of manufacture: Egypt
The Farcolin name is currently associated in the Egyptian market with oral tablets, oral syrup, and a respirator/nebulizer solution.
4. Category
Pharmacological category: Bronchodilator; short-acting β2-adrenergic agonist.
Formulation-specific classification:
- Tablets: salbutamol bronchodilator.
- Syrup: bronchodilator/antiasthmatic preparation with an expectorant component.
- Respirator Solution: inhaled/nebulized short-acting bronchodilator and antiasthmatic preparation.
5. Active Ingredient
Farcolin 2 mg Tablets
Salbutamol 2 mg per tablet. The product is listed as salbutamol 2 mg and is marketed by Pharco Pharmaceuticals.
Farcolin Syrup 120 mL
Each 5 mL contains:
- Salbutamol (as sulfate) 2 mg
- Ammonium chloride 100 mg.
Farcolin Respirator Solution 0.5% w/v, 20 mL
Contains salbutamol 5 mg/mL (0.5% w/v) supplied as the sulfate salt and intended for administration by nebulization. Pharco's healthcare-professional communication identifies the product as Farcolin Respirator Solution 0.5% w/v (5 mg/mL) of salbutamol.
6. Pharmaceutical Form & Strength
| Product | Pharmaceutical form | Strength / presentation |
|---|---|---|
| Farcolin | Tablets | 2 mg salbutamol; pack of 20 tablets |
| Farcolin | Syrup | 2 mg salbutamol + 100 mg ammonium chloride per 5 mL; 120 mL bottle |
| Farcolin Respirator | Solution for nebulization | 0.5% w/v salbutamol; 5 mg/mL; 20 mL bottle |
Current Egyptian-market sources list all three presentations.
7. Manufacturer & Marketing Authorization Holder
Manufacturer: Pharco Pharmaceuticals, Alexandria, Egypt.
Pharco identifies its headquarters/manufacturing location at Alexandria–Cairo Desert Road, Km 31, Amriya, Alexandria, Egypt. Egyptian regulatory and industry sources also identify Pharco Pharmaceuticals as the manufacturer of pharmaceutical products at this location.
For the Farcolin products discussed here, publicly available product records consistently identify Pharco Pharmaceuticals as the manufacturer. The specific national marketing-authorization record number for each Egyptian presentation is not stated here because it could not be reliably established from an openly accessible current EDA product record.
8. Mechanism of Action
Salbutamol is a selective β2-adrenergic receptor agonist. Activation of β2 receptors in bronchial smooth muscle increases intracellular cyclic AMP through stimulation of adenylyl cyclase, resulting in relaxation of airway smooth muscle and bronchodilation.
At therapeutic doses, salbutamol has substantially greater activity at β2 receptors than at cardiac β1 receptors, although cardiovascular effects can still occur, particularly with higher systemic exposure.
The ammonium chloride component of the syrup is traditionally classified as an expectorant and is included as the non-bronchodilator component of the combination.
9. Spectrum of Activity
Not applicable in the antimicrobial sense.
Farcolin is not an antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, or antiparasitic drug. Salbutamol acts on airway β2 receptors and provides bronchodilation; it has no direct antimicrobial spectrum.
The therapeutic effect is therefore physiological rather than anti-infective: reduction of reversible bronchial smooth-muscle constriction and improvement in airflow.
10. Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacokinetic characteristics vary with the route of administration.
After oral administration, salbutamol is well absorbed, with peak plasma concentrations generally occurring approximately 1–4 hours after administration. It undergoes first-pass metabolism, and salbutamol and its metabolites are eliminated mainly through the urine, with fecal excretion contributing to a lesser extent. Reported elimination half-life following oral or inhaled administration is approximately 2.7–5.5 hours.
With inhaled/nebulized administration, a portion of the administered dose reaches the lower respiratory tract and produces the desired local bronchodilator effect, while another portion may be swallowed and subsequently undergo gastrointestinal absorption and first-pass metabolism. Systemic exposure is therefore dependent on the amount delivered to the lungs, swallowed, and absorbed.
11. Indications
Farcolin products are intended for the relief of reversible bronchospasm and breathing difficulty associated with obstructive airway disease, according to the relevant pharmaceutical form and product information.
The Farcolin syrup/tablet information historically describes use as a bronchodilator in bronchial asthma and in reversible bronchospasm associated with conditions such as bronchitis and emphysema.
Farcolin Respirator Solution is indicated for breathing problems associated with asthma and other chest illnesses and for severe asthma attacks requiring nebulized bronchodilator therapy, according to the manufacturer's healthcare-professional material.
Current clinical context: modern asthma guidance does not recommend oral salbutamol as routine asthma treatment because of its less favorable systemic adverse-effect profile compared with inhaled therapy. Inhaled salbutamol remains an important short-acting bronchodilator, but asthma should not generally be managed with SABA-only treatment.
12. Administration
Tablets
Administered orally.
The dose should follow the current locally approved package information and the prescriber's directions. Oral salbutamol produces greater systemic exposure and more systemic β-agonist adverse effects than inhaled administration; it should therefore not be substituted casually for inhaled treatment.
Syrup
Administered orally.
Each 5 mL provides 2 mg salbutamol plus 100 mg ammonium chloride. A suitable oral measuring device should be used rather than relying on an uncalibrated household spoon.
Respirator Solution
For inhalation by nebulizer only. It must not be swallowed or injected.
Pharco's healthcare-professional information states that intermittent treatment may use 0.5–1 mL (2.5–5 mg salbutamol) in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older, with some patients requiring up to 2 mL, while children aged 18 months to 12 years may receive 0.5–1 mL up to four times daily under medical direction. The same material describes continuous nebulization regimens that require dilution and specialized supervision.
The product should never be interpreted as an ordinary oral “drops” preparation merely because the bottle is supplied with a dropper. Pharco specifically issued a safety communication stating that Farcolin Respirator Solution must be administered only by inhalation through a suitable nebulizer and not as oral drops.
13. Method of Preparation
Tablets
No preparation is required before oral administration.
Syrup
No reconstitution is required when supplied as the ready-to-use 120 mL syrup.
Respirator Solution
The solution is supplied ready for nebulizer use. Depending on the prescribed regimen and nebulizer system, it may be used as directed or diluted with sterile normal saline. Dilution instructions should follow the applicable product directions and the clinician's instructions.
Only the prescribed volume should be placed in the nebulizer reservoir. Any unused solution remaining in the nebulizer after treatment should be discarded.
14. Contraindications
The principal contraindication is hypersensitivity to salbutamol or to any component of the relevant formulation.
A blanket statement that Farcolin is contraindicated during the first three months of pregnancy is not appropriate as a general modern contraindication. Current product information for salbutamol generally treats pregnancy as a risk–benefit consideration rather than an automatic first-trimester prohibition.
Likewise, thyrotoxicosis, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes are principally conditions requiring caution and monitoring, not universal absolute contraindications.
15. Warnings & Precautions
Salbutamol should be used cautiously in patients with significant cardiovascular disease, including ischemic heart disease, arrhythmias, or severe heart failure, because β-agonists can produce tachycardia, palpitations and other cardiovascular effects. Rare myocardial ischemia has also been reported.
Caution is also required in thyrotoxicosis/hyperthyroidism and diabetes mellitus, because β-agonists may influence metabolic and cardiovascular parameters.
Clinically important hypokalaemia can occur, particularly with high-dose or frequent β2-agonist treatment and in patients receiving xanthines, corticosteroids or potassium-depleting diuretics, or those experiencing hypoxia.
For nebulized therapy, severe or unstable asthma should not be managed by bronchodilator therapy alone. Increasing reliance on short-acting bronchodilators or inadequate response should prompt reassessment of asthma control and treatment.
The syrup formulation contains sodium metabisulfite, which may produce hypersensitivity reactions, including potentially severe reactions in susceptible individuals.
For the respirator solution, the nebulizer and associated components should be cleaned appropriately after use, the dropper tip should not contact contaminated surfaces, and the nebulizer should not be shared between patients. The solution should not be used if it becomes discolored or cloudy.
16. Drug Interactions
Important interactions involving salbutamol include:
- Non-selective β-blockers such as propranolol may antagonize bronchodilation and may precipitate severe bronchospasm; concurrent use is generally avoided or undertaken only with appropriate specialist consideration.
- Diuretics, particularly potassium-depleting diuretics, may increase the risk of hypokalaemia and electrocardiographic effects.
- Systemic or inhaled corticosteroids and xanthine derivatives may contribute to hypokalaemia, particularly with high-dose β2-agonist therapy.
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants may potentiate cardiovascular effects of β-agonists and warrant clinical caution.
- Digoxin: β2-agonist therapy may lower serum digoxin concentrations; monitoring may be appropriate when clinically indicated.
- Other sympathomimetic/adrenergic medicines may produce additive cardiovascular effects.
17. Side Effects
Common or clinically recognized adverse effects of salbutamol include:
- Tremor
- Headache
- Tachycardia
- Palpitations
- Muscle cramps
- Dizziness
Depending on dose and route, less common or clinically important reactions may include arrhythmias, hypokalaemia, changes in blood glucose, and hypersensitivity reactions. Rare myocardial ischemia has been reported.
With excessive β2-agonist exposure, particularly with repeated nebulized treatment, clinically significant hypokalaemia and metabolic disturbances may occur.
18. Use in Special Populations
Pregnancy
Salbutamol should be used during pregnancy only when the expected therapeutic benefit justifies potential risk. Current product information does not support treating all early pregnancy use as an automatic contraindication.
Breastfeeding
Salbutamol is likely to be present in breast milk in small amounts. Use during lactation should therefore be considered according to the expected maternal benefit and clinical circumstances.
Children
Pediatric use depends on the pharmaceutical form, clinical condition, age and route of administration. The manufacturer's Farcolin Respirator material provides a specific nebulized dosing framework beginning at 18 months of age, while oral formulations require adherence to the applicable current product information and medical direction.
Elderly
Older patients, particularly those with cardiovascular disease or those receiving multiple medicines, may be more susceptible to systemic β-adrenergic effects. Dose selection should therefore be individualized.
19. Storage Conditions
Farcolin Syrup
Store at a temperature not exceeding 30°C, protected from light, and keep out of the reach of children.
Farcolin Respirator Solution
Store according to the product label, protected from light and excessive heat, and keep the container properly closed. Available product information identifies storage below approximately 30°C with protection from light.
The respirator solution should be protected from contamination. The manufacturer advises keeping the bottle closed, preventing contact of the dropper tip with surfaces, and discarding the product if it changes color or becomes cloudy.
Tablets
Follow the storage instructions printed on the current package/leaflet and keep the tablets protected from excessive heat, moisture and direct sunlight.
20. Additional Sections
Current Egyptian-Market Farcolin Presentations
Current Egyptian-market listings identify these Farcolin products:
- Farcolin 2 mg 20 tablets — salbutamol; Pharco; bronchodilator.
- Farcolin Respirator 0.5% solution, 20 mL — salbutamol; Pharco; solution for inhalation/nebulization.
- Farcolin Syrup 120 mL — salbutamol + ammonium chloride; Pharco.
Important Formulation Distinction
The three presentations should not be treated as equivalent formulations:
- Tablet: salbutamol only.
- Syrup: salbutamol + ammonium chloride.
- Respirator solution: concentrated salbutamol solution intended specifically for nebulization.
In particular, Farcolin Respirator Solution is not an oral formulation and must not be swallowed. This distinction is clinically important because the bottle's dropper presentation can otherwise create a route-of-administration error.
Current Therapeutic Context
Although Farcolin is a longstanding salbutamol brand, current asthma guidance has evolved. GINA's 2025 strategy explicitly states that oral salbutamol is not recommended because oral β2-agonists have a higher risk of adverse effects than inhaled therapy. GINA also recommends against SABA-only asthma treatment because of the increased risk associated with inadequate anti-inflammatory treatment.
This does not alter the identity or composition of Farcolin; it is important clinical context when interpreting older product literature.
21. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Farcolin the same in all three formulations?
No. Farcolin tablets contain salbutamol alone, the syrup contains salbutamol plus ammonium chloride, and the respirator solution is a concentrated salbutamol preparation intended for nebulization.
Is Farcolin Respirator Solution oral?
No. It must be administered by inhalation using a suitable nebulizer and must not be swallowed or injected.
Why does Farcolin Syrup contain ammonium chloride?
Ammonium chloride is included as the syrup's expectorant component, while salbutamol provides the bronchodilator effect.
Does Farcolin treat infections?
No. Salbutamol is a bronchodilator and has no antibacterial, antiviral or antifungal activity.
Is oral Farcolin still preferred for asthma?
Current international asthma guidance does not recommend oral salbutamol as routine asthma treatment because inhaled β2-agonists provide bronchodilation with a more favorable systemic adverse-effect profile.
Can Farcolin be taken with a beta-blocker?
Non-selective β-blockers such as propranolol can oppose the bronchodilator effect of salbutamol and may provoke bronchospasm. Concomitant therapy requires clinical assessment.
Can Farcolin be used during pregnancy?
Pregnancy does not constitute an automatic absolute contraindication to salbutamol. Treatment should be based on a clinical benefit–risk assessment and medical supervision.
What should be done if the respirator solution becomes cloudy or changes color?
It should not be used. The manufacturer also recommends appropriate cleaning of the nebulizer and prevention of contamination of the bottle/dropper.
22. References
- Pharco Pharmaceuticals — Official Company Information and Contact Details.
- Pharco Pharmaceuticals / Saudi Food and Drug Authority — FARCOLIN Respirator Solution Healthcare Professional Information. Product concentration, indications, administration, dosing, preparation, contamination precautions and nebulizer instructions.
- Pharco Pharmaceuticals / Saudi Food and Drug Authority — Direct Healthcare Professional Communication, January 2023. Correct route of administration for Farcolin Respirator Solution and prevention of route-of-administration errors.
- GINA — Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention, 2025 Update. Current asthma-treatment context and position on oral salbutamol and SABA-only treatment.
- emc — Salbutamol Summary of Product Characteristics. Pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, warnings, interactions and adverse effects.
- DailyMed — Albuterol Sulfate Prescribing Information. Drug interactions, cardiovascular effects, hypokalaemia and adverse-effect information.
- Current Egyptian-market pharmacy/product records for Farcolin. Presentations, pack sizes and formulation identification.
- Published literature describing Farcolin formulations manufactured by Pharco Pharmaceuticals. Confirmation of the Farcolin syrup composition and the 0.5% respirator formulation.