Serafino said:
All in keeping with the general incompetence of the French authorities. Took some time to come up, eh, whereas the Landis test came out quickly even though it came later in the TdF.
Sabutamol (Ventolin) is a very common asthma drug used in case of severely restricted breathing. Its not therapeutic, unlike something like Flovent, but used in case of a crisis or problem.
If Oscar really had a problem with asthma, this should not be an issue as its very commonly used. I developed asthma about ten years ago (environmental factors I believe after moving back to N.A. (it doesn't hit me in the Med) and was given Sabutamol. Anyone who's had it can attest that its like a hit of speed in that it gets the heart pumping. Its not something to be taken unless breathing is really restricted, and if taken more than 3-4 times per week, there's a serious asthma problem.
If Oscar needed it during the race, then his asthma should have been well known and quite chronic. I was off of it for years and just got back on for a month after exposure to a cat (I'm highly allergic). Other factors are excessive cold air, smog, allergic reactions, etc.
Either there's more to this story or its nothing. Still, quite a long time for Oscar to have failed to present a valid prescription, etc.
According to this source the dose can be 3 to 4 times a day?
Qualitative and quantitative composition
Salapin: Salbutamol BP 2mg as sulphate in each 5mL of a raspberry cola flavoured, sugar free syrup.
Clinical particulars
Therapeutic Indications
Salbutamol is a selective β2 adrenoceptor agonist. At therapeutic doses it acts on the β2 adrenoceptors of bronchial muscle, with little or no action on the β-1 adrenoceptors of the heart. It is suitable for the management and prevention of attack in asthma.
Bronchodilators should not be the only or main treatment in patients with severe or unstable asthma. Severe asthma requires regular medical assessment as death may occur. Patients with severe asthma have constant symptoms and frequent exacerbations, with limited physical capacity, and PEF values below 60% predicted at baseline with greater than 30% variability, usually not returning entirely to normal after a bronchodilator. These patients will require high dose inhaled (eg >1mg/day beclomethasone dipropionate) or oral corticosteroid therapy. Sudden worsening of symptoms may require increased corticosteroid dosage which should be administered under urgent medical supervision.
Salapin is indicated for relief of bronchospasm in bronchial asthma of all types, chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Salapin is suitable oral therapy for children or those adults who prefer liquid medicines.
Posology and method of administration
Salbutamol has a duration of action of 4 to 6 hours in most patients.
Increasing use of β2 agonists may be a sign of worsening asthma.
Under these conditions a reassessment of the patient's therapy plan may be required and concomitant glucocorticosteroid therapy should be considered.
As there may be adverse effects associated with excessive dosing, the dosage or frequency of administration should only be increased on medical advice.
Adults:-
The usual effective dose is 10mL salbutamol (4 milligrams of salbutamol) three or four times per day. If adequate bronchodilation is not obtained each single dose may be gradually increased to as much as 20mL of Syrup (8 milligrams salbutamol).
Some patients obtain adequate relief with 5mL of syrup (2 milligrams salbutamol) three or four times daily.