Precautions
The usual dose of albuterol inhalation is 2 inhalations every 4 to 6 hours. To prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm, use 2 inhalations 15 to 30 minutes before you exercise. The effects of albuterol inhalation should last about 4 to 6 hours. Seek medical attention if you think your asthma medications are not working as well.
What is the normal dosage for albuterol?
Some of the potential symptoms of an albuterol overdose include headaches, dry mouth, and a feeling of nervousness. The patient may also feel lightheaded and dizzy, and the drug can increase blood pressure to a dangerous level. Other symptoms of an overdose include seizures and fainting.
What can an overdose of albuterol do to you?
- Cough
- difficulty breathing
- difficulty with swallowing
- hives or welts
- hoarseness
- large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
- noisy breathing
- redness of the skin
- shortness of breath
- skin rash
What are the adverse effects of albuterol?
It is possible to overdose on albuterol. Too much of this drug, which treats lung conditions such as asthma by opening up airways, can be life threatening. Instead of opening airways, too much albuterol can cause them to suddenly constrict, making it even harder to breathe. Other signs of an albuterol overdose can include: trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
Is it possible to overdose on albuterol?
Usual Adult Dose For Asthma - Acute
Intravenous infusion solution:-Dilute 5 mL of this drug (1000 mcg/mL) in 500 mL of Sodium Chloride Injection, or Sodium Chloride and Dextrose.-Infu...
Usual Adult Dose For Bronchospasm Prophylaxis
Inhalation powder: 2 inhalations (180 mcg) orally 15 to 30 minutes before exerciseInhalation capsule: 1 inhalation (200 mcg) 15 minutes before exer...
Usual Adult Dose For Asthma - Maintenance
Inhalation powder:-1 or 2 inhalations (90 to 180 mcg) orally every 4 to 6 hoursInhalation capsules:-1 inhalation (200 mcg) orally every 4 to 6 hour...
Usual Pediatric Dose For Asthma - Acute
Inhalation powder and capsules:Less than 4 years: Not indicated4 years or older:-Inhalation powder: 1 or 2 inhalations (90 or 180 mcg) orally every...
Usual Pediatric Dose For Bronchospasm Prophylaxis
Less than 4 years: Not indicated4 years or older:-Inhalation powder: 2 inhalations (180 mcg) orally 15 to 30 minutes before exercise-Inhalation cap...
What Is albuterol inhalation?
Albuterol is a bronchodilator that relaxes muscles in the airways and increases air flow to the lungs.Albuterol inhalation is used to treat or prev...
Before Taking This Medicine
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to albuterol. You should not use ProAir RespiClick if you are allergic to milk proteins.To mak...
How Should I Use albuterol inhalation?
Use albuterol inhalation exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use albuterol inhalation in...
What Happens If I Miss A Dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to m...
What Happens If I Overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of albuterol can be fatal.Overdose symptoms may includ...
albuterol Inhalation Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to albuterol: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue,...
What Other Drugs Will Affect albuterol inhalation?
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially: 1. any other inhaled medicines or bronchodilators; 2...
What to do if you don't understand the directions for an inhaler?
If you or your child do not understand the directions or are not sure how to use the inhaler, ask your doctor to show you what to do. Also, ask your doctor to check regularly how you or your child use the inhaler to make sure you are using it properly. To use the inhalation aerosol:
How to use an inhaler aerosol?
To use the inhalation aerosol: The inhaler should be at room temperature before you use it. Insert the metal canister firmly and fully into the actuator. This actuator should not be used with other inhaled medicines. Remove the cap and look at the mouthpiece to make sure it is clean.
How to use inhalation solution in a nebulizer?
To use the inhalation solution in the nebulizer: Use one container of solution or mix the exact amount of solution using the dropper provided for each dose. Place the inhalation solution in the medicine reservoir or nebulizer cup on the machine. Connect the nebulizer to the face mask or mouthpiece.
How long should you hold your breath after taking a syringe?
Hold your breath for about 10 seconds or as long as you comfortably can. Remove the inhaler from your mouth and check the dose counter to make sure you received the medicine. Close the cap firmly over the mouthpiece after using the inhaler. Always close the cap after each use.
Can you stop using Micromedex?
Drug information provided by: IBM Micromedex. Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. Also, do not stop using this medicine or any asthma medicine without telling your doctor. To do so may increase the chance for breathing problems.
Can you use albuterol with a nebulizer?
To do so may increase the chance for breathing problems. The albuterol inhalation solution (eg, Accuneb®) should be used with a jet nebulizer that is connected to an air compressor with good air flow. The inhalation solution and nebulizer will come with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully.
How long does albuterol last?
To prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm, use 2 inhalations 15 to 30 minutes before you exercise. The effects of albuterol inhalation should last about 4 to 6 hours. Seek medical attention if you think your asthma medications are not working as well.
How often should you clean an albuterol inhaler?
You may also need to shake your albuterol device just before each use. Keeping your inhaler clean is important to ensure you are receiving the medication. Clean the plastic actuator with the canister removed at least once a week. Your medicine comes with directions for properly cleaning your device.
What is albuterol used for?
Albuterol is a bronchodilator that relaxes muscles in the airways and increases air flow to the lungs. Albuterol inhalation is used to treat or prevent bronchospasm, or narrowing of the airways in the lungs, in people with asthma or certain types of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
How to store albuterol?
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, or cold temperatures. Keep the albuterol canister away from open flame or high heat , such as in a car on a hot day. The canister may explode if it gets too hot. Do not puncture or burn an empty inhaler canister.
How old is too old to take albuterol?
It is also used to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm. Albuterol inhalation is for use in adults and children who are at least 4 years old. Always follow your doctor's directions when giving albuterol to a child.
How to contact the poison line for albuterol?
An overdose of albuterol can be fatal. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of albuterol can be fatal. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Does albuterol harm babies?
It is not known whether albuterol will harm an unborn baby. However, having uncontrolled asthma during pregnancy may increase the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, or eclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure that can lead to medical problems in both mother and baby).
What if I miss a dose of albuterol?
According to Mayo Clinic, if you miss a dose of albuterol, take it immediately, unless you are closer to your next dosing time. If the latter is true, skip the missed dose and wait until the next one. Never double dose. Always take this medication as prescribed.
What if I overdose on albuterol?
The expected symptoms with overdosage are those of excessive beta-adrenergic stimulation and/or occurrence or exaggeration of symptoms such as seizures, angina, hypertension or hypotension, tachycardia with rates up to 200 beats per minute, arrhythmias, nervousness, headache, tremor, dry mouth, palpitation, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, malaise, insomnia, and exaggeration of the pharmacological effects listed in ADVERSE REACTIONS.
Dosage and Administration
The usual starting dosage for patients 2 to 12 years of age is 1.25 mg or 0.63 mg of albuterol sulfate inhalation solution administered 3 or 4 times daily, as needed, by nebulization. More frequent administration is not recommended.
Usual Adult Dose for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - Maintenance
Inhalation Aerosol: 1 inhalation (albuterol-ipratropium bromide 100 mcg-20 mcg) orally four times a day.
Renal Dose Adjustments
This drug has not been studied in patients with renal dysfunction. Caution is recommended.
Liver Dose Adjustments
This drug has not been studied in patients with hepatic dysfunction. Caution is recommended.
Precautions
CONTRAINDICATIONS: -Hypersensitivity to the active component or any of the ingredients -Hypersensitivity to atropine and its derivatives Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 18 years. Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.
Other Comments
Administration advice: -For oral inhalation only. -Inhalation solution: It should be administered via jet nebulizer connected to an air compressor with an adequate air flow, equipped with a mouthpiece or suitable face mask. -Inhalation aerosol: Prior to first use or if not used for more than 21 days, prime the device by spraying the inhaler toward the ground until an aerosol cloud is visible and then repeat the process three more times.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
How long does albuterol stay in your system?
Maximum plasma concentrations of about 18 ng/mL of Albuterol are achieved within 2 hours, and the drug is eliminated with a half-life of about 5 hours.
How much albuterol sulfate is lethal?
The oral median lethal dose of Albuterol sulfate in mice is greater than 2000 mg/kg (approximately 250 times the maximum recommended daily oral dose for adults on a mg/m 2 basis, or, approximately 200 times the maximum recommended daily oral dose for children on a mg/m 2 basis).
What is the formula for albuterol sulfate?
Albuterol sulfate has a molecular weight of 576.7, and the molecular formula is (C 13 H 21 NO 3) 2. H 2 SO 4. Albuterol sulfate, USP is a white or almost white crystalline powder, freely soluble in water, practically insoluble or very slightly soluble in Methylene chloride and alcohol, slightly soluble in Chloroform and Ether.
How many times a day should I take a sulfate supplement?
For adults and children 12 years and older, a dosage above 4 mg four times a day should be used only when the patient fails to respond. If a favorable response does not occur with the 4 mg initial dosage, it should be cautiously increased stepwise up to a maximum of 8 mg four times a day as tolerated.
Can albuterol cause asthma?
Asthma may deteriorate acutely over a period of hours or chronically over several days or longer. If the patient needs more doses of Albuterol than usual, this may be a marker of destabilization of asthma and requires reevaluation of the patient and treatment regimen, giving special consideration to the possible need for anti-inflammatory treatment, e.g., corticosteroids.
How much bronchodilator should I take for elderly?
If adequate bronchodilation is not obtained, dosage may be increased gradually to as much as 8 mg three or four times a day.
Does albuterol sulfate affect the brain?
Intravenous studies in rats with Albuterol sulfate have demonstrated that Albuterol crosses the blood brain barrier and reaches brain concentrations amounting to approximately 5% of the plasma concentrations. In structures outside the brain barrier (pineal and pituitary glands), Albuterol concentrations were found to be 100 times those in the whole brain.
Before Using
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Proper Use
Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. Also, do not stop using this medicine or any asthma medicine without telling your doctor. To do so may increase the chance for breathing problems.
Precautions
It is very important that your doctor check your or your child's progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to check for any unwanted effects.
Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
How long does albuterol last?
Albuterol affects the whole airway, from the large trachea to the very small bronchioles. It generally works in 5 to 8 minutes. The effects last 3 to 6 hours. 1-3.
What is albuterol used for?
Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA). It is used as a rescue medicine to treat asthma attacks in people ages 4 and older. It is also approved to prevent exercise-induced asthma. Albuterol is taken using a metered-dose inhaler. 1-3.
Why is albuterol used for asthma?
4. When albuterol is used to treat exercise-induced asthma, it is taken before exercising to prevent the constriction of the airway muscles.
What to tell your doctor before taking albuterol?
Before starting albuterol, tell your doctor about any prescription medicines, vitamins, supplements, or over-the-counter drugs you are taking. Certain medicines affect the way albuterol works, including other asthma drugs, other inhaled medicines, beta-blockers, diuretics, digoxin, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), ...
What are the side effects of albuterol?
The most common side effects of albuterol include: 1-3. Headaches. Dizziness. Muscle pain. Sore throat. Nausea, vomiting. Running nose. Feelings of shakiness or nervousness. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these potentially serious side effects: 4.
Can albuterol cause breathing problems?
In serious cases, taking albuterol could cause your airways to tighten suddenly. This is called a bronchospasm and can make breathing difficult. This side effect happens immediately after using the inhaler. It can occur the first time you use a new canister. If this happens to you, call your doctor, and use a different asthma treatment. 1-3
Can you take albuterol with asthma?
Overusing your albuterol inhaler can worsen your asthma. Studies show that taking albuterol regularly can lead to worse lung function and asthma control. Albuterol is meant to provide occasional quick relief of symptoms, not long-term control. Using albuterol more than 2 days per week is a sign of poor asthma control.
How does albuterol work?
1. How it works. Albuterol is a bronchodilator - this means it relaxes muscles in the airways, widening them and allowing more air to flow into the lungs. Albuterol works preferentially on beta2 receptors, which are the predominant receptors in the smooth muscle of the bronchi (the breathing tubes).
How long does albuterol last?
Effects of albuterol usually last four to six hours, sometimes eight hours or longer. Unless your doctor has told you to, resist the temptation to increase the dose of albuterol or to take it more frequently if the effects appear to be wearing off sooner.
What is albuterol used for?
Albuterol stimulates the production of an important cellular messenger called cyclic AMP, which relaxes smooth muscle and prevents the release of histamine and other mediators from mast cells within the airways. Albuterol belongs to the class of medicines known as bronchodilators.
What are the side effects of albuterol?
Downsides. If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: Tremor, a headache, and nervousness.
What age can you use bronchospasm?
Used to treat or prevent bronchospasm in adults and children over the age of 6 with asthma (reversible obstructive airways disease). This allows patients to breathe easier (relieves bronchospasm). Also useful at treating exercise-induced bronchospasm.
What medications interact with albuterol?
Common medications that may interact with albuterol include: antibiotics, such as azithromycin. antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, imipramine, or nor triptyline. astemizole. atomoxetine. beta-blockers, such as atenolol or carvedilol. digoxin. diuretics, such as furosemide or HCTZ. epinephrine.
How long should you hold breath for inhalation?
Hold your breath for as long as possible, withdraw the mouthpiece, and exhale slowly. Allow 1 minute between doses if you are prescribed two doses at once. Most inhalation devices require regular cleaning or else they will clog. Follow the instructions provided on how to clean your device and mouthpiece.
Usual Adult Dose For Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - Maintenance
Albuterol (also known as salbutamol) is used to treat wheezing and shortness of breath caused by breathing problems (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
May Treat: Acute asthma attack · Bronchospasm · Bronchospastic pulmonary disease · Exercise-induced bronchospasm
Brand Names: Vospire ER · Ventolin HFA · ProAir HFA · Proventil HFA · ProAir RespiClick and more
Drug Class: Asthma/COPD Therapy - Beta 2-Adrenergic Agents, Inhaled, Short Acting · Asthma/COPD Therapy - Beta Adrenergic Agents
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
May Treat: Acute asthma attack · Bronchospasm · Bronchospastic pulmonary disease · Exercise-induced bronchospasm
Brand Names: Vospire ER · Ventolin HFA · ProAir HFA · Proventil HFA · ProAir RespiClick and more
Drug Class: Asthma/COPD Therapy - Beta 2-Adrenergic Agents, Inhaled, Short Acting · Asthma/COPD Therapy - Beta Adrenergic Agents
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
Lactation: Consult a doctor before using
Driving: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution
- May make you dizzy. Use caution when driving.
- Avoid smoking, allergens, smoke and irritants.
- Tell Dr. if using rescue inhaler more & more often
- May make you dizzy. Use caution when driving.
- Avoid smoking, allergens, smoke and irritants.
- Tell Dr. if using rescue inhaler more & more often
- Use peak flow meter. Call MD immediately if worse.
- For hfa aerosol with adapter products : Know how to use before taking. Shake well before using.
- For solution, non-oral products : Dilute prior to use.
- For syrup products : Tell doctor your complete medical history. Measure dose using a dosing spoon/cup/syringe. Check warnings on OTC medications. Call Dr before increasing dose or frequency.
- For tablet products : Skip missed dose if almost time for next dose.
- For tablet, extended release 12 hr products : Take at the same time(s) daily as directed. Do not chew or crush. OK to split tablet if scored. Do not change brands without checking with Dr.
- For vial, nebulizer products : If available, read the patient package insert. Use in nebulizer with adequate flow rate. Discard unused portion of the vial after dose.
Precautions
Other Comments
Further Information