
Precautions
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.
- Use the face mask or mouthpiece to breathe in the medicine.
What should you do if you overdosed on albuterol?
When to Use Albuterol–at a Glance
- Use your albuterol before hard exercise
- Use your albuterol when you need it
- Your program needs a change if you break either the Rule of 2 or the Rule of 4
- Your program needs a change if your exercise control isn’t working
How often is too often to use albuterol?
Use your albuterol when you need it ; ... more than two times per week. Each inhaler is typically designed to administer two doses of medication at a time. This means an asthmatic following the rule of two will use less than 208 doses of albuterol per year.
How many times a week do you Use Your albuterol?
This is referred to as the “Rule of Two.”. If you follow the rule of 2, you’ll generally use a maximum of 208 puffs of albuterol per year, which is less than one inhaler. This means if you use more than one inhaler in a year, you may be using “too much” albuterol. And if that’s the case, you could need a better controller or ...
How many puffs of albuterol is too many?

How long should you wait between albuterol treatments?
For treatment or prevention of bronchospasm: Adults and children 4 years of age and older—Two puffs every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Children younger than 4 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your child's doctor.
How long do you have to wait between nebulizer treatments?
Doses are usually repeated every 4 to 6 hours as needed. It is important to wait at least 60 seconds between puffs for the best results. Nebulizer machines allow you to breathe in your medicine through a face mask or a handheld tube.
How many albuterol treatments can be given in a row?
The recommended action for worsening asthma symptoms is to increase use of albuterol, with the dosing frequency guided by symptom severity and response to treatment. Up to three back-to-back treatments (every 20 minutes) are recommended during the first hour, with reassessment after each treatment.
Can you give albuterol inhaler every 2 hours?
The same is true at home. If you are having worsened asthma symptoms and need quick relief, you can safely use your inhaler as often as every 30-60 minutes for 2-3 hours without significant risk of harmful side effects.
How often can I use my nebulizer with albuterol?
Albuterol nebulizer (Accuneb) can be used 3 to 4 times a day. Don't use more or take extra doses without first talking to your doctor.
What happens if you take too much albuterol?
An overdose of albuterol can be fatal. Overdose symptoms may include dry mouth, tremors, chest pain, fast heartbeats, nausea, general ill feeling, seizure, feeling light-headed or fainting. Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes.
How much albuterol is too much in a day?
What is the maximum dosage for albuterol? The maximum dose of oral albuterol is generally 32 mg per day for adults. The inhaled forms of albuterol are used as needed to control symptoms of asthma, and patients should not exceed the number of doses outlined on their asthma medication action plan.
How often can you do a breathing treatment?
Using a mouthpiece or face mask with the nebulizer, inhale the prescribed dose of medication into your lungs as directed by your doctor, usually 3 or 4 times daily as needed. Each treatment usually takes about 5 to 15 minutes. Use this medication only through a nebulizer.
How long does albuterol breathing treatment last?
You should notice an improvement in symptoms within a few minutes after taking albuterol. The effects of albuterol typically last four to six hours, or sometimes longer. It's a good idea to carry albuterol with you in case you need to take it on an emergency basis for quick relief of symptoms.
Does albuterol break up chest congestion?
Coughing up mucus These conditions can cause mucus to build up in the lungs. Coughing up mucus after using albuterol metered aerosol can help your body get rid of this mucus buildup. This can be a sign the drug is working to treat your condition.
Can albuterol worsen cough?
Difficulty breathing: In rare cases, albuterol can make breathing problems worse. This is called paradoxical bronchospasm, which makes wheezing and coughing worse as a result of the drug.
Does albuterol help with cough and congestion?
Remember, albuterol only helps one cause of cough: tight airways. It won't help other kinds of coughs, like coughing from nasal drainage from a bad cold. What side effects does albuterol have? Most kids do well with it, but the most common side effects are rapid heartbeat, flushing, and jitteriness.
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...
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. -Infusion rates can be started at 5 mcg/min, and can be increased to 10 mcg/min and 20 mcg/min at 15 at 30 minute intervals, if necessary. Nebulizer inhalation solution: -2.5 mg three or four times a day by nebulization, over approximately 5 to 15 minutes. Comments: -Never inject the IV infusion undiluted.
Usual Adult Dose for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - 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. -Infusion rates can be started at 5 mcg/min, and can be increased to 10 mcg/min and 20 mcg/min at 15 at 30 minute intervals, if necessary. Nebulizer inhalation solution: -2.5 mg three or four times a day by nebulization, over approximately 5 to 15 minutes. Comments: -Never inject the IV infusion undiluted.
Usual Adult Dose for Bronchitis
Intravenous infusion solution: -Dilute 5 mL of this drug (1000 mcg/mL) in 500 mL of Sodium Chloride Injection, or Sodium Chloride and Dextrose. -Infusion rates can be started at 5 mcg/min, and can be increased to 10 mcg/min and 20 mcg/min at 15 at 30 minute intervals, if necessary. Nebulizer inhalation solution: -2.5 mg three or four times a day by nebulization, over approximately 5 to 15 minutes. Comments: -Never inject the IV infusion undiluted.
Usual Adult Dose for Bronchospasm Prophylaxis
Inhalation powder: 2 inhalations (180 mcg) orally 15 to 30 minutes before exercise Inhalation capsule: 1 inhalation (200 mcg) 15 minutes before exercise Uses: Prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm
Usual Adult Dose for Asthma - Maintenance
Inhalation powder: -1 or 2 inhalations (90 to 180 mcg) orally every 4 to 6 hours Inhalation capsules: -1 inhalation (200 mcg) orally every 4 to 6 hours -Maximum dose: 4 inhalations (800 mcg) per day Nebulizer inhalation solution: -2.5 mg three or four times a day by nebulization, over approximately 5 to 15 minutes Oral tablets: Immediate-release tablets: -Initial dose: 2 mg or 4 mg orally three or four times a day.
Usual Adult Dose for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - Maintenance
Inhalation powder: -1 or 2 inhalations (90 to 180 mcg) orally every 4 to 6 hours Inhalation capsules: -1 inhalation (200 mcg) orally every 4 to 6 hours -Maximum dose: 4 inhalations (800 mcg) per day Nebulizer inhalation solution: -2.5 mg three or four times a day by nebulization, over approximately 5 to 15 minutes Oral tablets: Immediate-release tablets: -Initial dose: 2 mg or 4 mg orally three or four times a day.
Usual Adult Dose for Reversible Airways Disease - Maintenance
Inhalation powder: -1 or 2 inhalations (90 to 180 mcg) orally every 4 to 6 hours Inhalation capsules: -1 inhalation (200 mcg) orally every 4 to 6 hours -Maximum dose: 4 inhalations (800 mcg) per day Nebulizer inhalation solution: -2.5 mg three or four times a day by nebulization, over approximately 5 to 15 minutes Oral tablets: Immediate-release tablets: -Initial dose: 2 mg or 4 mg orally three or four times a day.
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 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.
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).
When should you throw out an albuterol inhaler?
An albuterol inhaler should be discarded after it passes its expiration date. It should be thrown out even sooner if it has been 13 months since it was removed from its foil packaging. Continue reading
How often should you clean an inhaler?
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.
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.
When to shake albuterol?
Your medicine comes with directions for priming if needed. You may also need to shake your albuterol device just before each use.
How many times can you take albuterol?
How many times can you use an albuterol inhaler in a day? The number of times you can use your inhaler depends on the dose that you are prescribed; however, patients are not to exceed four dos es (800 mcg) a day.
Can you take asthma medication too often?
If patients take this medication too frequently, it could make the symptoms of asthma worse or other adverse effects, resulting in continuous overuse of the medication. If you need your medication more than prescribed talk to your doctor. In case of emergency call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately. For adverse effects please see our adverse effects page.
What happens if you take too much albuterol?
Overdose symptoms may include dry mouth, tremors, chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, nausea, general ill feeling, seizure (convulsions), feeling light-headed or fainting.
How often should I use a nebulizer?
The nebulizer solution is typically used three to four times a day as needed. The inhaler form of albuterol comes in canisters. Thereof, what happens if I use my inhaler too much? There is a risk from using your bronchodilator inhalers too much, but the danger is not to your heart.
How long does it take for a child to get jittery from a syringe?
In some kids, the jitteriness becomes hyperactivity! In most kids, these side effects wear off, or at least are much less bothersome, after about 10-15 minutes. If your child experiences side effects that are bad enough ...
Does albuterol help with coughing?
Remember, albuterol only helps one cause of cough: tight airways.
Is an inhaler better than a nebulizer?
In general, inhalers (with spacers and masks) work better in most situations than nebulizer machines. They are also more convenient, since it only takes a minute to administer a few puffs from an inhaler (while it can take 10-15 minutes to give a breathing treatment.) Occasionally, there are some circumstances in which breathing treatments may work better, however. If you are not sure which method is best for your child, or need a demo on how to use one or both devices properly, ask us.
Can you take albuterol for wheezing?
Albuterol also comes in a liquid form that can be taken by mouth, and a few doctors still use this for wheezing in babies. However, studies show it doesn't give nearly as much relief as inhaled albuterol, so most pediatricians don't use it anymore.
Is albuterol a bronchodilator?
Albuterol is a medication that is used as a bronchodilator -- it opens up tight airway passages by relaxing the muscle that surrounds the airways. Albuterol is used most commonly for asthma, but it is sometimes prescribed for other conditions too.
Is Xopenex more concentrated than regular albuterol?
Xopenex is the brand name of a kind of albuterol which is more concentrated than regular albuterol. There are a few studies which show its side effects may be slightly less bothersome than regular albuterol. However, it's also about ten times as expensive as regular albuterol, which seems to work just as well for symptom relief in almost all kids.
How many children need hospitalization for bronchiolitis?
Approximately 2-3% of all children will require hospitalization for bronchiolitis. Treatment involves the monitoring of vital signs and supportive care based on the child's condition and symptoms. 4 . Supplemental oxygen may be needed for children who are unable to catch their breath.
How long does wheezing last?
A parent will know that it's time to take the child to the emergency room if the wheezing lasts for more than seven days or progresses to grunting .
How long does it take for bronchiolitis to develop?
When to Go to the Hospital. Bronchiolitis in children will usually develop after two to three days of the common cold. It typically starts with nasal congestion and discharge, a mild cough, and a fever over 100.4 F.
Does albuterol help with hospitalization?
Research published in 2013 has shown that the use of albuterol in hospitalized children did nothing to improve outcomes or reduce hospital stays. 2 Moreover, the AAP recommends against other treatments commonly used in the past, including nebulized hypertonic saline, systemic corticosteroids, antibiotics, and chest physiotherapy.
Is albuterol safe for bronchiolitis?
While it would seem reasonable to use albuterol in cases of severe bronchiolitis, updated guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) now recommends against its use. 1
Is albuterol a bronchodilator?
Albuterol is classified as a bronchodilator that works by relaxing muscles in the air passages. It is available in inhaled, oral, and injectable formulations and is commonly prescribed to people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. While it would seem reasonable to use albuterol in cases of severe bronchiolitis, ...
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
How old do you have to be to use albuterol?
Adults and children who are older than 2 years old can use an albuterol nebulizer. A doctor will determine how much albuterol a person needs and how often they should use the medication. If a person is pregnant or nursing, they should make their doctor aware of this before taking albuterol.
What is the purpose of albuterol nebulizer?
Speaking with a doctor. Summary. An albuterol nebulizer relieves muscle tightening in the airways to help a person breathe more easily. The nebulizer turns liquid medicine into a mist, helping it reach the lungs faster.
How to make a nebulizer with albuterol sulfate?
Follow the assembly instructions to put together the nebulizer and attach the mask, tubing, and mouthpiece. Open an albuterol sulfate foil and check the color. It should be clear and colorless. If it is cloudy, do not use it. Add the albuterol sulfate to the medicine cup. Turn the nebulizer on.
How to breathe through a nebulizer?
Sit in a comfortable position that makes breathing easier. Hold the mouthpiece over the nose and mouth with one hand. With the other hand, hold the medicine cup upright to help the medication pass through the nebulizer. Take deep slow breaths and continue breathing through the mask until all the medicine is gone.
Can you give albuterol to children?
Generally, nebulizers are a good way for people to give medicine to children, as all they have to do is sit and breathe through a mask. However, albuterol is not suitable for everyone. Read on to learn more about how albuterol nebulizers work, conditions they may help with, and how to use them.
Can albuterol cause breathing problems?
The most common side effects are: If these side effects occur and do not get better, or they become disruptive, talk with a doctor as soon as possible about ways to manage or avoid them. Occasionally, albuterol may cause breathing difficulties to get worse.
Can you use albuterol while pregnant?
If anyone learns they are pregnant while using an albuterol nebulizer, they also should tell their doctor as soon as they can. People can still use albuterol while pregnant, but as there are no high-quality studies on its safety during pregnancy, people will need to discuss the risks and benefits with a doctor.
