This article is not medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or use the medication guide.

Albuterol Information

What is Albuterol?

Albuterol is a prescription drug used to manage asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)symptoms, including wheezing (bronchospasm), coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Albuterol over the counter is not yet available in the US. You’ll need a prescription to get this drug.

Albuterol classification

This drug belongs to a class of medications known as bronchodilators, thanks to its ability to open up the airways in the. lungs. That’s why it’s also used to treat exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.

Albuterol brand name

Albuterol has been available for medical use in the US since 1982. This drug is also commonly known as Salbutamol. It’s the generic version of another medication that goes by a couple of brand names, including;

• Ventolin
• Ventolin HFA
• Proair RespiClick
• Proair HFA
• Proventil HFA
• Accuneb
• Ventolin Injection
• Ventolin Nebules PF
• Ventolin Respirator Solution
• Ventolin Oral Liquid
• Vospire ER

Albuterol Forms and Strengths

Albuterol is available in the following types of doses and strengths;

• Albuterol Inhalation Aerosol for use with a metered-dose Albuterol inhaler- 90 mcg. This is recommended for adults and children of 4 years of age and above.
• Albuterol powder for oral inhalation using a metered-dose inhaler- 90 mcg. This is meant for adults and children 12 years old and above.
• Albuterol nebulizer solution for use with an Albuterol nebulizer (0.083%, 0.5%, 1.25mg/3mL, and 0.63mg/3mL). This is meant for adults and children 2 years of age and above.
• Albuterol syrup- 2mg/5Ml
• Tablet- 2mg and 4mg
• Extended-release tablet- 4mg and 8mg

Proper use- How to Take Albuterol

The proper use of Albuterol (Ventolin HFA generic) will depend on the dose that has been prescribed for you. It’s crucial that you understand how to use the specific form of Albuterol that your doctor has prescribed for effective respiratory care.

Whether you’re new to using an inhaler or you’ve already used it for some time, always go through the patient information leaflet that come with your medication and follow the instructions to the letter. If you need any clarification, consult your doctor or pharmacist to avoid misusing the medication.

How to use an Albuterol HFA Inhaler

Step 1

Ensure that the canister sits firmly inside the actuator. If you’re using a new cartridge or have not used it for the last 4 weeks, start by priming it (spraying in the air and away from your face one time). On the same note, check to ensure that the counter is showing and working correctly through the window.

Step 2

Hold the inhaler with the top of the canister at the top and the mouthpiece at the bottom.

Step 3

Breathe out with your mouth forcing as much air as possible out of your lungs. Put the mouthpiece inside your mouth and cover it all round using your lips.

Step 4

Push the top of the canister down while taking a deep breathe through the mouth.

Step 5

After successfully inhaling the Albuterol sulfate HFA spray, lift your finger off the canister top and remove the inhaler out of the mouth.

Step 6

Keep your mouth closed and hold your breath for around 10 seconds and then breathe out slowly. If the doctor’s directions require you to take several puffs of the spray, wait for about 1 minute before the next puff. Importantly, ensure that you replace the cap after each spray.

Dosing Albuterol (Salbutamol)

Albuterol (Ventolin HFA generic) is indicated for use by adults and children aged 4 years and above. Although some doctors may prescribe it to patients under 4 years of age, several studies, including this one has not recorded significant efficacy among this population.

When administering Albuterol aerosol or powder using an inhaler, Albuterol inhaler dose for both adults and children should be 2 puffs every 4-6 hours. The maximum number of inhalations within 24 hours shouldn’t exceed 12 sprays.

If you’re using tablet and syrup versions, adults should take 2-4 mg by mouth every 6-8 hours. You should not exceed 32 mg within 24 hours. Children 6-12 years of age should take 2 mg every 6-8 hours. Daily intake shouldn’t exceed 24 mg.

For extended-release tablets, adults and children above 12 years should take 8mg every 12 hours and shouldn’t exceed 32 mg per day. Children 6-12 years of age should take 4mg every 12 hours.

For the treatment of exercise-induced bronchospasm using aerosol and powder, Albuterol sulfate inhaler dose should be 2 puffs around 15-30 minutes before beginning exercises. This applies to both adults and children age 4 years and above.

Albuterol overdose

Adrenergic bronchodilators overdose (taking too much of asthmatic medication) is possible. Although the results may be life-threatening at times, a study published in the National Institutes of Health shows that toxicity is short-lived, and the patient doesn’t require any specific therapy.

Too much Albuterol may lead to the following symptoms;

• Dry mouth
• Chest pain
• Rapid heartbeat
• Fever or chill
• Tremors or convulsion
• Difficulty breathing
• Burning sensation in the throat
• Blue coloration on the skin
• Nervousness

If you suspect that you or someone else have overdosed on Albuterol, seek emergency care immediately, or contact a nurse through the Poison Help Line 1-800-222-1222.

Missed dose

If you’ve missed your Albuterol for cough dosage, you can take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and continue with your schedule. Never double up on your Albuterol nebulizer dosage or tablets, as this can be fatal.

Albuterol Uses- What is Albuterol used for?

Albuterol is used in the treatment and prevention of bronchospasm. Bronchospasm is when the muscles of the bronchi (airways) in your lungs tighten, thereby limiting oxygen intake. Bronchospasm is common among people with asthma and chronic obtrusive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Symptoms of bronchospasm include;

• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Fatigue
• Chest pain and tightness

Albuterol for dogs

Albuterol is commonly used in pets (cats and dogs) to offer fast relief from breathing problems and asthma attacks. Similar to human beings, Albuterol for asthma and bronchitis in dogs works by opening the airways making it easy to breathe.

Albuterol for pets is administered through inhalation using an aerosol canister and an approved delivery device. Place a mask with a preloaded puff of Albuterol over the dog’s muzzle. Let the patient breathe 7-10 times and then remove the mask.

Before using Albuterol for asthma

Here is what you need to understand about Albuterol if you’re just starting taking it:

Allergies

It’s rare for Albuterol to cause allergic reactions. However, on rare occasions, some people may experience an allergic reaction to Albuterol, including anaphylaxis. Seek medical attention if you develop any of the following symptoms; itching, hives, skin rash, difficulty breathing, and trouble swallowing. On the same note, remember to disclose to your doctor if you’re allergic to certain medications.

Albuterol Interactions

Albuterol has several interactions with drugs, including saquinavir. Interactions with the following types of drugs may also lead to serious effects;

• Diuretic
• Digoxin
• Epinephrine
• Beta blocker
• OTC cold medication

Overall, Albuterol can have severe, serious, or mild interactions with 350+ medications. Your doctor knows about all of these drugs. So, speak to him/her about any type of drug that you may be taking for proper guidance.

Special conditions

Albuterol inhaler pregnancy: it’s okay to buy Albuterol inhaler and use it during pregnancy. However, it’s critical to talk to your doctor first for recommendations on the best Albuterol form and strength.

Albuterol and breastfeeding: there are no conclusive studies on Albuterol when breastfeeding. However, experts agree that inhalers are generally safe for use even when breastfeeding.

Pediatric- so far, studies show that Albuterol aerosols, including Proventil HFA and ProAir HFA, may be of significant help among children 4+ years old. Albuterol inhalation powder version, including ProAir Digihaler and Respiclick, may help children 4 years and above during asthmatic attacks. Albuterol inhalation solution, such as Accuneb, have also been found to be of significant help in children 2 years old and above. However, most studies haven’t shown significant efficacy in the use of aerosol and powder among children below 4 years and inhalation solution among patients below 2 years of age.

Albuterol warnings

• Albuterol may cause anaphylaxis, which is a severe form of allergy. Discuss with your doctor if you are allergic to other types of medications.

• This drug may have severe, serious, or mild interactions with a wide range of other medications. Disclose to your doctor about any other forms of prescription, non-prescription, herbal, legal, and illegal drugs that you’re taking.

• Do not take Albuterol with other types of inhaled drugs, including Isoproterenol (Isuprel®), Metaproterenol (Alupent®), Levalbuterol (Xopenex™), terbutaline (Brethaire®), and Pirbuterol.

• Albuterol may cause a significant drop in the amount of potassium in your blood (hypolakemia). Consult your doctor immediately in case of irregular heartbeats, convulsions, dry mouth, increased thirst, mood changes, nausea, and vomiting.

• Albuterol can be fatal if overdosed. Seek medical help fast.

Albuterol Side Effects

Albuterol inhalation suspension may cause a wide range of side effects, some of which are common while others are rare.

Common Albuterol inhaler side effects

• Tremors
• Shaky legs and arm
• Increased heartbeat
• Less common side effect
• Chest pain
• Pain in the bladder
• Cough
• Fever and chill
• Labored breathing
• Dizziness Diarrhea
• High blood pressure
• Difficulty swallowing
• Loss of appetite

Rare Albuterol sulfate side effects

• Noisy breathing
• Swollen mouth or throat
• Hive

How long do Albuterol side effects last?

Albuterol nebulizer side effects last 4-6 hours and typically resolve in a few days or weeks after starting Albuterol treatment. You should consult your doctor if the symptoms get severe or persistent.

Proper storage of Albuterol

All forms of the Albuterol drug should be stored at room temperature (59-86 degrees F), away from direct sunlight and children’s reach. When storing the inhaler, ensure that the mouthpiece is down.

Albuterol Cost/Price

Albuterol is generally cheaper than comparable drugs, and it’s often covered by Medicare and some insurance plans. The best price for Albuterol 4 mg (60 tablets) ranges from $103 to $48.75. On the other hand, 75 ml of Albuterol sulfate sells at between $14 and $10. However, with the best Albuterol coupon, you could get this dosage for as low as $8.25 at some stores. Albuterol inhaler 8.5g of 90 mcg is sold at between $77 and $45. With an Albuterol coupon, you stand a chance to save up to 65% of this cost.

Albuterol Mechanism of Action: What does Albuterol Do?

Albuterol hfa is a rescue drug that is classified as a bronchodilator and also as a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA). Bronchodilators work by relaxing the muscles that make the airways in an individual’s lungs. This widens the collapsed airways, thereby boosting the intake of oxygen. Albuterol is thought to work on beta2 receptors.

Ipratropium Albuterol

Ipratropium Albuterol is a combination medication consisting of these 2 drugs. This medicine is used to treat the symptoms of existing lung diseases, such as asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, and Chronic Obstructive pulmonary disease- COPD.

Is Albuterol a steroid?

No. Albuterol is not a steroid. This drug belongs to a class of medications known as bronchodilators. Albuterol sulfate inhalation solution works by relaxing airway muscle making it easy for air to get in and out of the lungs.

Ipratropium bromide and Albuterol sulfate

Albuterol and Ipratropium is the generic name of another brand name drug called Duoneb. This combination metered-dose inhaler medication is used when treating symptoms of Chronic Obstruction Pulmonary Disease in adults. Studies show that Ipratropium bromide Albuterol therapy is more effective than Albuterol alone. There are no adverse effects listed as a result of combining these drugs. However, its effectiveness and safety in children is yet to be established.

Levalbuterol vs Albuterol

Ventolin Albuterol and Levalbuterol are rescue inhalers used to treat acute asthma and COPD symptoms, such as wheezing, shortness of breathness, and bronchospasms. Both of these drugs are generic and are classified as Beta-2 Andrenergic Agonist.

The major difference between them is in their composition. Leverbuterol consists of the active R-enantiomer only. Albuterol consists of a 50:50 racemic composition of the active R-enantiomer and S-enantiomer, which is inactive. Some experts postulate that the inactive S-enantiomer in Albuterol causes additional unwanted side effects, but this study debunks that claim.

With regard to effectiveness, Albuterol and Levalbuterol work similarly, and there’s no reason to suggest that one outperforms the other. Generally, the major discernible difference is on the cost. Levalbuterol is pricier than Albuterol.

Does Albuterol expire?

Yes, Albuterol has an expiration date printed on it. However, like most inhalers, Albuterol retains its potency for up to 1 year after the indicated expiry date. You can use expired Albuterol inhaler up to 1 year after its expiration, but it’s advisable to use it only as a supplement before getting an unexpired inhaler.

Ventolin vs Albuterol

Albuterol and Ventolin are essentially the same medicine. The major conceivable difference is that Albuterol is generic while Ventolin is a brand name drug. Most people prefer Ventolin to Albuterol due to the prevalent belief that brand name medications are superior to their generic alternatives. However, a research study on the effectiveness of these drugs did not show any differences.

Salbutamol vs Albuterol

These 2 names refer to one and the same drug. Salbutamol is the INN (International Non-proprietary Name). An INN is an internationally standard name given to a generic drug for precise communication and to avoid errors. Albuterol, on the other hand, is the United States Adopted Name (USAN). It’s used to market the drug in the US.