From the Guidelines
Proventil, a brand name for albuterol, should be administered at a dose of 2.5-5 mg every 20 minutes for 3 doses, then 2.5-10 mg every 1-4 hours as needed, or 10-15 mg/hour continuously, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1.
Key Points
- The dose for children is 0.15 mg/kg (minimum dose 2.5 mg) every 20 minutes for 3 doses, then 0.15-0.3 mg/kg up to 10 mg every 1-4 hours as needed, or 0.5 mg/kg/hour by continuous nebulization 1.
- For mild-to-moderate exacerbations, MDI plus valved holding chamber (VHC) is as effective as nebulized therapy with appropriate administration technique and coaching by trained personnel 1.
- The medication works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the airways, allowing them to open wider and improving breathing.
- Common side effects include tremor, nervousness, headache, and increased heart rate.
Administration Technique
- It's essential to use the inhaler correctly by shaking it well before use, exhaling completely, placing the mouthpiece in the mouth with lips sealed around it, inhaling slowly while pressing down on the canister, holding breath for 10 seconds, then waiting at least one minute before the second puff if needed.
- For nebulizer therapy, dilute aerosols to a minimum of 3 mL at gas flow of 6-8 L/min, and use large volume nebulizers for continuous administration 1.
Important Considerations
- Only selective beta2-agonists are recommended, and for optimal delivery, dilute aerosols to a minimum of 3 mL at gas flow of 6-8 L/min 1.
- May mix with ipratropium nebulizer solution, but do not mix with other drugs 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Albuterol sulfate inhalation solution is indicated for the relief of bronchospasm in patients 2 years of age and older with reversible obstructive airway disease and acute attacks of bronchospasm. The primary use of Proventil, which contains albuterol, is for the relief of bronchospasm in patients with reversible obstructive airway disease and acute attacks of bronchospasm, in patients 2 years of age and older 2.
From the Research
Proventil Overview
- Proventil, also known as albuterol, is a medication used to treat bronchospasm in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 3.
- It is often used as a rescue medication to provide quick relief of symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
Efficacy of Proventil
- Studies have shown that Proventil is effective in improving lung function and providing symptom relief in patients with asthma or COPD 4, 5, 6, 7.
- However, some studies suggest that combining Proventil with other medications, such as ipratropium bromide, may provide even better results than using Proventil alone 4, 5, 6, 7.
Combination Therapy
- Combination therapy with Proventil and ipratropium bromide has been shown to be more effective than either medication alone in improving lung function and reducing symptoms in patients with COPD 5, 6, 7.
- This combination therapy may also simplify treatment and improve patient compliance by reducing the number of separate inhalers needed 7.
Safety and Side Effects
- Proventil is generally well-tolerated, but it can cause side effects such as tremors, nervousness, and palpitations 4, 5, 6, 7.
- The safety profile of combination therapy with Proventil and ipratropium bromide is similar to that of Proventil alone, with no significant increase in side effects 5, 6, 7.