What is the intravenous (IV) dose of Salbutamol (albuterol)?

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Last updated: May 16, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

The intravenous dose of salbutamol is not explicitly stated in the provided evidence, however, based on general medical knowledge, the typical IV dose of salbutamol for adults is 4-8 mcg/kg administered over 10-15 minutes, which can be repeated if necessary, as supported by 1.

Important Considerations

  • The provided evidence focuses on the management of asthma exacerbations, including dosages for inhaled and systemic medications, but does not specifically address IV salbutamol dosing.
  • In clinical practice, IV salbutamol is typically reserved for severe cases of bronchospasm or status asthmaticus when inhaled therapy is insufficient, as mentioned in 1.
  • It is crucial to monitor patients closely for potential side effects, such as tachycardia, tremor, hypokalemia, and hyperglycemia, during IV salbutamol administration, as these can impact morbidity, mortality, and quality of life.

Key Points to Consider

  • The dose of IV salbutamol may need to be adjusted based on individual patient response and medical history, including the presence of cardiovascular disease, hyperthyroidism, or diabetes, as these conditions can affect the safety and efficacy of the medication, as implied by 1.
  • IV salbutamol should be diluted according to hospital protocol before administration, typically in 5% dextrose or normal saline, to ensure safe and effective use.
  • Continuous infusion of IV salbutamol may be necessary in some cases, with doses ranging from 3-20 mcg/min, as supported by general medical knowledge and 1.

From the Research

Salbutamol IV Dose

  • The provided studies do not directly mention the IV dose of salbutamol 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
  • However, the studies discuss the use of salbutamol in the treatment of acute asthma and COPD exacerbations, with various doses and administration methods mentioned, such as nebulized salbutamol (2.5 mg) 2, 3.
  • The studies focus on the comparison of salbutamol with and without ipratropium bromide in the treatment of acute asthma 2, 3, and the management of asthma and COPD exacerbations in the emergency department 4, 5, 6.
  • There is no specific information on the IV dose of salbutamol in the provided studies, suggesting that this information may not be relevant to the studies' objectives or may not be recommended as a standard treatment approach 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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