From the FDA Drug Label
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Adults and Children 2 to 12 Years of Age: The usual dosage for adults and for children weighing at least 15 kg is 2.5 mg of albuterol (one vial) administered three to four times daily by nebulization. To administer 2.5 mg of albuterol, administer the entire contents of one sterile unit-dose vial (3 mL of 0. 083% inhalation solution) by nebulization.
The patient is using 3 ML every 4 hours as needed. To calculate the total amount needed for 30 days, we need to calculate the total number of doses.
- Assuming the patient uses the medication every 4 hours, that's 6 doses per day (24 hours / 4 hours per dose).
- For 30 days, the patient would need 6 doses/day * 30 days = 180 doses.
- Since each dose is 3 ML, the total amount needed would be 180 doses * 3 ML/dose = 540 ML. However, the label does not explicitly state the dosage as 3 ML every 4 hours, it states the usual dosage is 2.5 mg (one vial, 3 mL) three to four times daily. Given this information, we cannot accurately determine the total amount of albuterol needed for a patient using 3 ML every 4 hours as needed for 30 days, as the dosage frequency is not clearly defined for this specific scenario 1.
From the Research
The estimated total amount of albuterol (salbutamol) needed for a patient using 3 mL every 4 hours as needed for 30 days would be 540 mL. This calculation assumes the maximum possible usage, where the patient would use the medication at every available opportunity. Since the medication can be taken every 4 hours, that means up to 6 doses per day (24 hours ÷ 4 hours = 6 doses). With each dose being 3 mL, the daily maximum would be 18 mL (3 mL × 6 doses). Over a 30-day period, this would total 540 mL (18 mL × 30 days). However, it's essential to consider that the actual amount used may be less if the patient doesn't require it at every possible interval, as the medication is prescribed on an "as needed" (PRN) basis 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. When dispensing this medication, healthcare providers typically account for the maximum possible usage to ensure the patient has sufficient supply, even though actual consumption may vary based on symptom occurrence and severity. The provided studies, although focusing on different aspects of albuterol administration, support the importance of considering individual patient needs and response to therapy in managing asthma and COPD 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Given the information and the context of the question, the most relevant consideration is the maximum potential usage over the specified period. Thus, the estimated total amount of 540 mL is based on the maximum possible usage scenario, providing a buffer for variability in patient needs.