From the Guidelines
The recommended dose of Albuterol (Salbutamol) inhaler is 4-8 puffs every 20 minutes for 3 doses, then every 1-4 hours as needed for acute asthma attacks, with each puff delivering 90 mcg of albuterol 1.
Key Considerations
- For mild-to-moderate exacerbations, MDI plus VHC is as effective as nebulized therapy with appropriate administration technique and coaching by trained personnel 1.
- 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 every 1-4 hours as needed, while for adults it is 2.5-5 mg every 20 minutes for 3 doses, then 2.5-10 mg every 1-4 hours as needed 1.
- Albuterol works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the airways, which opens them up and makes breathing easier, providing quick relief but not treating the underlying inflammation 1.
Administration Technique
- Before using, shake the inhaler well, exhale completely, place the mouthpiece between your lips, inhale slowly while pressing down on the canister, hold your breath for 10 seconds, then exhale slowly 1.
- Wait at least 1 minute between puffs and rinse your mouth after use to prevent thrush 1.
Important Notes
- Overuse can lead to decreased effectiveness and increased side effects like tremors, nervousness, and rapid heartbeat, so it's essential to use only as prescribed 1.
- Medical attention should be sought if symptoms don't improve after using the inhaler as directed 1.
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. The recommended dose of Albuterol (Salbutamol) inhaler is:
- 2.5 mg administered three to four times daily by nebulization for adults and children weighing at least 15 kg. 2
From the Research
Recommended Dose of Albuterol (Salbutamol) Inhaler
The recommended dose of Albuterol (Salbutamol) inhaler varies depending on the specific condition being treated and the delivery method used.
- For chronic reversible obstructive airways disease, a dose of 100 micrograms via Turbuhaler or 200 micrograms via pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) four times daily has been shown to be effective 3.
- For acute severe asthma, a dose of 5 mg via jet nebulizer, 400 micrograms via metered-dose inhaler with spacer, or 400 micrograms via dry powder has been used 4.
- For emergency treatment of acute asthma, a dose of six puffs of albuterol via metered-dose inhaler with a holding chamber every 30 or 60 minutes has been recommended 5.
- For nocturnal asthma, a higher dose of albuterol may be required to normalize lung function, with a median dose of 5 puffs required to achieve 80% of the subject's personal best FEV1 6.
- In patients with uncontrolled moderate-to-severe asthma, a fixed-dose combination of 180 μg of albuterol and 160 μg of budesonide has been shown to be effective as a rescue medication 7.
Key Considerations
- The dose and frequency of Albuterol (Salbutamol) inhaler may need to be adjusted based on individual patient response and the severity of their condition.
- Different delivery methods, such as Turbuhaler, pMDI, or dry powder, may have different dosing recommendations.
- Patients with more severe airway obstruction may require higher doses or more frequent administration of Albuterol (Salbutamol) inhaler.