From the Guidelines
Albuterol is recommended to be dosed at 2.5-5 mg every 20 minutes for 3 doses, then 2.5-10 mg every 1-4 hours as needed for adults, and 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 for children, via nebulizer solution, as stated in the most recent guidelines 1. The dosing of albuterol can vary depending on the severity of the asthma exacerbation and the patient's response to treatment.
- For mild-to-moderate exacerbations, a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) with a valved holding chamber (VHC) can be used, with a dose of 4-8 puffs every 20 minutes for 3 doses, then every 1-4 hours as needed 1.
- For severe exacerbations, nebulizer treatment is recommended, with a dose of 2.5-5 mg every 20 minutes for 3 doses, then 2.5-10 mg every 1-4 hours as needed 1. It is essential to note that the dose of albuterol should be titrated to the patient's response, and the treatment should be continued until the patient's symptoms are controlled. The use of albuterol via MDI or nebulizer has been shown to be effective in relieving bronchospasm and improving lung function in patients with asthma, as demonstrated in several studies 1. However, the most recent and highest-quality study 1 provides the most up-to-date and evidence-based recommendations for the dosing of albuterol. In addition to the dosing recommendations, it is crucial to consider the potential side effects of albuterol, such as tremor, nervousness, and increased heart rate, and to monitor patients for these adverse effects 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) is:
- 2.5 mg administered three to four times daily by nebulization for adults and children weighing at least 15 kg. For children weighing less than 15 kg, a dose of less than 2.5 mg should be used, with albuterol inhalation solution, 0.5% instead of 0.083%. 2
From the Research
Recommended Dose of Albuterol (Salbutamol)
The recommended dose of Albuterol (Salbutamol) is not explicitly stated in the provided studies. However, the following information can be gathered:
- Albuterol can be administered via metered-dose inhaler, nebulizer, or parenteral preparations 3.
- The study by 4 used a maximum dose of Salbutamol recommended by the manufacturer, but the exact dose is not specified.
- The study by 5 mentions a continuous nebulized albuterol dose of up to 20 mg/hr for 57 hours, followed by 49 hours of continuous levalbuterol (7 mg/hr).
- The study by 6 used a dose of albuterol (10 mg/h) via continuous nebulization for a maximum of 3 hours.
Key Points
- The dose of Albuterol (Salbutamol) may vary depending on the route of administration, patient population, and specific clinical scenario.
- The provided studies do not offer a clear consensus on the recommended dose of Albuterol (Salbutamol).
- Further research or consultation of clinical guidelines may be necessary to determine the appropriate dose of Albuterol (Salbutamol) for a specific patient or condition.