Recommended Administration Frequency for Albuterol (Glynium) Nebulizer
For acute asthma exacerbations, albuterol nebulizer should be administered every 20 minutes for 3 doses, then every 1-4 hours as needed based on response. 1
Detailed Dosing Recommendations
Adult Dosing
- Initial treatment: 2.5-5 mg every 20 minutes for 3 doses
- Subsequent dosing: 2.5-10 mg every 1-4 hours as needed
- Continuous nebulization option: 10-15 mg/hour 1
Pediatric Dosing
- Initial treatment: 0.15 mg/kg (minimum dose 2.5 mg) every 20 minutes for 3 doses
- Subsequent dosing: 0.15-0.3 mg/kg up to 10 mg every 1-4 hours as needed
- Continuous nebulization option: 0.5 mg/kg/hour 1, 2
Administration Technique
- For optimal delivery, dilute aerosols to minimum of 3 mL at gas flow of 6-8 L/min
- Use large volume nebulizers for continuous administration
- Treatment time should be approximately 5-15 minutes per dose 1, 3
Maintenance Therapy
- For patients requiring regular nebulizer treatments, the FDA-approved dosing is 2.5 mg administered three to four times daily 3
- For children weighing <15 kg who require <2.5 mg/dose, albuterol inhalation solution 0.5% should be used instead of 0.083% solution 3
Important Clinical Considerations
Monitoring During Treatment
- Assess for clinical response after each treatment
- Monitor for side effects including:
- Tachycardia (dose-related)
- Tremors (dose-related)
- Potential hypokalemia with repeated dosing 2
Treatment Modifications
- If symptoms persist after initial 3 doses given every 20 minutes, continue with the 1-4 hour frequency based on response
- If a previously effective dosage regimen fails to provide usual relief, this may indicate worsening asthma requiring reassessment of therapy 3
Alternative Delivery Methods
- MDI with spacer is as effective as nebulized therapy for mild-to-moderate exacerbations when used with proper technique
- MDI dosing: 4-8 puffs every 20 minutes for 3 doses, then every 1-4 hours as needed 1, 2
Combination Therapy
- For severe exacerbations, consider adding ipratropium bromide to albuterol:
The frequency and dosing of albuterol nebulizer treatments should be guided by the severity of symptoms and response to treatment, with the goal of achieving minimal or no chronic symptoms, minimal exacerbations, no activity limitations, and maintenance of near-normal pulmonary function 1.