Standard Dispensed Size for Albuterol MDI
The standard albuterol metered-dose inhaler (MDI) is dispensed containing 200 actuations, with each actuation delivering 90 mcg of albuterol. 1
Standard Canister Specifications
Each actuation of a standard albuterol MDI contains 90 mcg of albuterol per puff. 1
The typical dispensed canister contains 200 metered actuations (8.5 g canister), which represents the most common size prescribed in clinical practice. 2
Some manufacturers also produce a smaller 60-actuation canister (6.7 g), though this is less commonly dispensed as a standard size. 2
Dose Counter Integration
Modern albuterol HFA MDIs include integrated dose counters that reliably track the number of actuations remaining, with a discrepancy rate of only 1.87 per 200 actuations in clinical use. 2
The dose counter provides the only reliable means for patients to track medication remaining, as MDIs contain excess propellant beyond the labeled number of actuations, which may deliver subtherapeutic doses after the labeled count is exceeded. 2
Approximately 95-97% of patients report high satisfaction with the integrated dose counter for knowing when the inhaler should be replaced. 2
Clinical Context for Dispensing
For acute asthma exacerbations, the recommended dose is 4-8 puffs (360-720 mcg) every 20 minutes for 3 doses, then every 1-4 hours as needed, meaning a 200-actuation canister provides adequate supply for both acute and maintenance therapy. 1
A standard 200-actuation canister, when used at typical maintenance dosing of 2 puffs four times daily, provides approximately 25 days of therapy. 1