From the Guidelines
Albuterol is not recommended for upper respiratory infection (URI).
Rationale
- The evidence from 1 and 1 suggests that albuterol is not effective in treating cough due to URI, with a grade of recommendation D, indicating no benefit.
- Both studies recommend against the use of albuterol in patients with acute or chronic cough not due to asthma, citing good evidence and no benefit.
- Instead, other treatments such as ipratropium bromide, peripheral cough suppressants, and central cough suppressants may be considered for cough suppression in patients with URI or chronic bronchitis, depending on the specific clinical context.
- It is essential to note that albuterol is primarily used for treating asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and its use in URI is not supported by the evidence.
Key Points
- Albuterol is not recommended for URI due to lack of efficacy.
- Other treatments may be considered for cough suppression in URI, such as ipratropium bromide.
- Albuterol is primarily used for treating asthma and COPD.
From the FDA Drug Label
Patient Package Insert Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Solution, 0.083%* 2. 5 mg*/3 mL *Potency expressed as albuterol, equivalent to 3 mg albuterol sulfate. Note: This is a unit-dose vial. No dilution is required. Read complete instructions carefully before using. INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE Remove vial from the foil pouch. Twist the cap completely off the vial and squeeze the contents into the nebulizer reservoir (Figure 1) Connect the nebulizer reservoir to the mouthpiece or face mask (Figure 2). Connect the nebulizer to the compressor. Sit in a comfortable, upright position; place the mouthpiece in your mouth (Figure 3)(or put on the face mask); and turn on the compressor Breathe as calmly, deeply and evenly as possible until no more mist is formed in the nebulizer chamber (about 5 to 15 minutes). At this point, the treatment is finished. Clean the nebulizer (see manufacturer’s instructions). Note: Use only as directed by your physician. More frequent administration or higher doses are not recommended.
The FDA drug label does not provide information on using Albuterol for upper respiratory infection. The label provides instructions for using Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Solution, but it does not specify the indication for upper respiratory infection 2.
From the Research
Albuterol Usage for Upper Respiratory Infection
- Albuterol is commonly used for asthma treatment, but its effectiveness for upper respiratory infections is not well-established 3.
- There is evidence to suggest that albuterol may not be the most appropriate first-line treatment for some patients, and that inhaled corticosteroids may be more effective in reducing inflammation 3.
- A study on the effectiveness and safety of albuterol solutions with and without benzalkonium chloride found that the preservative-free solution was associated with a longer hospital length of stay, but no significant difference in outcomes was found 4.
Administration Methods
- A novel common canister protocol for albuterol sulfate metered dose inhalers was found to be effective in conserving the medication during a public health emergency, with 80.5% of patients showing improved aeration 5.
- A study comparing regular vs ad-lib albuterol administration for patients hospitalized with acute asthma found that ad-lib administration was therapeutically as effective as regular administration, and resulted in a significant reduction in the total number of albuterol treatments administered 6.
Treatment Regimens
- A retrospective cohort control study found that treatment with corticosteroids alone or in combination with antibiotics decreased respiratory symptoms in children with asthma exacerbations secondary to upper respiratory tract infections, but the addition of antibiotics had no additive effect on reactive airway symptoms 7.
- The use of albuterol in combination with corticosteroids was found to be effective in improving lung function and reducing asthma symptoms in patients with acute asthma exacerbations 7, 6.