From the FDA Drug Label
PACKAGE LABEL.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL Principal Display Panel –Label (25 Count) NDC 21695-332-25 Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Solution, 0.083% 2.5 mg/3 mL Potency expressed as albuterol, equivalent to 3 mg albuterol sulfate. FOR ORAL INHALATION ONLY Equivalent to 0.5 mL Albuterol Sulfate 0.5% diluted to 3 mL with normal saline. The difference between albuterol 0.83% and albuterol 0.5% is the concentration of the solution.
- Albuterol 0.83% is equivalent to 0.5 mL of Albuterol Sulfate 0.5% diluted to 3 mL with normal saline.
- This means that albuterol 0.83% is a diluted version of albuterol 0.5%. The key point is that the potency is expressed as albuterol, and the 0.083% solution is equivalent to 3 mg albuterol sulfate 1.
From the Research
The main difference between albuterol 0.83% and albuterol 0.5% is their concentration strength, which affects dosing and administration, with albuterol 0.83% being a more concentrated solution (8.3 mg/mL) compared to albuterol 0.5% (5 mg/mL), as noted in various studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Key Differences
- Albuterol 0.83% is a more concentrated solution, delivering approximately 66% more medication for the same volume compared to albuterol 0.5%.
- Both formulations are used in nebulizers to treat bronchospasm in conditions like asthma and COPD.
- The higher concentration solution (0.83%) is typically used when a stronger dose is needed or to reduce treatment time.
Clinical Implications
- When switching between concentrations, dosage adjustments are necessary to maintain therapeutic equivalence.
- For example, 3 mL of 0.5% solution (15 mg) would be roughly equivalent to 1.8 mL of 0.83% solution (15 mg).
- The higher concentration may be beneficial for patients requiring higher doses or those who have difficulty sitting through longer nebulizer treatments, but it may also increase the risk of side effects like tremor, nervousness, and tachycardia due to the more concentrated delivery of medication, as discussed in studies comparing different delivery methods 5, 6.
Recommendations
- The choice between albuterol 0.83% and albuterol 0.5% should be based on individual patient needs, considering factors such as disease severity, response to treatment, and potential side effects, as suggested by recent studies on asthma management 3, 4.
- Patients should be closely monitored and adjusted as necessary to ensure optimal treatment outcomes and minimize adverse effects.