albuterol

Generic Name: albuterol (al BYOO teh rall)
Brand Names: Proventil, Proventil Repetabs, Ventolin, Volmax

What is albuterol?

Albuterol works by relaxing muscles in the airways to improve breathing.

Albuterol is used to treat bronchospasm (wheezing, shortness of breath) associated with reversible obstructive airway disease such as asthma.

Albuterol may also be used for conditions other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about albuterol?

Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the maximum amount of any asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking albuterol?

Before taking albuterol, tell your doctor if you have

• heart disease or high blood pressure;

• epilepsy or another seizure disorder;

• diabetes;

• an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism);

• difficulty swallowing;

• liver disease; or
• kidney disease.

You may not be able to take albuterol or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Albuterol is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will harm an unborn baby. Do not take albuterol without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether albuterol passes into breast milk. Do not take albuterol without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take albuterol?

Take albuterol exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid forms of albuterol with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one. Do not break, crush, or chew the Volmax or Proventil Repetabs tablets. These are specially formulated to release the medication slowly in the body. The Volmax tablets have an outer shell that is not absorbed by the body. Occasionally, this shell may be seen in the stool. This is not a problem as the medication has been absorbed by the body.

Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the maximum amount of any asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.

Store the Volmax brand of albuterol tablets in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit (2 and 8 degrees Celsius). Store all other forms of albuterol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

See also: Albuterol dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of an albuterol overdose may include angina or chest pain, irregular heartbeats or a fluttering heart, seizures, tremor, weakness, headache, nausea, and vomiting.

What should I avoid while taking albuterol?

Avoid situations that may worsen your respiratory condition such as exercising in cold, dry air; smoking; breathing in dust; and exposure to allergens such as pet fur.

Albuterol side effects

Stop taking albuterol and seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of the following serious side effects:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or

• chest pain or irregular heartbeats.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take albuterol and talk to your doctor if you experience

• headache;

• dizziness or lightheadedness;

• insomnia;

• tremor or nervousness;

• sweating;

• nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; or

• dry mouth.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: albuterol side effects (in more detail)

Albuterol Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Asthma -- Acute:

Metered-dose inhaler: 2 puffs every 4 to 6 hours as needed.

Inhalation capsules: 200 mcg inhaled every 4 to 6 hours.
May increase to 400 mcg inhaled every 4 to 6 hours, if necessary.

Nebulizer: 2.5 mg every 6 to 8 hours as needed. (2.5 to 5 mg once followed by 2.5 mg every 20 minutes for acute bronchospasm).

Usual Adult Dose for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease -- Acute:

Metered-dose inhaler: 2 puffs every 4 to 6 hours as needed.

Inhalation capsules: 200 mcg inhaled every 4 to 6 hours.
May increase to 400 mcg inhaled every 4 to 6 hours, if necessary.

Nebulizer: 2.5 mg every 6 to 8 hours as needed. (2.5 to 5 mg once followed by 2.5 mg every 20 minutes for acute bronchospasm).

Usual Adult Dose for Bronchospasm Prophylaxis:

Metered-dose inhaler: 2 puffs (180 or 216 mcg) 15 minutes before exercise.
Inhalation capsules: 200 mcg inhaled 15 minutes before exercise.

Usual Adult Dose for Asthma -- Maintenance:

Metered-dose inhaler: 2 puffs every 4 to 6 hours. More frequent administration or a large number of inhalations is not recommended.

Inhalation capsules: 200 mcg inhaled every 4 to 6 hours.
May increase to 400 mcg inhaled every 4 to 6 hours, if necessary.

Tablets: 2 to 4 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day. May increase stepwise to a maximum of 8 mg orally 4 times a day.

Extended-release tablets: 4 to 8 mg orally every 8 hours. May increase to a maximum of 16 mg orally twice a day.

Syrup: 2 to 4 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day. Doses > 4 mg should be given 4 times a day. May increase up to 8 mg orally 4 times a day.

Usual Adult Dose for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease -- Maintenance:

Metered-dose inhaler: 2 puffs every 4 to 6 hours. More frequent administration or a large number of inhalations is not recommended.

Inhalation capsules: 200 mcg inhaled every 4 to 6 hours.
May increase to 400 mcg inhaled every 4 to 6 hours, if necessary.

Tablets: 2 to 4 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day. May increase stepwise to a maximum of 8 mg orally 4 times a day.

Extended-release tablets: 4 to 8 mg orally every 8 hours. May increase to a maximum of 16 mg orally twice a day.

Syrup: 2 to 4 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day. Doses > 4 mg should be given 4 times a day. May increase up to 8 mg orally 4 times a day.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Asthma -- Acute:

Less than 1 year:

Nebulizer: 0.05 to 0.15 mg/kg/dose every 4 to 6 hours with subsequent doses titrated based on clinical response.

1 year to 4 years:

Nebulizer: 1.25 to 2.5 mg every 4 to 6 hours with subsequent doses titrated based on clinical response.

5 years or older:

Metered-dose inhaler (HFA): 2 puffs (216 mcg) every 4 to 6 hours as needed.

Inhalation capsules: 200 mcg inhaled every 4 to 6 hours.
May increase to 400 mcg inhaled every 4 to 6 hours, if necessary.

5 years to 11 years:

Nebulizer: 2.5 mg every 4 to 6 hours with subsequent doses titrated based on clinical response.

12 years or older:

Nebulizer: 2.5 to 5 mg every 6 hours as needed.

Metered dose inhaler (non-HFA): 2 puffs every (180 mcg) every 4 to 6 hours.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Bronchospasm Prophylaxis:

Over 4 years:

Metered-dose inhaler (HFA): 2 puffs (216 mcg)15 minutes before exercise.
Inhalation capsules: 200 mcg inhaled 15 minutes before exercise.

12 years or older:

Metered-dose inhaler (non-HFA): 2 puffs (180 mcg) 15 minutes before exercise.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Asthma -- Maintenance:

2 years to 5 years:

Syrup or tablets: 0.1 to 0.2 mg/kg 3 times daily. Do not exceed 12 mg a day.

Over 4 years:

Metered-dose inhaler (HFA): 2 puffs (216 mcg) every 4 to 6 hours. More frequent administration or a large number of inhalations is not recommended.

Inhalation capsules: 200 mcg inhaled every 4 to 6 hours.
May increase to 400 mcg inhaled every 4 to 6 hours, if necessary.

6 years to 11 years:

Syrup or tablets: 2 to 6 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day. May increase stepwise to a maximum of 24 mg/day in divided doses.

Extended-release tablets: 4 to 12 mg orally every 12 hours. May increase to a maximum of 12 mg orally twice a day.

12 years or older:

Syrup or tablets: 2 to 8 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day. Doses > 4 mg should be given 4 times a day. May increase up to 8 mg orally 4 times a day.

Extended-release tablets: 4 to 8 mg orally every 8 hours. May increase to a maximum of 16 mg orally twice a day.

Metered-dose inhaler (non-HFA): 2 puffs (180 mcg) every 4 to 6 hours. More frequent administration or a large number of inhalations is not recommended.

What other drugs will affect albuterol?

Before taking albuterol, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• a beta-blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), propranolol (Inderal), acebutolol (Sectral), bisoprolol (Zebeta), carteolol (Cartrol), carvedilol (Coreg), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), nadolol (Corgard), or pindolol (Visken);
• a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), amoxapine (Asendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Tofranil), or protriptyline (Vivactil);
• a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate);

• another oral or inhaled bronchodilator; or

• caffeine, diet pills, or decongestants.

You may not be able to take albuterol, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medications listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with albuterol or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about albuterol written for health professionals that you may read.