Albuterol nebulizer
albuterol neb solution
Pronunciation: al-BYOO-ter-ol
“Albert, all Ventilated”
Bananas dispersing → ↓ serum potassium
What it isInhaled beta-2 agonist solution producing rapid bronchodilation; acute asthma or COPD bronchospasm.
Why this oneNebulization delivers rescue treatment during severe obstruction or when coordination makes a handheld inhaler impractical.
What limits itTremor, tachycardia and hypokalemia increase with repeated treatments. Escalating need signals uncontrolled or life-threatening disease.
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Relief of bronchospasm in asthma (reversible obstructive airway disease) | Peds 2–12 yr | 1.25 mg or 0.63 mg TID–QID PRN via nebulizer | QID; more frequent dosing not recommended |
Renal Undefined
Hepatic Undefined
More frequent administration than QID not recommended
Instructions
- Use entire contents of one 3 mL unit-dose vial via jet nebulizer over 5–15 min
- Patients 6–12 yr with more severe asthma (FEV1 <60%), >40 kg, or 11–12 yr may respond better to 1.25 mg
Available strengths
- sol 0.021, 0.042, 0.083, 0.5 %
- sol 2 mg/5 mL
- tab 2, 4 mg
- powder 0.09 mg/inh
- inhaler 90 mcg/inh
Cautions
- Paradoxical bronchospasm
- Cardiovascular effects
- Metabolic acidosis (postmarketing)
Adverse reactions
- Asthma exacerbation
- Otitis media
- Allergic reaction, urticaria
- Nausea
- Flu syndrome, cold symptoms
Pregnancy Undefined
Lactation Undefined
Cost
| Strength | #/mo | generic $/unit | CostPlus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.021 % | sol | per unit | not offered | |
| 0.042 % | sol | per unit | not offered | |
| 0.083 % | sol | per unit | not offered | |
| 0.5 % | sol | per unit | not offered | |
| 2 mg/5 mL | sol | per unit | $0.03/mL | offered |
Other forms: Albuterol (VENTOLIN)
Available combined with: albuterol / ipratropium · albuterol / ipratropium / inhaler
NO BOXED WARNINGS
Principal riskTachycardia and hypokalemia at high doses
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Legacy pregnancy categoryC
Defining liabilityTremor, tachycardia or anticholinergic effects; excessive beta-agonist exposure can cause hypokalemia and arrhythmia.
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