Salbutamol is the name for Albuterol outside the USA.

Albuterol Tablets (called salbutamol tablets outside of the USA) offer tablet alternative to the inhaler or nebulizer formulations that most albuterol products come in. Though similar in many ways, these products are a little different.

The most important thing to know about Albuterol Tablets is that they should not replace a rescue inhaler; tablets, though effective, do not work as quickly as inhalers---it can take upwards of 30 minutes for full effects to be felt, which is an eternity for a patient who can't breathe. A rescue inhaler should always be available for any patient with asthma or COPD.

Rescue inhalers, though they work very quickly, generally don't last as long as tablet versions. Effects of Albuterol Tablets will be noticeable for 6 to 8 hours after a dose is taken.

Finally, there is a difference in potency. Inhalers deliver the medication directly to the lungs where it is needed; relatively little travels systemically through the body. Albuterol Tablets are delivered systemically, and so side effects may be more noticeable/more pronounced.

In other words, Albuterol Tablets are good at preventing symptoms from developing or managing mild symptoms, though they can be used to help with an ongoing attack. Rescue inhalers are good at alleviating an ongoing attack, though they are sometimes used to prevent symptoms or manage mild symptoms.

The use of maintenance inhalers along with Albuterol Tablets depends largely on what's in the maintenance inhaler; most are combinations of an inhaled steroid and a bronchodilator, like albuterol, and some even contain albuterol. Using a rescue inhaler, tablets, and a maintenance inhaler that all contain albuterol can put a patient at risk of overdose, which, though very unlikely, can be fatal.

Treatment Overview

Most patients with asthma or COPD quickly become skilled at managing their symptoms. Below are some general use guidelines, but as long as the maximum doses are not exceeded Albuterol Tablets can be used in whatever manner works best for an individual.

Tablets can be taken by all ages, provided the patient is able to swallow tablets. Patients under age 12 are usually given lower doses; over age 12 can take adult doses. Food is optional with each dose, but taking with food may alleviate some side effects.

Use largely depends on intended results, and ranges from daily to as-needed.

To help with a current attack:

• Take a tablet at the earliest symptoms.
• Additional tablets may be taken, if needed, every 6 hours.

To prevent an attack:

• Take a tablet about 2 hours prior to exposure to triggers.
• Additional tablets may be taken every 6 hours as needed.

To alleviate chronic symptoms use is often daily. Maximum use guidelines for patients age 12 and up are:

• Start with 4 mg taken three or four times per day at evenly-spaced intervals.
• If 4 mg doses do not fully alleviate symptoms, dosage may increase to 8 mg taken four times per day at evenly-spaced intervals.
• Do not exceed 32 mg (8 mg taken four times) per day.
• Do not take more than 8 mg in a single dose.

And for those under age 12:

• Start with 2 mg taken three or four times per day at evenly-spaced intervals.
• Dosage may be increased to 6 mg taken four times per day if needed.
• Do not administer more than 24 mg (6 mg taken four times) per day.
• Do not administer more than 6 mg in a single dose.

Most patients will not need to take the maximum dose, and most patients don't take Albuterol Tablets every day for the long-term. If nearing maximum dosage and also using an albuterol rescue inhaler, patients should start paying attention to just how much albuterol is being consumed.

Albuterol Overdose

Overdosing on albuterol is extremely unlikely to happen in normal circumstances even with both tablet and rescue inhaler use. However, it can become an issue during severe or ongoing attacks, when patients have taken tablets and are also using the rescue inhaler excessively. In this scenario, when obviously neither tablets nor rescue inhalers are providing sufficient relief, seeking medical attention is the best option.

Sometimes medical attention isn't an option, though. Unfortunately the more common side effects of albuterol, the stress on the body during a severe or ongoing attack, and overdose warning signs are very similar, often differing only in severity. Both side effects and overdose symptoms include:

• Nervousness
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Tremor/shaking
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Dizziness
• Chest pain
• Rapid or erratic heartbeat
• Pain in throat
• Pain in the arms or shoulders

Those reluctant to seek medical attention even for severe attacks should definitely do so if experiencing any of the above severely or multiple of the above.