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Albuterol Nebules (albuterol, also salbuterol or salbutamol) are a bronchodilator used in both human and veterinary medicine. The medication is in a fluid designed for nebulization, meaning patients will need to have a nebulizer on hand to use it; it will work very poorly used in any other way. Albuterol Nebules are for use in patients aged 4 years old and up, though the dosage strength will vary to some extent in patients under age 12 and in smaller pets.

This product is most commonly used to treat asthma, though it is also used in COPD, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and other breathing ailments. It only stops immediate bronchospasm; it will not provide long-term benefit in any conditions.

What to Expect from Albuterol Nebules

The first step in starting treatment with Albuterol Nebules is acquiring a nebulizer; these range from around 20 dollars to several hundred, depending on quality. They range from battery-powered, handheld devices to large machines that require a supply of electricity to operate. In some areas a prescription is required to purchase a nebulizer. The choice ultimately depends on finances and personal preference.

Once you have a nebulizer you can get started. Each package of Albuterol Nebules contains a number of ampules, usually wrapped in packs of 5 in foil packaging. This is done because the medication is sensitive to light; once opened, the ampules should be used in 3 months.

Strength is difficult to generalize. The medication is available in 1.5, 2.5, 4, and 5 mg (see Ventolin Nebules if the strength needed is not on this page). As a general rule, if doctor instructions are not available, patients should start with 1.5 mg for patients age 4 to 11 and 2.5 mg for patients age 12 and up. Small pets may require even smaller doses; check with a veterinarian.

To use the ampules:

• Break a single ampule off from the other ampules it was packaged with.
• Twist the top of the ampule off to open it.
• Gently squeeze the fluid into the cup on the nebulizer.
• Inhale gently---depending on severity, it may take just a few inhalations or the whole ampule.
• Do not exceed one ampule in 4 hours.

Leaving excess fluid in the nebulizer depends on the type of nebulizer; some are designed to hold it indefinitely, while others---particularly smaller, handheld types---require cleaning after each use. If needed, the empty vial from which the medication was first expressed can be used to hold excess medicine; simply squeeze it, insert the tip in the fluid, and stop squeezing---it should suck up the extra medication. Medication stored in this manner should be used in the next day or two.

Important Precautions

Many patients find Albuterol Nebules makes them rather jittery, with relatively mild symptoms such as:

• Feeling anxious
• Flushing or hot flashes
• Muscle cramps
• Tremor or shaking
• Dry mouth
• Weakness or dizziness
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep

One thing patients should not do is use more than an entire ampule in 4 hours; doing so can lead to overdose, which may not be apparent until the medication is already taken. Overdose signs include:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Significant muscle tremor
• Significant increase in rate of breathing

Certain other medications may interfere with Albuterol Nebules' effectiveness; check with a doctor of pharmacist if unsure. Simultaneous use of any strong stimulants, such as other types of rescue inhalers, large doses of caffeine, or street drugs such as cocaine can considerably increase risk of serious side effects or overdose.

There is some evidence that Albuterol Nebules (or any albuterol product) use can cause blood pressure to raise or drop, and can interfere with potassium levels in the blood. Both of these conditions can be concerning and warrant attention by a doctor.

The effects of Albuterol Nebules on unborn or nursing babies is unclear; women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should use only as needed.