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Please note the max amount of rescue inhalers a UK pharmacy can dispense is 6 every 6 months. Even using this much is discouraged and a sign of poorly controlled asthma. If you are using this many inhalers, you should be also using a preventer inhaler such as Clenil. 

Albuterol (also known as salbutamol) has been widely used around the world since the 1960s as a treatment for bronchospasm, most notably in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The medication is typically used as a "rescue" treatment, meaning it provides rapid relief of bronchospasm symptoms (difficulty breathing). It does little to manage symptoms of asthma or COPD long-term.

The product has been available under a number of names over the several decades of its use, including Proventil, ProAir and Ventolin, among others. It is also widely available as a generic.

Albuterol Options

This medication can be administered in a variety of ways:

• By nebulizer
• Intravenously
• By tablet
• By aerosol inhaler

Intravenous use is usually reserved for emergencies in hospital settings. Tablet availability depends largely on location; albuterol tablets are virtually unheard of in some parts of the world and do not provide relief as quickly as other forms of delivery. The vast majority of albuterol use is through inhaler or nebulizer, both of which are widely available in most areas.

Nebulized albuterol is not as convenient as using an inhaler, as it requires a nebulizer, a power source, and doses are difficult to meter. However, many patients find it considerably more effective than inhalers, particularly those who react poorly to the HFA propellent used in inhalers where the standard CFC propellent has been banned.

Likewise some individuals find greater relief when the medication is combined with other, similar treatments, such as the iprotropium/albuterol mix found in Combivent Inhalers. Nebulized epinephrine is also an option for those who find albuterol ineffective.

Breathing Easier with Albuterol

Whether using inhalers or nebulizers, albuterol is taken as-needed every 3 to 4 hours:

• Take 1 or 2 puffs of inhaler or several deep breaths of nebulizer (or a doctor recommended amount).
• Try to relax and breathe slowly and calmly.
• Breathing should improve considerably in 5 to 20 minutes.
• If breathing does not improve, or worsens, seek emergency medical care.
• Using more than the recommended amount of the medication increases risk of side effects.

If treatment is not working and rapid medical care is unavailable, administering epinephrine, either in inhaler, nebulizer, or Epi-Pen form will also rapidly improve breathing. Medical treatment should still sought after using an Epi-Pen even if symptoms improve.

Side Effects & Warnings

Many patients find this medication makes them rather jittery, with relatively mild symptoms such as:

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

More rarely patients experience rapid or uneven heart beat, extreme weakness or dizziness, and may even lose consciousness. These symptoms require medical attention.

Individuals can react quite differently to treatment; for instance, some may experience a rapid drop in blood pressure, others may experience a rapid rise, and others may experience no change at all. It is worth checking with a doctor if any unusual symptoms are noticed while using this medication.

There is some evidence that this medication can diminish levels of potassium in the body, at least in some individuals. Low levels of potassium can cause anything from muscle cramps to cardiac arrhythmia. Increasing potassium intake, such as by eating bananas, may help manage symptoms; but because the consequences are potentially severe any such symptoms should be checked out by a physician.

Certain other medications may interfere with the treatment's 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.

Ships from the UK with tracking.

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.

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.

Ships from the UK with tracking.

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.