Salamol Steri Nebules (albuterol) contain fluid for nebulization, most commonly used to treat asthma or COPD, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It can be used in patients age 4 and up.

Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist, which inhibits the inflammation and constriction that impairs breathing, but it doesn't last more than 2 to 4 hours. Salamol Steri Nebules work very well at aborting an active attack, and can be used to help prevent an attack in the near future if exposure to triggers can be anticipated. Salamol Steri Nebules should not be used as a maintenance treatment; they will not reduce the overall frequency of attacks.

A drawback to using Salamol Steri Nebules is that patients will need to purchase a nebulizer separately. Depending on location and the availability of similar treatments, the rare investment into a nebulizer can save patients quite a lot of money overall as nebules are sometimes considerably less costly than inhalers.

Perhaps a more important consideration is how well the medication works. Salamol Steri Nebules---like any nebulized albuterol---generally work very well in all patients, often better than inhalers. Patients who find albuterol inhalers do little or nothing often find relief when the medication is nebulized. However, there are always exceptions---if Salamol Steri Nebules don't provide significant benefit, speak with a doctor about alternative options.

Product Description

Salamol Steri Nebules, like most nebulizer fluid, comes in small plastic vials, called nebules. Nebules are usually grouped together in lots of 5; each group of 5 nebules is covered in foil packaging to protect the medication from light. Most packages contain at least 4 groups of 5 nebules, for a total of 20 per package. Often multiple packages are also grouped, for a total of 40, 60, 80, or more nebules. There may be exceptions with generic products, but the above holds true for the majority.

Each individual nebule contains a small amount of nebulizer fluid. It is very difficult to quantify how much will be used, as this varies tremendously between patients; some will use the entire nebule contents, while others use just a few drops at a time. An entire nebule can be consumed every 4 hours if needed.

While patients can often save money buying larger amounts---not to mention peace of mind knowing there is a large stock of vital medication on hand---patients should be aware of expiration. Nebules left in their foil packaging are usually good for 1 year. Once the foil packaging has been opened, the product will be good for about 3 months if kept out of direct sunlight.

Fluid should be clear and particulate-free. If it's not, it should be discarded.

Determining Dosage

Albuterol nebules are available in 1.25, 1.5, 2.5, 4, and 5 mg strengths. A doctor will best determine which strength is right for a given patient. If doctor advice is not available, patients should:

• Choose 1.25 or 1.5 mg strengths for patients under age 12.
• Ages 12 and up should start with 2.5 mg strength.
• If 2.5 mg doesn't provide sufficient relief, 4 mg may be tried, and then 5 mg.
• The vast majority of patients find 2.5 mg sufficient.
• Do not exceed one nebule in 4 hours.

If the desired dosage strength isn't available on this page, try Ventolin Nebules or Albuterol Nebules.

Using Salamol Steri Nebules

Use is also difficult to summarize as it's highly variable. Most nebulizers have a cup that the nebulizer fluid goes in and a mouthpiece held to the mouth while the medication is inhaled. As mentioned above, dosage and amount of fluid used varies; patients should follow doctor instructions.

In most cases:

• Break a single nebule off from the other nebules it was packaged with.
• Twist the top of the nebule off to open it.
• Gently squeeze the fluid into the nebulizer cup.
• Position the face mask over the mouth.
• Inhale normally---depending on severity, it may take just a few inhalations or the whole nebule.
• Keep the face mask in place and continue breathing until treatment is complete.
• Do not exceed 1 nebule in 4 hours.

Salamol Steri Nebules should considerably improve breathing within 5 to 10 minutes of administration. If symptoms do not improve, or worsen, emergency medical attention should be sought.

Patients who don't use the entire contents of a nebule will have excess fluid remaining in the nebulizer. How to deal with this really depends on the nebulizer; it can be left in some, ready for the next use---provided it is used in the next day or two---while others will need to be emptied, to prevent the nebulizer from becoming clogged.

Certain handheld nebulizers are particularly prone to becoming clogged. If needed, the empty nebule 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. Again Salamol Steri Nebules medication stored in this manner should be used in the next day or two.