Albuterol 0.083%(2.5mg/3ml) 25x3ml
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To use this medication safely and effectively, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. This medication is for inhalation only, using a special machine called a nebulizer, which delivers the liquid solution directly into your lungs.
Important Administration Instructions
Do not use the solution if it appears cloudy, is leaking, or contains particles.
Do not use the solution if it has changed color.
Never mix other medications in the nebulizer with this solution.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store the medication at room temperature, protected from light.
Keep the medication in a dry place, avoiding storage in a bathroom.
Store unused containers in their original foil pouch until you are ready to use them.
Check the packaging for information on how long the vials can be stored after the pouch has been opened.
Keep all medications in a safe location, out of the reach of children and pets.
Missing a Dose
If you take this medication on a regular schedule, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses. If you use this medication as needed, do not use it more frequently than directed by your doctor.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Always carry your albuterol with you, as it is a rescue medication for sudden breathing problems.
- Use albuterol only as directed by your doctor. Do not use it more often than prescribed, as overuse can lead to serious side effects and may indicate your asthma is not well-controlled.
- If you find yourself needing albuterol more frequently, contact your doctor. This is a sign that your underlying condition may be worsening and your maintenance therapy needs adjustment.
- Learn proper nebulizer technique to ensure effective delivery of the medication.
- Avoid triggers that worsen your breathing problems (e.g., allergens, smoke, cold air).
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
- Albuterol 2mg Tablets
- Albuterol 4mg Tablets
- Albuterol 0.5% Conc(2.5mg/0.5ml)
- Albuterol 0.021%(0.63mg/3ml) 30x3ml
- Albuterol 0.083%(2.5mg/3ml) 25x3ml
- Albuterol 0.083%(2.5mg/3ml) Inh Sol
- Albuterol 0.083%(2.5mg/3ml) 30x3ml
- Albuterol Sulfate 2mg Tablets
- Albuterol Sulfate 4mg Tablets
- Albuterol HFA Inh (200 Puffs) 18gm
- Albuterol HFA Inh (200 Puffs) 8.5gm
- Albuterol Sulfate Syrup (2mg/5ml)
- Albuterol Sulfate 2mg Tablets
- Albuterol Sulfate 4mg Tablets
- Albuterol HFA Inh (200 Puffs) 6.7gm
- Albuterol 0.083%(2.5mg/3ml) Inh Sol
- Albuterol 0.021%(0.63mg/3ml) 25x3ml
- Albuterol 0.042%(1.25mg/3ml) 25x3ml
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of high blood pressure, including:
+ Severe headache
+ Dizziness
+ Fainting
+ Changes in eyesight
Signs of low potassium levels, such as:
+ Muscle pain or weakness
+ Muscle cramps
+ Abnormal heartbeat
Chest pain or pressure
Fast or abnormal heartbeat
Severe breathing problems, which can be life-threatening, especially when using an inhaler or liquid for breathing in. This may occur shortly after taking a dose or when using a new canister or vial of this medication. If you experience trouble breathing, worsening breathing, wheezing, or coughing, seek medical help immediately.
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor:
Feeling nervous and excitable
Dizziness or headache
Upset stomach or vomiting
Shakiness
Throat irritation
Runny nose
This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Worsening shortness of breath or wheezing after using albuterol
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Severe or persistent palpitations (fast or pounding heartbeat)
- Severe tremor or nervousness
- Signs of an allergic reaction (rash, hives, swelling of face/lips/tongue, difficulty breathing/swallowing)
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, any of its components, or other drugs, foods, or substances. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
If you are currently taking another medication similar to this one. If you are unsure, consult your doctor or pharmacist for clarification.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all potential interactions with this medication. To ensure your safety, it is crucial to discuss the following with your doctor and pharmacist:
All prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking
Any natural products or vitamins you are using
* Any existing health problems you have
Before starting, stopping, or changing the dose of any medication, including this one, you must consult with your doctor to confirm that it is safe to do so in conjunction with your other medications and health conditions.
Precautions & Cautions
If you find that your usual dose is not providing adequate relief, your symptoms are worsening, or you need to use this medication more frequently than prescribed, notify your doctor right away.
If you have diabetes (high blood sugar), it is crucial to closely monitor your blood sugar levels while taking this medication.
Before taking this medication, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. Your doctor will discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby, allowing you to make an informed decision.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Tachycardia (fast heart rate)
- Palpitations
- Tremor
- Nervousness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Hypokalemia (low potassium)
- Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
- Metabolic acidosis
What to Do:
Seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or your local emergency number. For poison control, call 1-800-222-1222. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic, often involving monitoring vital signs, ECG, and serum potassium levels.
Drug Interactions
Major Interactions
- Beta-blockers (e.g., Propranolol, Carvedilol): May block the bronchodilatory effect of albuterol and produce severe bronchospasm, especially in patients with asthma. Concurrent use is generally contraindicated.
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) and Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs): May potentiate the cardiovascular effects of albuterol (e.g., increased heart rate, blood pressure). Use with extreme caution or avoid within 14 days of MAOI/TCA discontinuation.
Moderate Interactions
- Diuretics (e.g., Thiazide diuretics, Loop diuretics): May potentiate the hypokalemic effect of albuterol, especially at high doses. Monitor potassium levels.
- Digoxin: Albuterol may decrease serum digoxin levels. Monitor digoxin levels.
- Other sympathomimetics (e.g., Epinephrine, Pseudoephedrine): Additive cardiovascular effects. Use with caution.
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To establish baseline lung function and assess severity of airway obstruction.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy, especially for new asthma/COPD diagnosis.
Rationale: Albuterol can cause cardiovascular effects (tachycardia, palpitations, hypertension).
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Each visit or as part of patient self-monitoring
Target: As needed, typically not more than 2 days a week for symptom control (excluding exercise-induced bronchospasm)
Action Threshold: Increased frequency (e.g., daily use, >2 times/week) indicates worsening asthma control and need for reassessment of maintenance therapy.
Frequency: Each visit, patient self-assessment daily
Target: Minimal or no symptoms
Action Threshold: Persistent or worsening symptoms despite regular use of albuterol indicates inadequate control.
Frequency: Periodically, especially if patient reports palpitations or tremor
Target: Within normal limits for patient
Action Threshold: Persistent tachycardia (>100 bpm) or significant hypertension.
Frequency: As clinically indicated
Target: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L
Action Threshold: Hypokalemia (<3.5 mEq/L).
Symptom Monitoring
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- Chest tightness
- Cough
- Palpitations
- Tremor
- Nervousness
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Albuterol should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. While animal studies have shown some adverse effects, human data are limited. It is often considered a necessary medication for acute asthma exacerbations during pregnancy.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Albuterol is excreted into human milk, but at low levels. The amount ingested by the infant is likely to be small and unlikely to cause adverse effects. Generally considered compatible with breastfeeding.
Pediatric Use
Albuterol inhalation solution is widely used and effective in children aged 2 years and older for the treatment of bronchospasm. Dosing is weight-based or age-based. For children under 2 years, use is off-label and requires careful consideration and supervision by a specialist.
Geriatric Use
Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of sympathomimetic amines, particularly cardiovascular effects (e.g., tachycardia, palpitations, hypertension). Use with caution, starting with the lowest effective dose and monitoring for adverse effects.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Albuterol is a 'rescue' medication for acute symptoms, not a maintenance therapy for daily control of asthma or COPD.
- Increased use of albuterol (e.g., needing it more than twice a week, or waking up at night due to symptoms) is a key indicator of worsening asthma control and necessitates a re-evaluation of the patient's long-term controller therapy.
- Educate patients on the difference between rescue inhalers (albuterol) and controller medications (e.g., inhaled corticosteroids).
- Proper nebulizer technique is crucial for effective drug delivery. Ensure patients understand how to use and clean their nebulizer.
- Patients should be advised to seek immediate medical attention if their symptoms worsen after using albuterol or if they experience severe side effects.
Alternative Therapies
- Levalbuterol (Xopenex): R-isomer of albuterol, may have fewer side effects (e.g., less tachycardia, tremor) in some patients.
- Other Short-Acting Beta2-Agonists (SABAs): e.g., Metaproterenol (less common).
- Anticholinergics (e.g., Ipratropium bromide): Can be used alone or in combination with albuterol for acute bronchospasm, particularly in COPD.
- Systemic Corticosteroids: For severe acute exacerbations.
- Long-Acting Beta2-Agonists (LABAs): Used for maintenance therapy, not acute relief (e.g., Salmeterol, Formoterol).
- Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS): Used for maintenance therapy to reduce inflammation (e.g., Fluticasone, Budesonide).