The Navigation Model of Therapy: Why Awareness Changes Everything
November 16, 2025
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Brand Name :
Ventolin HFA, Proventil HFA, ProAir Digihaler, ProAir RespiClick, ProAir HFA [DSC]
Synonyms :
albuterol, Salbutamol, Salbutamolum
Class :
Adrenergic bronchodilators, Beta2 Agonist
Brand Name :
Ventolin HFA, Proventil HFA, ProAir Digihaler, ProAir RespiClick, ProAir HFA [DSC]
Synonyms :
albuterol, Salbutamol, Salbutamolum
Class :
Adrenergic bronchodilators, Beta2 Agonist
Dosage Forms & StrengthsÂ
Aerosol metered dose inhalerÂ
90 mcg (base)/actuation (equivalent to 108 mcg albuterol sulfate)Â Â
Powder metered dose albuterol inhalerÂ
90 mcg (base)/actuation (equivalent to 108 mcg albuterol sulfate); ProAir RespiClickÂ
TabletÂ
2 mgÂ
4 mgÂ
Tablet, extended releaseÂ
4 mgÂ
8 mgÂ
Nebulizer solutionÂ
0.083%Â
0.5%Â
1.25 mg/3 mLÂ
0.63 mg/3 mLÂ Â
SyrupÂ
2 mg/5 mLÂ
When nebulizer solution is prescribed, the recommended dose is 2.5 mg per day, 2 or 3 times as needed. For quick relief, a 1.25-5 mg dose is given with a time interval of 4 to 8 hours as required
In the case of an Aerosol metered dose inhaler, the dose is 180 mcg, which is equivalent to 2 puffs of inhalation orally with a time interval of 4 or 8 hours, which should not cross the limit of 12 inhalations in a day
In the case of a powdered dose inhaler, the dose is 180 mcg, which is equivalent to 2 puffs of inhalation orally with a time interval of 4 or 8 hours, which should not cross the limit of 12 inhalations in a day. One inhalation that is 90 mcg with a time interval of 4 hours is sufficient in a few patients
When oral tablets are prescribed, the dose is 2-4 mg 2 times a day, and few patients are relieved with 4 mg twice a day. Limit is 32 mg per day
The extended-release tablet dose is 8 mg via oral administration twice a day, whereas 4 mg twice a day is sufficient in a few patients
Dose Adjustments
Limited data is available
Dosage Forms & StrengthsÂ
Aerosol metered dose inhalerÂ
90 mcg (base)/actuation (equivalent to 108 mcg albuterol sulfate)Â
Powder metered dose albuterol inhalerÂ
90 mcg (base)/actuation (equivalent to 108 mcg albuterol sulfate); ProAir RespiClickÂ
TabletÂ
2 mgÂ
4 mg Â
Tablet, extended releaseÂ
4 mgÂ
8 mg Â
Nebulizer solutionÂ
0.083%Â
0.5%Â
1.25 mg/3 mLÂ
0.63 mg/3 mLÂ Â
In Children with asthma who are below 4 with asthma, safety and efficacy is not established.Â
In children with asthma who are four and above, the dose is 90-180 mcg, which is 1-2 puffs that is inhaled orally every 4 or 6 hours
Powdered metered dose inhaler use should be 180 mcg, which is two puffs inhaled orally every 4 or 6 hours. The limit is 12 inhalations per day. A few patients are relieved with one inhalation that is 90 mcg for every 4 hours
Nebulizer solution is used in children who are between 2 and 12 with a weight below 15 kg, and the dose is 2.5 mg/0.5 mL, that is, 0.5% solution for every 6 or 8 hours. The limit is 10 mg, which is four vials per day
Nebulizer solution is used in children who are between 2 and 12 with a weight above 15 kg, and the dose is 2.5 mg/3 mL every 6 or 8 hours via oral inhalation. Limit is 10 mg per day
Nebulizer solution is used in children who are above 12, and the dose is 2.5 mg, that is, one vial for every 6 or 8 hours via oral inhalation. Limit is 10 mg per day
The delivery flow rate is adjusted every 5 to 15 minutes
When AccuNeb is prescribed in children who are between 2 and 12, the dose is one vial that is 1.25 or 0.63 mg/vial for every 6 or 8 hours via oral inhalation with a nebulizer for the duration of 5 to 15 minutes. Limit is 5 mg per day
When tablets are prescribed in children who are over six years old, the dose is 0.3-0.6 mg/kg per day via oral administration divided three times a day. Limit is 12 mg per day
In children between 6 and 12, oral administration of albuterol tablets with a dose of 2 mg every 6 or 8 hours can be raised slowly to 24 mg per day or more in divided doses
2-4 mg tablets via oral administration in children who are above 12 for every 6 or 8 hours. Limit is 32 mg per day
Dose of 4 mg extended-release tablet via oral administration in children between 6 and 12 years twice a day. Limit is 24 mg per day
Dose of 2 -4 mg oral extended-release tablet for every 6 or 8 hours in children who are above 14 years. Limit is 32 mg per day
In children who are between 2 and 6 years old, the dose is 0.1 mg/kg via oral administration for every 8 hours when initiated, with a limit of 2 mg/kg for every eight hours. If required, it may raised to 0.2 mg/kg for every 8 hours with a limit of 4 mg, which is 10 mL for every 8 hours
In children between 6 and 14 years, the dose is 2 mg, that is, 5 mL via oral administration for every 6 or 8 hours, which is raised slowly to 24 mg per day or more in divided doses
In children above 14, the dose is 2-4 mg via oral administration every 6 or 8 hours with a limit of 32 mg per day
In the management of exercise-induced bronchospasm, an aerosol or powder metered dose inhaler with 180 mcg dose, which is two puffs, is inhaled half an hour before exercise
Refer to the adult dosingÂ
Beta-Blockers decrease the effect of bronchiodilation of Beta2-Agonists
Beta-Blockers decrease the effect of bronchiodilation of Beta2-Agonists
Beta-Blockers decrease the effect of bronchiodilation of Beta2-Agonists
Beta-Blockers decrease the effect of bronchiodilation of Beta2-Agonists
Beta-Blockers decrease the effect of bronchiodilation of Beta2-Agonists
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with methacholine
May increase the adverse effect when combined
may increase the adverse effect of other beta2-agonists
may increase the adverse effect of other beta2-agonists
may increase the adverse effect of other beta2-agonists
may increase the adverse effect of other beta2-agonists
may increase the adverse effect of other beta2-agonists
may have an increasingly adverse effect when combined with other beta2-agonists
may have an increasingly adverse effect when combined with other beta2-agonists
may have an increasingly adverse effect when combined with other beta2-agonists
may decrease the therapeutic effect of immunosuppressants
may decrease the therapeutic effect of immunosuppressants
may decrease the therapeutic effect of immunosuppressants
may decrease the therapeutic effect of immunosuppressants
may decrease the therapeutic effect of immunosuppressants
may increase the adverse effect of other beta2-agonists
may increase the adverse effect of other beta2-agonists
may decrease the bronchodilatory effect of beta2-agonists
may decrease the bronchodilatory effect of beta2-agonists
may decrease the bronchodilatory effect of beta2-agonists
may increase the adverse effect of other beta2-agonists
may increase the adverse effect of other beta2-agonists
may increase the adverse effect of other beta2-agonists
when used together, azithromycin and albuterol both increase the QTc interval
may increase the adverse effect of other beta2-agonists
may increase the adverse effect of other beta2-agonists
may increase the adverse effect of other beta2-agonists
may increase the adverse effect of other beta2-agonists
may increase the adverse effect of other beta2-agonists
may decrease the bronchodilatory effect of beta2-agonists
may decrease the bronchodilatory effect of beta2-agonists
may increase the toxic effect of beta2 agonists
may decrease the bronchodilatory effect
may increase the toxic effect of beta2 agonists
may increase the toxic effect of beta2 agonists
may decrease the bronchodilatory effect of beta blockers
It may enhance QTc interval when combined with pentamidine
may decrease the bronchodilatory effect when combined with beta2-agonists
may decrease the bronchodilatory effect when combined with beta2-agonists
may decrease the bronchodilatory effect when combined with beta2-agonists
may decrease the bronchodilatory effect when combined with beta2-agonists
may decrease the bronchodilatory effect when combined with beta2-agonists
may have an increasingly adverse effect when combined with other beta2-agonists
may have an increasingly adverse effect when combined with other beta2-agonists
may have an increasingly adverse effect when combined with other beta2-agonists
may decrease the therapeutic effect of each other when combined
may decrease the bronchodilatory effect when combined with beta2-agonists
may decrease the bronchodilatory effect when combined with beta2-agonists
may decrease the bronchodilatory effect when combined with beta2-agonists
may increase the adverse effect of other beta2-agonists
may increase the adverse effect of other beta2-agonists
beta2 agonist bronchodilation may be reduced with beta2 blockers
may decrease the bronchodilatory effect when combined with Beta2-Agonists
may decrease the bronchodilatory effect when combined with Beta2-Agonists
may decrease the bronchodilatory effect when combined with Beta2-Agonists
may increase the adverse effect of other beta2-agonists
may increase the adverse effect of other beta2-agonists
may increase the adverse effect of other beta2-agonists
may decrease the bronchodilatory effect of beta-blockers
may decrease the bronchodilatory effect of beta-blockers
may increase the adverse effect of monoamine oxidase inhibitors
may increase the adverse effect of monoamine oxidase inhibitors
may increase the adverse effect of monoamine oxidase inhibitors
may increase the adverse effect of monoamine oxidase inhibitors
may increase the adverse effect of monoamine oxidase inhibitors
may reduce the bronchodilatory effect
may reduce the bronchodilatory effect
may reduce the bronchodilatory effect
may reduce the bronchodilatory effect
may reduce the bronchodilatory effect
may reduce the bronchodilatory effect
may reduce the bronchodilatory effect
may have an increased hypokalemic effect when combined with loop diuretics
may have an increased hypokalemic effect when combined with loop diuretics
may have an increased hypokalemic effect when combined with loop diuretics
It may enhance QTc interval when combined with lithium
Beta2-Agonists: they mayincrease the hypokalemic effect when combined with thiazides
Beta2-Agonists: they mayincrease the hypokalemic effect when combined with thiazides
Beta2-Agonists: they mayincrease the hypokalemic effect when combined with thiazides
Beta2-Agonists: they mayincrease the hypokalemic effect when combined with thiazides
It may enhance QTc interval when combined with efavirenz
It may enhance the risk of adverse effects when combined with Respiratory tract infections
may increase the adverse effect of monoamine oxidase inhibitors
may increase the adverse effect of monoamine oxidase inhibitors
may increase the adverse effect of monoamine oxidase inhibitors
may increase the adverse effect of monoamine oxidase inhibitors
may increase the adverse effect of monoamine oxidase inhibitors
may increase the hypokalemic effect of thiazide diuretics
may increase the hypokalemic effect of thiazide diuretics
may decrease the bronchodilatory effect of beta-blockers
may decrease the bronchodilatory effect of beta-blockers
spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide
may increase the hypokalemic effect when combined with diuretics
may increase the hypokalemic effect when combined with diuretics
may increase the hypokalemic effect when combined with diuretics
may increase the hypokalemic effect when combined with diuretics
may increase the hypokalemic effect when combined with diuretics
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of QTC prolongation  
QTc intervals are increased both by lenvatinib and albuterol.
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increase in qtc interval  
when both drugs are combined, both increase the QTC interval  
when both drugs are combined, both increase the QTC interval   
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased QTC interval  
both lapatinib and albuterol increase the QTc interval
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of QTC prolongation
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased QTC interval  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of QTC prolongation  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased QTC interval  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased QTc interval 
when used together, entrectinib and albuterol both increase the QTc interval
when used together, encorafenib and albuterol both increase the QTc interval
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increase in the QTC interval
osimertinib and albuterol, when used simultaneously, increase the QTc interval
may decrease the levels of serum potassium
glycopyrrolate inhaled and formoterolÂ
it enhances the serum potassium levels
may increase the tachycardic effect of atomoxetine
may increase the hypokalemic effect of beta2-agonists
may increase the hypokalemic effect of beta2-agonists
may increase the hypokalemic effect of beta2-agonists
may decrease the bronchodilatory effect of beta blockers
lisinopril/hydrochlorothiazideÂ
may increase the hypokalemic effect of blood pressure-lowering agents
eprosartan/hydrochlorothiazideÂ
may increase the toxic effect of thiazide and thiazide like diuretics
moexipril/hydrochlorothiazideÂ
may increase the hypokalaemia effect of thiazide and thiazide like diuretics
may have an increasingly adverse effect when combined with atosiban
may have an increasingly adverse effect when combined with beta2-agonists
may have an increasingly adverse effect when combined with beta2-agonists
may have an increasingly adverse effect when combined with beta2-agonists
may have an increasingly adverse effect when combined with beta2-agonists
may have an increasingly adverse effect when combined with beta2-agonists
may have an increasingly adverse effect when combined with beta2-agonists
theophylline derivatives: they may increase the toxic effect of Beta2-Agonists
tricyclic antidepressants: they may increase the toxic effect of Beta2-Agonists
tricyclic antidepressants: they may increase the toxic effect of Beta2-Agonists
tricyclic antidepressants: they may increase the toxic effect of Beta2-Agonists
may have an increasingly adverse effect when combined with beta2-agonists
It may enhance the risk of adverse effects when combined with Decongestants
It may enhance the risk of adverse effects when combined with peptide analogs
It may enhance the risk of adverse effects when combined with peptide analogs
It may enhance the risk of adverse effects when combined with peptide analogs
hypokalemic effects of thiazide-like derivatives can be increased with beta2 agonists
hypokalemic effects of thiazide-like derivatives can be increased with beta2 agonists
hypokalemic effects of thiazide-like derivatives can be increased with beta2 agonists
hypokalemic effects of thiazide-like derivatives can be increased with beta2 agonists
abiraterone acetate and niraparibÂ
may decrease the therapeutic effect of immunosuppressive Agents
Actions and Spectrum:Â
Actions:Â
albuterol shows its action by relaxing smooth muscles of bronchioles with a minor effect on heart rate because it is a beta 2 adrenergic receptor agonist.Â
Spectrum:Â
The spectrum of albuterol can be seen in the management of conditions such as Asthma, COPD, Bronchospasm severe and mild, hyperkalemia, and other obstructive airway diseases.Â
Frequency defined Â
>10%Â
Rhinitis (5-16%)Â
Tremor (5-38%)Â
Excitement (2-20%)Â
Pharyngitis (14%)Â
Nervousness (4-15%)Â
Exacerbation of asthma (11-13%)Â
Bronchospasm (8-15%)Â
Upper RTI (5-21%)Â Â
1-10%Â
Fever (5-6%)Â
Cough (3%)Â
Tinnitus (3%)Â
Wheezing (1-2%)Â
Viral upper RTI (7%)Â
Edema (3%)Â
Bronchitis (2%)Â
Dyspnea (3%)Â
Laryngitis (3%)Â
Flu-like symptoms (3%)Â
Epistaxis (1%)Â
Sinus headache (1%)Â
Pulmonary disease (3%)Â
Throat infection (7%)Â
Increased bronchial secretions (2%)Â
Oropharyngeal edema (3%)Â
Nasopharyngitis (5%)Â
Oropharyngeal pain (5%)Â
Chest pain (3%)Â
Tachycardia (1-7%)Â
Hypertension (1-3%)Â
Urticaria (2%)Â
DM (3%)Â
Diarrhea (3%)Â
Anorexia (1%)Â
Pallor (1%)Â
Diaphoresis (3%)Â
Skin rash (3%)Â
Increased serum glucose (10%)Â
Vomiting (3-7%)Â
Nausea (2-10%)Â
Flatulence (3%)Â
Gastroenteritis (3%)Â
Viral gastro enteritis (1-3 %)Â
Xerostomia (3%)Â
Glossitis (3%)Â
Increased appetite (3%)Â
Hypersensitivity (3-6%)Â
Lymphadenopathy (3%)Â
Reduced WBC count (4%)Â
UTI (3%)Â
Reduced Hb (7%)Â
Reduced hematocrit (7%)Â
Cold (3%)Â
Increased serum aspartate aminotransferase (4%)Â
Increased serum alanine aminotransferase (5%)Â
Infection (3%)Â
Application site reaction (6%)Â
Conjunctivitis (1%)Â
Anxiety (3%)Â
Depression (3%)Â
Headache (3-7%)Â
Drowsiness (3%)Â
Depression (3%)Â
Ataxia (3%)Â
Fatigue (1%)Â
Insomnia (3%)Â
Malaise (2%)Â
Rigors (3%)Â
Shakiness (9%)Â
Migraine (2%)Â
Pain (2%)Â
Hyperactive behavior (2%)Â
Emotional liability (1%)Â
Muscle cramps (1-7%)Â
Musculoskeletal pain (3-5%)Â
Back pain (2-4%)Â
Lower limb cramp (3%)Â
Hyperkinetic muscle activity (4%)Â
Vertigo (3%)Â Â
<1%Â
MydriasisÂ
IrritabilityÂ
Muscle spasmÂ
Depression of ST segment on ECGÂ
Sleep disturbanceÂ
Epigastric painÂ
AstheniaÂ
Stomach painÂ
Contraindication/Caution:Â
ContraindicationsÂ
CautionsÂ
Pregnancy consideration:Â Â
No data is available regarding the administration of the drug during pregnancy.Â
Breastfeeding warnings:Â Â
No data is available regarding the excretion of drug in breast milk.Â
Pregnancy category:Â
Category A: well-controlled and satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester.Â
Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.Â
Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.   Â
Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.   Â
Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.   Â
Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category.Â
Pharmacology:Â
albuterol shows its action by relaxing smooth muscles of bronchioles with a minor effect on heart rate because it is a beta 2 adrenergic receptor agonist. Â
Pharmacodynamics:Â
Bronchodilation by albuterol by stimulating beta 1 and 2 receptors.Â
Pharmacokinetics:Â
AbsorptionÂ
Inhaler onset of action is 25 min; for nebulization, it is 0.5-2 hours, and for tablets, it is 2-3 hours.Â
The time to achieve peak effect is 2-5 hours for inhalation and 2-2.5 hours for tablets.Â
DistributionÂ
Protein-bound is 10%Â
MetabolismÂ
It is metabolized in the liver.Â
Elimination and ExcretionÂ
The half-life is 3-8 hours for inhalation and 3.7-5 hours for tablets.Â
The drug is excreted in urine.Â
Administration:Â
Metered dose inhalers must be shaken well before use. If unused for more than two weeks, 3-4 test sprays must be released
The nebulization solution must be diluted before use, and the flow rate of delivery for the nebulizer
Breathing out fully via the mouth, holding its upright position and closing lips around it while depressing the top of the metal canister using the index finger
Tablets must not be crushed or chewed
In infants and children below four, a face mask-metered dose inhaler or nebulizer is recommendedÂ
Patient information leafletÂ
Generic Name: albuterolÂ
Pronounced: al-BYOO-ter-olÂ
Why do we use albuterol?Â
albuterol can be seen in the management of conditions such as Asthma, COPD, Bronchospasm severe and mild, hyperkalemia, and other obstructive airway diseases.Â
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