About Albuterol Sulfate Inhaler:
Albuterol inhaler is a rescue medication which aids users living with asthma breathe easily. Albuterol / Salbutamol inhaler also helps prevent asthma induced by workouts. This is a fast action medicine. Albuterol inhaler can help you recover from breathing problems in a shorter time.
This is a widely administered medication to those living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) like bronchitis, asthma or bronchial asthma. It can used on patients as young as 4 years onwards. However, it is not recommended to those aged below 4 years.
How Albuterol / Salbutamol Inhaler works?
Bronchospasms may occur when your airways are constricted. Narrowed passages may not supply ample air for easy breathing. Owing to this, people living with such conditions may wheeze or pant for breath. Albuterol / Salbutamol inhaler is essentially a bronchodilator. It works by easing up your muscles in airways. This action enables better flow of air into your lungs. It is considered a safe medication for treating bronchospasms.
Albuterol Inhaler dosage
Typical dosage for breathing difficulties is 2 oral puffs per 4 to 6 hours’ time. However, a few people may need one inhalation per 4 hours. In case of exercise-triggered bronchospasms, you may take 2 puffs 20 minutes prior to your workout session. This dosage helps prevent tight feeling in your chest as well as keeps breathing troubles at bay.
Children may take 3 to 4 puffs per day, depending on their breathing condition. Dosage frequency depends on your kids’ weight, age and severity of the problem. As an inhaler may be quite difficult to use, children may need to use a nebulizer. Younger patients may need the support of parents to properly use the albuterol hfa inhaler. In general, albuterol inhaler is never used onto children aged less than 4 years.
Albuterol Inhaler – Pros and Cons
Pros:
– Albuterol / Salbutamol inhaler is known for offering faster relief
– It can make you breathe easily in a very short period time
– There is no need to go for puffs on a regular basis
– You can keep it as an emergency medicine and use it whenever you witness breathing problems
– As albuterol is made in multiple formats, you can choose one that suits you best
– Albuterol inhaler can be used by almost all age groups i.e., from 4 to 60 years.
Cons:
– You may have to use albuterol inhaler 3 times per day. Albuterol inhaler max dose per day is not more than 4 times
– This is mainly because of its short-action nature
– Use of inhaler is not considered suitable for those living cardiac ailments like arrhythmia, high blood pressure, those who witnessed a recent heart arrest, etc
– Inhalers are not necessarily child-friendly
– Younger patients may need to depend on their parents for its proper use
– Albuterol is more likely to trigger a few adverse effects like rapid heartbeats
– This effect is more pronounced while using albuterol inhaler than other meds like say, levalbuterol, etc.
Directions for use
You are advised to follow the below-mentioned albuterol inhaler instructions properly.
– Ensure the cap is closed prior to every use
– While opening the cap, care to hold the inhaler erect and upright
– Before inhaling, exhale through the mouth. This action helps push the air from lungs as much as possible
– Now, keep the mouthpiece on your mouth and seal your lips around
– Inhale deeply to have a dose get inside your mouth
– You can now remove the Albuterol / Salbutamol inhaler
– Hold breath for 9 seconds. You may hold it for long if you can
– Never take an added dose if you do not taste or feel the medicine
Drug Interactions
Like other bronchodilators, albuterol inhaler also interacts with a few meds like- Beta blockers: drugs belonging to this genre are widely used for treating heart problems. Popular drugs in this genre are propranolol, labetalol, carvedilol, etc. The key function of these meds is to block beta receptor cells. This action promotes reduction of rate of heartbeat and decrease blood pressure.
On the other hand, albuterol activates these receptors located on the lungs. Such an activation is key to easing your lung muscles and to make breathing an easier task to do. Beta blocking drugs may trigger a counterproductive effect. In sum, efficacy of albuterol comes down if beta blockers are taken along with the inhaled med.
A few types of water pills: These pills are also called diuretics. They work to discharge excess amount of water with the support of kidneys. While doing it, it may lead to a loss of potassium salt. Albuterol is also known to reduce potassium from your body. So, when taking together, you tend to witness a condition called hypokalemia or low potassium level. You may witness a few signs like overall weakness, being tired, numbing of muscles, arrhythmia or abnormal heartbeats.
Antidepressants of the tricyclic genre: These drugs are commonly administered for treating anxieties as well as depression. Meds such as nortriptyline, amitriptyline, doxepin, etc. belong to this genre. You need to bear in mind that these antidepressants may prolong the QT cycle. As albuterol also is capable of prolonging QT cycles, you may witness unusual changes in blood pressure and rate of heartbeats.
Drugs of the Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) genre: Meds of this genre are considered to belong to an older generation of antidepressants. Drugs like phenelzine, selegiline, etc. are leading examples here. These drugs are capable of promoting changes in heartbeats and pressure levels. Together with albuterol, it can cause drastic changes to your heartrate and pressures.
It is a safe practice to tell your doctor about your current medication plans. Better still, make a list of all meds you are taking now. As you make a list, care to include over the counter drugs, prescription meds, herbal supplements, dietary aids, supplements of proteins or minerals. Also, if any changes are made to your treatment plans, inform your caregiving team on a top priority basis.
Storage Instructions:
You are advised to keep albuterol inhaler at normal temperature. It is not a good practice to store it inside toilets. The humidity and moisture content there can reduce the efficacy of albuterol inhaler. It is equally important to keep it far away from pets as well as children.
It is highly recommended to keep the pouch till the inhaler is ready to use. Once you have removed the foil, discard albuterol inhaler after lapse of 12 months. You will need to discard it even the pack contains some medication in it.
While discarding albuterol inhaler, never flush them in your toilet. Pouring them in a drain is also not considered a safe thing to do. It is a wise thing to talk to a waste management service provider.
Precautions you need to be aware of:
Foremost of all, inform your doctor if you have had prior spells of hypersensitivity to albuterol / salbutamol. If you had developed allergies to drugs such as metaproterenol, salmeterol, levalbuterol, etc., your physician must be aware of the discomforts your witnessed. The aforementioned drugs are all similar to albuterol.
Albuterol inhaler may have a few passive chemicals like milk substitutes, lactose or other similar items in it. Those who have allergies to such items must keep their pharmacist informed of their medical history, including allergies.
On the same note, keep your doctor and pharmacist updated of your prior / current ailments. Especially, those who are living with conditions like chest pains, a recent event of heart arrest, hypertension, musculoskeletal problems like convulsions or fits must share all needful information.
Albuterol inhaler ingredients can make your drowsy and dizzy. If used along with cannabis / marijuana or alcohol, you may become drowsier. Hence, never engage in activities like working on heavy machines, driving or sporting actions such as swimming, cycling or jumping.
Those who are planning to go for a surgical intervention must tell their doctor of such upcoming procedures. Your surgeon may make some changes to your medication plan to ensure minimal interference with the planned procedure.
Last but not least, pregnant women must stay away from using albuterol inhaler. This is used only during an extreme case of having a dire need for albuterol inhaler. It is required of you to talk to your obstetrician / caregiver prior to using the inhaler.
Frequently Asked questions (FAQ)
What does an albuterol inhaler do?
Albuterol inhaler works as a rescue drug to help breathe in an easy manner. As it is a quick action drug, you tend to recover from respiratory conditions within a short span of time. It is commonly used among people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease like asthma or bronchitis.
Bronchospasms can show up if airways are blocked. Narrow air routes do not supply needful amount of air for respiration. Due to blocked or narrowed airways, people tend to gasp or wheeze. Albuterol inhaler works as a bronchodilator. It eases your lung muscles. This enables needful airflow to lungs.
Is an albuterol inhaler a steroid?
No, albuterol inhaler does not belong to the steroid genre. Instead, it is categorised under a class known as beta agonists. Its essential ingredients relax your lung muscles. This paves the way for easier breathing cycles. You may need to know that there are a few steroid-based drugs available in this genre. These are classified under inhaled steroid or corticosteroid. These drugs are chiefly taken as part of preventive measures.
How long does it take albuterol to work?
Albuterol inhaler is a quick rescuer. It has fast acting capability. Within a few minutes from taking a puff, you may see your breathing to attain a normal pattern. You may however need to use it for 3 or 4 times per day to ensure narrowed passages to your lungs are unclogged and your breathing returns to its usual rhythm.
Does albuterol inhaler stop coughing?
Albuterol inhaler is a bronchodilator and not a suppressant of coughs. Albuterol inhaler uses are mainly for clearing your air passages to your lungs. Meds that can clear mucus build-up viz., drugs like inhaled steroids are widely used to reduce inflammation. Hence albuterol inhaler for cough is a very rare application.
What happens if you do not rinse your mouth after using albuterol inhaler?
It is not necessary to rinse your mouth soon after using albuterol sulfate inhaler. But, rinsing it water may remove deposits of drug on your oral parts. Leaving these deposits to stay there can alter you sense of taste and may also result in bitterness there.
However, if you are using inhaled steroids like corticosteroids, it is advised to rinse mouth soon after each use. This practice will help reduce likely swelling as well as irritation inside the mouth. You can also avoid possible onset of thrush. Formation of thrush is quite common when you use steroid-based inhalers.
What happens if you drink water after using the albuterol inhaler?
You can drink water after using the inhaler. It is also helpful to gargle with water. This can help eliminate remnants of drug from your oral organs like tongue, gums, teeth, etc. These deposits, if left unrinsed, may cause some bitterness and may also alter taste sensation inside the mouth.
How to use albuterol inhaler?
– Ensure cap is closed before each use
– Hold your inhaler upright as you get ready to use it
– Prior to inhalation, breathe out once by your mouth
– Hold mouthpiece onto the mouth and seal it with lips
– Breathe in deep and take have a dose inside the mouth
– Remove the albuterol / salbutamol inhaler
– Hold your breath for 8 – 10 seconds. If possible, hold it longer
– Do not take another puff if there is no feel or taste of the drug in your mouth
How often can you use albuterol inhaler?
Adults can use albuterol sulfate inhaler for 4 times each day. Children may use it for 2 times. Dosage to children may need to be diluted and moderated. Talk to your child’s doctor for safe dosage instructions.
How much is albuterol inhaler?
It may cost depending on which state you live in and on its mcg capacity. In general, albuterol inhaler price is in the range of $ 80. However, you can check out online pharmacies and also with drugstores that offer deep discounts. Becoming a member with some of their schemes and programs can help you avail further price offs and discounts.
When to use albuterol inhaler?
You can use the inhaler while you are witnessing breathing difficulties. You can also use it a few minutes prior to starting your workouts.
Can you overdose on albuterol inhaler?
Yes, you can overdose on albuterol inhaler. Excessive dosing may cause palpitations, rapid heartbeats, dizziness and drowsiness. Upon sensing any of these adverse effects, call 911 if you are living in US. Reach out to Health Canada if you are resident of any of the Canadian provinces.
Can you eat after using albuterol inhaler?
Using it at the time of eating meal can lead to a few food-triggered reactions. You are advised to talk to your caregiver about timing your puffs.
Can you take albuterol inhaler before bedtime?
You can take it before bed. It is however a safe practice to follow all the instructions of your treating doctor and take your puffs accordingly.
How many puffs in an albuterol inhaler?
Albuterol inhaler dose for adults is 3 to 4 puffs per day. Use of albuterol sulfate inhaler by children needs to be moderated. Consult with your child’s physician to know more on safe albuterol inhaler dosage to children.
How long does an albuterol inhaler last?
It lasts for a few hours. If you sense another breathing trouble coming up, use it after a span of 3 to 4 hours from the time of your last puff.
How to get an albuterol inhaler?
You can get it either from drugstores or can buy albuterol inhaler online. You will need to produce a prescription from a qualified caregiver to buy from these places. It is difficult to buy albuterol inhaler over the counter.
How much is albuterol inhaler without insurance?
Without insurance, it is priced around $11.86 – $14.5 per inhaler. You are advised to browse online drugstores and avail discounts on albuterol inhaler for sale. You may need to turn a member to avail these discounts. Check the credentials of pharmacies prior to sharing your personal information with them.
How much does an albuterol inhaler cost?
Cost depends upon whether you are covered by insurance or not. Also, if you are opting to buy a generic medication, cost can be much lesser than what it takes to buy a branded drug. Without insurance, cost of albuterol inhaler is about $85. You are however advised to check with multiple drugstores to get better deals and deeper discounts to buy it at a lower cost.
What other drugs could interact with Albuterol Salbutamol 100mcg?
- Amitriptyline
- Atenolol
- Bitolterol
- Digoxin
- Doxepin
- Ephedrine
- Epinephrine
- Furazolidone
- Hydrochlorothiazide
- Imipramine
- Isocarboxazid
- Isoetherine
- Isoproterenol
- Levalbuterol
- Linezolid
- Metaproterenol
- Metoprolol
- Nortriptyline
- Phenelzine
- Pirbuterol
- Propranolol
- Pseudoephedrine
- Rasagiline
- Salmeterol
- Selegiline
- Terbutaline
- Timolol
- Tranylcypromine
- Water pill
It may be noted that drugs other than those listed above may also interact with Albuterol/Salbutamol.
Where can I buy Albuterol over the counter?
Albuterol without prescription is not available as it is a prescription medication. Albuterol over the counter is used for the treatment of asthma and COPD. As a prescription solution, it is not at all possible for getting albuterol over the counter. The cost of a prescription albuterol HFA inhaler shall eventually range from $25 to $60 per inhaler.
Can I buy Albuterol without a prescription?
Albuterol is the most common medication used in inhalers. Albuterol without prescription cannot be got. But there are a variety of Albuterol over the counter options that are used for the treatment of mild asthma like condition. Yes, you can order an inhaler at any local pharmacy. These shall include over the counter and prescription inhalers too. You can further speak to the local pharmacist about all the treatment options that are provided and which one shall be reliable. They can also suggest over the counter inhalers or suggest that you see a medical doctor for treatment of the condition.
Note
The health and medical information provided here is intended to supplement and not substitute for the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacists or other health care professional. Avoid getting Albuterol/Salbutamol into your eyes. In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice. Before using this drug, inform your doctor if you have irregular heartbeat, drug allergies, heart disease, an overactive thyroid, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Also, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Store the drug at temperature below 30 degrees centigrade away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.