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Albuterol Drug Information Provided by Lexi-Comp

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This information has been developed and provided by an independent third-party source. Merck & Co., Inc. does not endorse and is not responsible for the accuracy of the content, or for practices or standards of non-Merck sources.

Special Alerts

FDA Advisory: Transition to HFA-Propelled Albuterol Inhalers - June 2008

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Public Health Advisory to announce a phase out of albuterol chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) propelled inhalers to hydrofluoralkane (HFA) propelled albuterol inhalers. The CFC propelled albuterol inhalers will not be available in the U.S. after December 31, 2008, and patients should be transitioned to a hydrofluoralkane (HFA) propelled albuterol inhaler now. To date, the three HFA-propelled albuterol inhalation aerosol inhalers on the market include ProAir™ HFA, Proventil® HFA, and Ventolin® HFA. In addition, levalbuterol, the (R) enantiomer of racemic albuterol, is also available as Xoponex HFA™ inhalation aerosol.

This national transition from CFC-propelled inhalers to HFA-propelled inhalers is ongoing and other medications using CFC-propelled inhalers will be phased out over the next several years.

Additional information may be found at http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/advisory/albuterol_cfc.htm

Medication Safety Issues

Sound-alike/look-alike issues:

Albuterol may be confused with Albutein®, atenolol

Proventil® may be confused with Bentyl®, Prilosec® Prinivil®

Salbutamol may be confused with salmeterol

Ventolin® may be confused with phentolamine, Benylin®, Vantin®

Volmax® may be confused with Flomax®

Pronunciation

(al BYOO ter ole)

U.S. Brand Names

  • AccuNeb®
  • ProAir™ HFA
  • Proventil® HFA
  • Proventil® [DSC]
  • Ventolin® HFA
  • VoSpire ER®

Index Terms

  • Albuterol Sulfate
  • Salbutamol
  • Salbutamol Sulphate

Generic Available

Yes

Canadian Brand Names

  • Airomir
  • Alti-Salbutamol
  • Apo-Salvent®
  • Apo-Salvent® CFC Free
  • Apo-Salvent® Respirator Solution
  • Apo-Salvent® Sterules
  • Gen-Salbutamol
  • PMS-Salbutamol
  • ratio-Inspra-Sal
  • ratio-Salbutamol
  • Rhoxal-salbutamol
  • Salbu-2
  • Salbu-4
  • Ventolin®
  • Ventolin® Diskus
  • Ventolin® HFA
  • Ventolin® I.V. Infusion
  • Ventrodisk

Pharmacologic Category

  • Beta2 Agonist

Pharmacologic Category Synonyms

  • Adrenergic Agonist, Beta2

Use: Labeled Indications

Bronchodilator in reversible airway obstruction due to asthma or COPD; prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm

Use: Unlabeled/Investigational

As tocolytic agent (injectable form; not available in U.S.)

Pregnancy Risk Factor

C

Pregnancy Considerations

Albuterol crosses the placenta; tocolytic effects, fetal tachycardia, fetal hypoglycemia secondary to maternal hyperglycemia with oral or intravenous routes reported. Available evidence suggests safe use as an inhalation during pregnancy, and albuterol is the preferred short-acting beta agonist for use in asthma according to the NHLBI 2007 Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma.Use of the parenteral formulation (not available in the U.S.) as a tocolytic agent has been associated with myocardial ischemia. Patients with a history of cardiac disease should be referred to a cardiologist for evaluation prior to initiating therapy in premature labor. If therapy is initiated, patients should be carefully monitored for ECG changes as well as for changes in fluid balance and cardiopulmonary function. Maternal pulse rate should not exceed 140 beats per minute during I.V. infusion of salbutamol. Consider discontinuing therapy with the development of signs of pulmonary edema or myocardial ischemia. Cautious use of parenteral salbutamol, as with other beta2-agonists, is also warranted when used during labor and delivery for the relief of bronchospasm.

Lactation

Excretion in breast milk unknown/use caution

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to albuterol, adrenergic amines, or any component of the formulation

Injection formulation (not available in U.S.): Patients with tachyarrhythmias; risk of abortion during first or second trimester

Warnings/Precautions

Concerns related to adverse effects:

• Bronchospasm: Rarely, paradoxical bronchospasm may occur with use of inhaled bronchodilating agents; this should be distinguished from inadequate response.

• Hypersensitivity reactions: Immediate hypersensitivity reactions (urticaria, angioedema, rash, bronchospasm) have been reported.

Disease-related concerns:

• Asthma: Appropriate use: Optimize anti-inflammatory treatment before initiating maintenance treatment with albuterol. Do not use as a component of chronic therapy without an anti-inflammatory agent. Only the mildest forms of asthma (Step 1 and/or exercise-induced) would not require concurrent use based upon asthma guidelines.

• Cardiovascular disease: Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease (arrhythmia or hypertension or HF); beta-agonists may cause elevation in blood pressure, heart rate and result in CNS stimulation/excitation. Beta2-agonists may also increase risk of arrhythmias.

• Diabetes: Use with caution in patients with diabetes mellitus; beta2-agonists may increase serum glucose.

• Glaucoma: Use with caution in patients with glaucoma; may elevate intraocular pressure.

• Hyperthyroidism: Use with caution in hyperthyroidism; may stimulate thyroid activity.

• Hypokalemia: Use with caution in patients with hypokalemia; beta2-agonists may decrease serum potassium.

• Seizures: Use with caution in patients with seizure disorders; beta-agonists may result in CNS stimulation/excitation.

Special populations:

• Pediatrics: Face masks should be used in children <4 years of age.

Dosage form specific issues:

• Chlorofluorocarbons: Patient response may vary between inhalers that contain chlorofluorocarbons and those which are chlorofluorocarbon-free.

Other warnings/precautions:

• Appropriate use: Do not exceed recommended dose; serious adverse events, including fatalities, have been associated with excessive use of inhaled sympathomimetics.

• Patient information: Patients must be instructed to seek medical attention in cases where acute symptoms are not relieved or a previous level of response is diminished. The need to increase frequency of use may indicate deterioration of asthma, and treatment must not be delayed. A spacer device or valved holding chamber is recommended when using a metered-dose inhaler.

Adverse Reactions

Incidence of adverse effects is dependent upon age of patient, dose, and route of administration.

Cardiovascular: Angina, atrial fibrillation, arrhythmias, chest discomfort, chest pain, extrasystoles, flushing, hyper-/hypotension, palpitation, supraventricular tachycardia, tachycardia

Central nervous system: CNS stimulation, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, insomnia, irritability, lightheadedness, migraine, nervousness, nightmares, restlessness, seizure

Dermatologic: Angioedema, rash, urticaria

Endocrine & metabolic: Hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, lactic acidosis

Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, dry mouth, dyspepsia, gastroenteritis, nausea, unusual taste, vomiting

Genitourinary: Micturition difficulty

Local: Injection: Pain, stinging

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Muscle cramps, musculoskeletal pain, tremor, weakness

Otic: Otitis media, vertigo

Respiratory: Asthma exacerbation, bronchospasm, cough, epistaxis, laryngitis, oropharyngeal drying/irritation, oropharyngeal edema, pharyngitis, rhinitis, upper respiratory inflammation, viral respiratory infection

Miscellaneous: Allergic reaction, anaphylaxis, diaphoresis, lymphadenopathy

Postmarketing and/or case reports: Anxiety, hoarseness, myocardial ischemia, pulmonary edema

Drug Interactions

Alpha-/Beta-Blockers: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Beta2-Agonists. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Atomoxetine: May enhance the tachycardic effect of Beta2-Agonists. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Beta-Blockers (Beta1 Selective): May diminish the bronchodilatory effect of Beta2-Agonists. Of particular concern with nonselective beta-blockers or higher doses of the beta1 selective beta-blockers. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Beta-Blockers (Nonselective): May diminish the bronchodilatory effect of Beta2-Agonists. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Betahistine: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Beta2-Agonists. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Cannabinoids: May enhance the tachycardic effect of Sympathomimetics. Risk C: Monitor therapy

MAO Inhibitors: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Beta2-Agonists. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Sympathomimetics: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of other Sympathomimetics. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Tricyclic Antidepressants: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Beta2-Agonists. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Ethanol/Nutrition/Herb Interactions

Food: Avoid or limit caffeine (may cause CNS stimulation).

Herb/Nutraceutical: Avoid ephedra, yohimbe (may cause CNS stimulation). Avoid St John's wort (may decrease the levels/effects of albuterol).

Storage

HFA aerosols: Store at 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).

Ventolin® HFA: Discard after using 200 actuations or 3 months after removal from protective pouch, whichever comes first. Store with mouthpiece down.

Infusion solution (not available in U.S.): Ventolin® I.V.: Store at 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Protect from light. After dilution, discard after 24 hours.

Solution for nebulization (0.5%): Store at 2°C to 30°C (36°F to 86°F).

AccuNeb®: Store at 2°C to 25°C (36°F to 77°F). Do not use if solution changes color or becomes cloudy. Use within 1 week of opening foil pouch.

Syrup: Store at 2°C to 30°C (36°F to 86°F).

Tablet: Store at 2°C to 30°C (36°F to 86°F).

Tablet, extended release: Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F)

Reconstitution

Solution for nebulization: To prepare a 2.5 mg dose, dilute 0.5 mL of solution to a total of 3 mL with normal saline; also compatible with cromolyn or ipratropium nebulizer solutions.

Compatibility

Intravenous solution: Stable in water for injection, NS, D5W, and D5NS when mixed in PC bags or glass bottles. Avoid addition of other medications to infusion solution.

Solution for nebulization: Compatible with cromolyn sodium, budesonide inhalation suspension, ipratropium solution for nebulization

Mechanism of Action

Relaxes bronchial smooth muscle by action on beta2-receptors with little effect on heart rate

Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics

Onset of action: Peak effect:

Nebulization/oral inhalation: 0.5-2 hours

CFC-propelled albuterol: 10 minutes

Ventolin® HFA: 25 minutes

Oral: 2-3 hours

Duration: Nebulization/oral inhalation: 3-4 hours; Oral: 4-6 hours

Metabolism: Hepatic to an inactive sulfate

Half-life elimination: Inhalation: 3.8 hours; Oral: 3.7-5 hours

Excretion: Urine (30% as unchanged drug)

Dosage

Oral:

Children: Bronchospasm:

2-6 years: 0.1-0.2 mg/kg/dose 3 times/day; maximum dose not to exceed 12 mg/day (divided doses)

6-12 years: 2 mg/dose 3-4 times/day; maximum dose not to exceed 24 mg/day (divided doses)

Extended release: 4 mg every 12 hours; maximum dose not to exceed 24 mg/day (divided doses)

Children >12 years and Adults: Bronchospasm (treatment): 2-4 mg/dose 3-4 times/day; maximum dose not to exceed 32 mg/day (divided doses)

Extended release: 8 mg every 12 hours; maximum dose not to exceed 32 mg/day (divided doses). A 4 mg dose every 12 hours may be sufficient in some patients, such as adults of low body weight.

Elderly: Bronchospasm (treatment): 2 mg 3-4 times/day; maximum: 8 mg 4 times/day

Metered-dose inhaler (90 mcg/puff):

Children ?4 years (NIH Guidelines, 2007):

Quick relief: 1-2 puffs every 4-6 hours as needed

Exacerbation of asthma (acute, severe): 4-8 puffs every 20 minutes for 3 doses, then every 1-4 hours as needed

Exercise-induced bronchospasm (prevention): 1-2 puffs 5 minutes prior to exercise

Children 5-11 years (NIH Guidelines, 2007):

Bronchospasm, quick relief: 2 puffs every 4-6 hours as needed

Exacerbation of asthma (acute, severe): 4-8 puffs every 20 minutes for 3 doses, then every 1-4 hours as needed

Exercise-induced bronchospasm (prevention): 2 puffs 5-30 minutes prior to exercise

Children ?12 years and Adults:

Bronchospasm, quick relief (NIH Guidelines, 2007): 2 puffs every 4-6 hours as needed

Exacerbation of asthma (acute, severe) (NIH Guidelines, 2007): 4-8 puffs every 20 minutes for up to 4 hours, then every 1-4 hours as needed

Exercise-induced bronchospasm (prevention) (NIH Guidelines, 2007): 2 puffs 5-30 minutes prior to exercise

Solution for nebulization:

Children 2-12 years (AccuNeb®): Bronchospasm: 0.63-1.25 mg every 4-6 hours as needed

Children ?4 years (NIH Guidelines, 2007):

Quick relief: 0.63-2.5 mg every 4-6 hours as needed

Exacerbation of asthma (acute, severe): 0.15 mg/kg (minimum: 2.5 mg) every 20 minutes for 3 doses, then 0.15-0.3 mg/kg (maximum: 10 mg) every 1-4 hours as needed or 0.5 mg/kg/hour by continuous nebulization

Children 5-11 years (NIH Guidelines, 2007):

Quick relief: 1.25-5 mg every 4-8 hours as needed

Exacerbation of asthma (acute, severe): 0.15 mg/kg (minimum: 2.5 mg) every 20 minutes for 3 doses, then 0.15-0.3 mg/kg (maximum: 10 mg) every 1-4 hours as needed or 0.5 mg/kg/hour by continuous nebulization

Children ?12 years and Adults:

Bronchospasm: 2.5 mg every 4-8 hours as needed

Quick relief (NIH Guidelines, 2007): 1.25-5 mg every 4-8 hours as needed

Exacerbation of asthma (acute, severe) (NIH Guidelines, 2007): 2.5-5 mg every 20 minutes for 3 doses then 2.5-10 mg every 1-4 hours as needed, or 10-15 mg/hour by continuous nebulization

I.V. continuous infusion: Adults (Ventolin® I.V. solution [not available in U.S.]): Severe bronchospasm and status asthmaticus: Initial: 5 mcg/minute; may increase up to 10-20 mcg/minute at 15- to 30-minute intervals if needed

Hemodialysis: Not removed

Peritoneal dialysis: Significant drug removal is unlikely based on physiochemical characteristics

Administration: Oral

Do not crush or chew extended release tablets.

Administration: I.V.

Infusion solution (Ventolin® I.V.): Do not inject undiluted. Reduce concentration by at least 50% before infusing. Administer as a continuous infusion via infusion pump. Discard unused portion of infusion within 24 hours of preparation.

Administration: Inhalation

Metered-dose inhaler: Shake well before use; prime prior to first use, and whenever inhaler has not been used for >2 weeks or when it has been dropped, by releasing 4 test sprays into the air (away from face). A spacer device or valved holding chamber is recommended for use with metered-dose inhalers.

Solution for nebulization: Concentrated solution should be diluted prior to use. Blow-by administration is not recommended, use a mask device if patient unable to hold mouthpiece in mouth for administration.

Monitoring Parameters

FEV1, peak flow, and/or other pulmonary function tests; blood pressure, heart rate; CNS stimulation; serum glucose, serum potassium; asthma symptoms; arterial or capillary blood gases (if patients condition warrants)

Test Interactions

Increased renin (S), increased aldosterone (S)

Dietary Considerations

Oral forms should be administered with water 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.

Patient Education

Use exactly as directed; do not use more often than recommended. Take oral medicine with water 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Maintain adequate hydration (2-3 L/day of fluids) unless instructed to restrict fluid intake. You may experience nervousness, dizziness, or fatigue (use caution when driving or engaging in hazardous activities until response to drug is known); dry mouth, unpleasant taste, stomach upset (frequent, small meals, frequent mouth care, chewing gum, or sucking lozenges may help); or difficulty urinating (always void before treatment). Report unresolved GI upset, dizziness or fatigue, vision changes, chest pain or palpitations, persistent inability to void, nervousness or insomnia, muscle cramping or tremor, seizures, unusual swelling of extremities and weight gain, unusual respiratory difficulty, or unusual cough. Pregnancy/breast-feeding precautions: Inform prescriber if you are or intend to become pregnant. Consult prescriber if breast-feeding.

Self-administered inhalation: Do not freeze. Shake canister before using. Sit when using medication. Close eyes when administering albuterol to avoid spray getting into eyes. Exhale slowly and completely through nose; inhale deeply through mouth while administering aerosol. Hold breath for 5-10 seconds after inhalation. Wait at least 1 full minute between inhalations. Wash mouthpiece between use. If more than one inhalation medication is used, use albuterol first and wait 5 minutes between medications. Prime inhaler prior to first use, and whenever the inhaler has not been used for more than 2 weeks, by releasing 4 test sprays into the air (away from face). Discard inhaler after labeled number of doses are used, even if the canister does not feel empty. Ventolin® HFA: Discard canister after 200 actuations or 3 months after removal from foil pouch, whichever comes first. Store with mouthpiece down. Do not allow metal canister to become wet.

Self-administered nebulizer: Wash hands before and after treatment. Wash and dry nebulizer after each treatment. Twist open the top of one unit-dose vial and squeeze contents into nebulizer reservoir. Connect nebulizer reservoir to the mouthpiece or face mask. Connect nebulizer to compressor. Sit in comfortable, upright position. Place mouthpiece in your mouth or put on face mask and turn on compressor. If face mask is used, avoid leakage around the mask to avoid mist getting into eyes which may cause vision problems. Breathe calmly and deeply until no more mist is formed in nebulizer (about 5 minutes). At this point, treatment is finished.

Volmax®: Tablets should be swallowed whole; do not crush or chew. Outer coating of tablet is not absorbed and may be found eliminated in stool.

Geriatric Considerations

Because of its minimal effect on beta1-receptors and its relatively long duration of action, albuterol is a rational choice in elderly when a beta-agonist is indicated. Elderly patients may find it beneficial to utilize a spacer device when using a metered dose inhaler. Oral use should be avoided due to adverse effects.

Additional Information

The 2007 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma do not recommend the use of oral systemic albuterol as a quick-relief medication and do not recommend regularly scheduled daily, chronic use of inhaled beta-agonists for long-term control of asthma.

Anesthesia and Critical Care Concerns/Other Considerations

Frequent use of inhaled beta-agonists in patients with atrial fibrillation may counteract pharmacologic interventions directed at rate control. Inhaled beta-agonists may be used to treat acute hyperkalemia in patients with renal failure.

Cardiovascular Considerations

Beta-agonists will induce increases in heart rate. This should be considered in patients with resting tachycardia. Because of the frequent coexistence of chronic obstructive lung disease and coronary artery disease, many patients are on simultaneous therapy with beta-agonists and beta-blockade. This combination should, for obvious reasons, be avoided. Frequent use of inhaled beta-agonists when used in patients with atrial fibrillation may counteract pharmacologic interventions directed at rate control. Inhaled beta-agonists may be used to treat acute hyperkalemia in patients with renal failure.

Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment

Key adverse event(s) related to dental treatment: Xerostomia (normal salivary flow resumes upon discontinuation)

Dental Health: Vasoconstrictor/Local Anesthetic Precautions

No information available to require special precautions

Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status

May produce CNS stimulation resulting in anxiety, tremor, and insomnia

Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment

Effect of propranolol may be reduced; cardiovascular effects (tachycardia, palpitations) may be increased with MAO inhibitors, TCAs, and amphetamines

Nursing: Physical Assessment/Monitoring

Assess effectiveness and interactions of other medications patient may be taking. Monitor vital signs, effectiveness of therapy, and adverse reactions at beginning of therapy and periodically with long-term use. Assess knowledge/teach patient appropriate use, interventions to reduce side effects, and adverse symptoms to report.

Dosage Forms

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product; [CAN] = Canadian brand name

Aerosol, for oral inhalation: 90 mcg/metered inhalation (17 g) [200 metered inhalations; contains chlorofluorocarbons]

Proventil®: 90 mcg/metered inhalation (17 g) [200 metered inhalations; contains chlorofluorocarbons] [DSC]

Aerosol, for oral inhalation:

ProAir™ HFA: 90 mcg/metered inhalation (8.5 g) [200 metered inhalations; chlorofluorocarbon free]

Proventil® HFA: 90 mcg/metered inhalation (6.7 g) [200 metered inhalations; chlorofluorocarbon free]

Ventolin® HFA: 90 mcg/metered inhalation (8 g) [60 metered inhalation; chlorofluorocarbon free]; (18 g) [200 metered inhalations; chlorofluorocarbon free]

Injection, solution, as sulphate:

Ventolin® I.V. [CAN]: 1 mg/1mL (5 mL) [not available in U.S.]

Solution for nebulization: 0.042% (3 mL); 0.083% (3 mL); 0.5% (0.5 mL, 20 mL)

AccuNeb® [preservative free]: 0.63 mg/3 mL (3 mL) [0.021%]; 1.25 mg/3 mL (3 mL) [0.042%]

Proventil®: 0.083% (3 mL) [DSC] [preservative free]

Syrup, as sulfate: 2 mg/5 mL (480 mL)

Tablet: 2 mg, 4 mg

Tablet, extended release: 4 mg, 8 mg

VoSpire ER®: 4 mg, 8 mg

Pricing: U.S. (www.drugstore.com)

Aerosol solution (ProAir HFA)

108 (90 Base) mcg/ACT (8.5): $35.99

Aerosol solution (Proventil HFA)

108 (90 Base) mcg/ACT (6.7): $45.99

Aerosol solution (Ventolin HFA)

108 (90 Base) mcg/ACT (18): $37.99

Nebulization (AccuNeb)

0.63 mg/3 mL (75): $46.79

1.25 mg/3 mL (75): $48.99

Nebulization (Albuterol Sulfate)

0.63 mg/3 mL (3): $11.99

(2.5 MG/3ML) 0.083% (75): $18.99

(5 MG/ML) 0.5% (20): $15.99

Syrup (Albuterol Sulfate)

2 mg/5 mL (120): $12.99

Tablet, 12-hour (VoSpire ER)

4 mg (30): $49.95

8 mg (60): $183.86

Tablets (Albuterol Sulfate)

2 mg (90): $15.00

4 mg (100): $24.98

References

Bartfield JM, Boenau IB, Lozon J, et al, “Comparison of Metered Dose Inhaler and Oral Administration of Albuterol in the Outpatient Treatment of Infants and Children,” Am J Emerg Med, 1995, 13(3):375-8.

Cook P, Scarfone RJ, and Cook RT, “Adenosine in the Termination of Albuterol-Induced Supraventricular Tachycardia,” Ann Emerg Med, 1994, 24(2):316-9.

Expert Panel Report 3, “Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma,” Clinical Practice Guidelines, National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH Publication No. 08-4051, prepublication 2007. Available at http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/asthma/asthgdln.htm

Finnerty JP and Howarth PH, “Paradoxical Bronchoconstriction With Nebulized Albuterol but not With Terbutaline,” Am Rev Respir Dis, 1993, 148(2):512-3.

Katz RW, Kelly HW, Crowley MR, et al, “Safety of Continuous Nebulized Albuterol for Bronchospasm in Infants and Children,” Pediatrics, 1993, 92(5):666-9.

Leikin JB, Linowiecki KA, Soglin DF, et al, “Hypokalemia After Pediatric Albuterol Overdose: A Case Series,” Am J Emerg Med, 1994, 12(1):64-6.

Lin R, Smith AJ, and Hergenroeder P, “High Serum Albuterol Levels and Tachycardia in Adult Asthmatics Treated With High-Dose Continuously Aerosolized Albuterol,” Chest, 1993, 103(1):221-5.

Mahajan M, Tucker J, and Dolgin J, “Protocol for Management of Accidental Pediatric Albuterol Ingestions,” Vet Hum Toxicol, 1994, 36:361.

Manthous CA, Hall JB, Schmidt GA, et al, “Metered-Dose Inhaler Versus Nebulized Albuterol in Mechanically Ventilated Patients,” Am Rev Respir Dis, 1993, 148(6 Pt 1):1567-70.

Marik P, Hogan J, and Krikorian J, “A Comparison of Bronchodilator Therapy Delivered by Nebulization and Metered-Dose Inhaler in Mechanically Ventilated Patients,” Chest, 1999, 115(6):1653-7.

National Asthma Education and Prevention Program, “Expert Panel Report: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma Update on Selected Topics - 2002,” J Allergy Clin Immunol, 2002, 110(5 Suppl):141-219.

O'Callaghan C, Milner AD, and Swarbrick A, “Nebulized Salbutamol Does Have a Protective Effect on Airways in Children Under One Year Old,” Arch Dis Child, 1988, 63(5):479-83.

Papo MC, Frank J, and Thompson AE, “A Prospective, Randomized Study of Continuous Versus Intermittent Nebulized Albuterol for Severe Status Asthmaticus in Children,” Crit Care Med, 1993, 21(10):1479-86.

Rachelefsky GS and Siegel SC, “Asthma in Infants and Children - Treatment of Childhood Asthma: Part II,” J Allergy Clin Immunol, 1985, 76(3):409-25.

Schuh S, Parkin P, Rajan A, et al, “High- Versus Low-Dose, Frequently Administered, Nebulized Albuterol in Children With Severe, Acute Asthma,” Pediatrics, 1989, 83(4):513-8.

Schuh S, Reider MJ, Canny G, et al, “Nebulized Albuterol in Acute Childhood Asthma: Comparison of Two Doses,” Pediatrics, 1990, 86(4):509-13.

Spiller HA, Ramoska EA, Henretig FM, et al, “A Two-Year Retrospective Study of Accidental Pediatric Albuterol Ingestions,” Pediatr Emerg Care, 1993, 9(6):338-40.

Udezue E, D'Souza L, and Mahajan M, “Hypokalemia After Normal Doses of Nebulized Albuterol (Salbutamol),” Am J Emerg Med, 1995, 13(2):168-71.

Wiley JF 2nd, Spiller HA, Krenzelok EP, et al, “Unintentional Albuterol Ingestion in Children,” Pediatr Emerg Care, 1994, 10(4):193-6.

International Brand Names

  • Aero-Vent (PH)
  • Aerolin (BR, CN, GR)
  • Aeromol (TH)
  • Airomir (AU, FR, HK, LU, MY, PL, SE, TH, UY)
  • Almotex (PH)
  • Antomol (TH)
  • Asmacaire (PH)
  • Asmadil (BF, BJ, CI, ET, GH, GM, GN, KE, LR, MA, ML, MR, MU, MW, NE, NG, SC, SD, SL, SN, TN, TZ, UG, ZA, ZM, ZW)
  • Asmalin Pulmoneb (PH)
  • Asmatol (AR)
  • Asmidon (JP)
  • Asmol CFC-Free (AU)
  • Asmovent (MY)
  • Assal (MX)
  • Asthalin (IN)
  • Asthalin HFA (HK)
  • Asthavent (ZA)
  • Asvimol (PH)
  • Avedox-FC (MX)
  • Azmacon (ID)
  • Azmasol (SG)
  • Bronchosol (TH)
  • Broncovaleas (IT)
  • Bronter (CO)
  • Brusal (MX)
  • Brytolin (PH)
  • Butahale (SG)
  • Butamol (AU)
  • Buto-Asma (ES, SG, TH)
  • Butotal (CN)
  • Buventol (NO, SG, TW)
  • Buventol Easyhaler (FR, ID, TH)
  • Cybutol (ID)
  • Easyhaler Salbutamol (GB, IE)
  • Emplusal (PH)
  • Epaq Inhaler (AU)
  • Farcolin (AE, BH, CY, EG, IL, IQ, IR, JO, KW, LB, LY, OM, QA, SA, SY, YE)
  • Glisend (ID)
  • Hivent DS (PH)
  • Huma-Salmol (HU)
  • Inbumed (MX)
  • Libretin (PH)
  • Medolin (SG)
  • Mozal (TW)
  • Provexel NS (PH)
  • Pulmol-S (PE)
  • Respax (NZ)
  • Salamol (PL)
  • Salbetol (IN)
  • Salbron (ID)
  • Salbulin (LU)
  • Salbumed (PH)
  • Salbutalan (MX)
  • Salbutamol (HU, PL)
  • Salbutamol-GW (HU)
  • Salbutan (VE)
  • Salbutin (AE, BH, CY, EG, IL, IQ, IR, JO, KW, LB, LY, OM, QA, SA, SY, YE)
  • Salbutol (KP, PE)
  • Salbutron SR (KP)
  • Salbuven (ID)
  • Salbuvent (PL)
  • Salda (TH)
  • Salden (EC)
  • Salmaplon (IN)
  • Salmundin Retard (DE)
  • Salomol (TW)
  • Sedalin (PH)
  • Solia (TH)
  • Steri-Neb Salamol (PL)
  • Sultanol (AT, DE, JP)
  • Suprasma (ID)
  • Teoden (BR)
  • Tobybron (ID)
  • Unibron (MX)
  • Venalax (PH)
  • Venderol (SG)
  • Venetlin (JP)
  • Venteze (ZA)
  • Ventilan (CO, PT)
  • Ventilastin Novolizer (DE, FR)
  • Ventodisk (LU, PL)
  • Ventol (AE, BH, CY, EG, IL, IQ, IR, JO, KW, LB, LY, OM, QA, SA, SY, YE)
  • Ventolin (AE, AR, AU, BB, BE, BF, BG, BH, BJ, BM, BS, BZ, CH, CI, CL, CR, CY, CZ, EC, EE, EG, ET, GH, GM, GN, GT, GY, HK, HN, HR, HU, ID, IE, IL, IQ, IR, IT, JM, JO, KE, KW, LB, LR, LU, LY, MA, ML, MR, MU, MW, MX, MY, NE, NG, NI, NL, OM, PA, PE, PH, PK, PL, PY, QA, SA, SC, SD, SL, SN, SR, SV, SY, TH, TN, TT, TW, TZ, UG, UY, VE, YE, ZA, ZM, ZW)
  • Ventolin CFC-Free (AU)
  • Ventolin [tabs./sol./sir.] (PL)
  • Ventoline (DK, FI, FR, NO, SE)
  • Volmax (AE, BH, CY, EC, EG, HK, HU, IL, IQ, IR, JO, KW, LB, LY, OM, QA, SA, SY, YE)
  • Zenmolin (AE, BH, CY, EG, HK, IL, IQ, IR, JO, KW, LB, LY, OM, QA, SA, SY, YE)
  • Zibil (MX)

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Last full review/revision August 2008

Content last modified August 2008

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