Albuterol®

What is Albuterol?

Albuterol is a rescue inhaler that helps prevent asthma attacks and ease symptoms like trouble breathing, congestion (chest tightness), coughing or wheezing. You can also use it before exercising or doing any kind of physical activity that can leave you breathless.

The name you’ll see on the package is likely going to be Albuterol sulfate HFA inhalation aerosol. But we’ll use the shorter version ‘Albuterol’ from now on.

Albuterol is the generic alternative for brand names like Ventolin and ProAir. What this means is that it’ll work essentially in the same way as the two brands, but it has a lower price.

How does Albuterol work?

Albuterol works as a bronchodilator by opening up the air passages in your lungs (called bronchial tubes). It’s a SABA (short-acting beta-2 agonist) bronchodilator, meaning it kicks in fast (within 15 minutes) to ease breathing difficulties. SABA medications like albuterol are given for the immediate relief of breathlessness.

It mainly targets specific receptors (beta-2 receptors) in the muscles around your airways, causing them to relax and allowing air to flow in and out of your lungs. The result is that you can breathe more easily.^[1]

Is Albuterol a steroid?

No, albuterol isn’t a steroid. It’s a beta-2 agonist that acts on beta-2 receptors in the air passages in your lungs. It works by relaxing the smooth muscle in these passages, making breathing easier.

What doses of Albuterol inhaler are there?

The Albuterol inhaler contains 108 micrograms of albuterol sulfate (same as 90 micrograms of albuterol) per inhalation (puff) from the mouthpiece. It comes in a blue plastic inhaler with a blue cap, which can release 204 puffs (out of which four are meant for priming the inhaler). Typically, you’ll be advised to use one or two puffs every four to six hours, depending on your symptoms.

The inhaler comes with a dose counter that counts down each time a puff is released. The counter shows how many sprays of albuterol are left in your inhaler.

Albuterol sulfate is also available as an inhalation solution for nebulization. It comes in 3ml vials containing a sterile, clear and colorless solution. It’s available in two strengths: 0.63mg albuterol per vial and 1.25mg albuterol per vial (equivalent to 0.75mg or 1.5mg of albuterol sulfate per vial).

How to use Albuterol

Your doctor will provide you with a tailored asthma action plan, telling you how many puffs you need for each dose and the maximum number of inhalations you can use in one day. Typically, because albuterol is a rescue inhaler, you should use it when you have asthma symptoms or 15-30 minutes before exercising to prevent asthma attacks and you shouldn’t use more than 12 puffs a day. If your symptoms persist after using the albuterol inhaler, message us for advice as soon as possible.

Using the inhalation aerosol:

1. Prime the inhaler if you use it for the first time or after more than seven days by shaking it and spraying four puffs in the air, away from your face.
2. Make sure that the inhaler is at room temperature, then shake it for ten seconds.
3. Remove the cap and clean the mouthpiece if needed.
4. Breathe out facing away from the inhaler, then place the mouthpiece in your mouth.
5. Press the inhaler and breathe in deeply and steadily.
6. Hold your breath for ten seconds, then exhale slowly.
7. If you need another puff, wait one minute and repeat the previous steps.
8. At the end, rinse your mouth with water and then spit it out.

Using the inhalation solution with a nebulizer:

1. Place one vial of solution in the nebulizer cup.
2. Connect the nebulizer to the face mask or mouthpiece.
3. Breathe in the nebulized mist through your mask or mouthpiece for up to 15 minutes, or until all of the solution is gone.
4. Clean all parts of the nebulizer after you use it.

How long does it take Albuterol to work?

Albuterol is a quick-relief inhaler, so it starts working pretty fast after you inhale a puff, usually within 15 minutes. Which is why you’ll probably be advised to use it 15-30 minutes before any physical activity that might cause breathing difficulties.

What should I do if I make a mistake when using Albuterol?

There aren’t many mistakes you can make. Just make sure you don’t forget Albuterol at home when you might need it. Keep it in your wallet, handbag or near your keys so you can grab it easily when you’re heading out. 

If you use more Albuterol than you should, contact your doctor right away for advice. And if you experience any side effects, go to the nearest emergency room for immediate care.