Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Asthma Info

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ALBUTEROL

Noisy Drug- Rescue Inhaler

The most prescribed inhaler. Albuterol inhalers use a freon-type (CFC) propellant. The side effects of these propellants are similar to and may amplify the side effects of albuterol, especially in patients with chemical triggers. CFC-free albuterol sulfate inhalers are designated "HFA", using non-CFC propellants such as CO2. Some patients report fewer and/or less intense side effects with albuterol sulfate HFA inhalers. Albuterol sulfate is also used in combination with other drugs in some combination inhalers.

Albuterol is used primarily as a rescue inhaler, but is also used prophylactically, often to prevent exercise-induced asthma.

Drug Action	Rapid-acting bronchodilator (Beta-2 agonist)
Indications	Respiratory distress and/or bronchospasm associated with asthma, allergic reaction, chronic bronchitis or emphysema
Contraindications	None
Side Effects	Tachycardia, palpitations, hypertension, angina, nervousness, anxiety, muscle tremors, dizziness, headache, sweating, nausea, vomiting, sore throat
Dose	Maryland Protocol: 2 doses of 2 puffs each over a 30-minute period given by patient and/or EMS provider. Allow approximately 1 minute between puffs and 3-5 minutes between doses
Supplied as Albuterol (generic)		Combivent® (albuterol sulfate + ipratroprium bromide)
DuoNeb® (albuterol sulfate + ipratroprium bromide)		Proventil® (albuterol)
Proventil® Inhalation Solution (albuterol) - for nebulizer		Proventil® HFA (albuterol sulfate)
Proventil® Oral tablets (albuterol)		Ventolin® (albuterol)
Ventolin® HFA (albuterol sulfate)		Ventolin® Rotohaler® (albuterol sulfate)
Volmax® Oral Tablets (albuterol)

Last edited: 9/24/2004