Many people remain dubious about the right albuterol inhaler dosage, and about the factors that may influence the same. This article attempts to explain you the recommended dosage of this medication.
Asthma, one of the common respiratory problems faced by many, is a minor nuisance for some people, while for others, it may spell life-threatening risks. It is marked by the swelling and narrowing down of the airways. This results in the production of extra mucus, and keeping the person from breathing normally. The condition has no cure, but its symptoms can be controlled and their severity can be reduced.
One of the common medications that is prescribed for rapid, short-term symptom relief during an asthma attack is the albuterol inhaler. It is used when the affected person suffers an asthma attack, and administered to prevent one. 6-15 minutes after it has been administered, it starts working to relieve and calm down the symptoms.
Working of Albuterol Inhaler
As mentioned earlier, when asthma occurs, the airways narrow and swell, thus getting tight, which is why the affected person finds it difficult to breathe in and breathe out. This narrowing or tightening of the muscles of the airways in known as bronchospasm. And albuterol works to treat and prevent this kind of spasm. But how does it do it?
The drug basically affects the beta receptors in the body. These receptors are a special type of protein molecule that are in charge for the processing of messages carried by the central nervous system. So, as albuterol belongs to the family of beta-adrenergic receptor agonists, it stimulates these receptors thereby, producing a relaxing effect in the muscles. And this is what helps the tensed airways to open up and aid in respiration.
Recommended Dosage of Albuterol Inhaler for Children and Adults
Here we would discuss what is the recommended dosage that the medicine must be administered with. Now, as mentioned, this inhaler helps in easing the symptoms during an asthma attack, and in preventing one. Also, it is helpful in avoiding asthma attacks that is triggered when the affected person indulges in any physical activity. So the dosages for both the events may vary.
- For managing an attack or for preventing it, as to what doctors advise, a dose of 2 sprays is good enough to calm down the symptoms. And this may be administered every 4-6 hours. And for some people, they need no more than one shot of the spray to control the symptoms.
- To prevent an attack during any physical activity, experts recommend patients to using 2 sprays, 15-30 minutes prior to the event.
To add to this, it is important to know that, albuterol inhaler comes in multiple types, and depending on the specific type, the dosages may vary.
Possible Side Effects of Albuterol Inhaler
Any kind of side effect that may occur after using the inhaler must be reported to the patient’s health care provider. Also, the side effects of this medicine may vary according to its type. Common side effects may include:
- Allergic reactions such as hives, and rash may develop
- Tightness in the chest
- Nausea/vomiting
- Feeling nervous, for no apparent reason
- Pain in the bone or muscle
- Tremors
- Runny nose
- Arrhythmia (abnormal heart rate)
- Irritation in the throat
- Cough
- Fever
- Changes in visual perception
- Breathing difficulty
- High blood pressure
Precautions
- If the patient is suffering from medical complaints of high blood pressure, irregular heart rate or any type of heart diseases, then he/she must bring it to the notice of the health care provider.
- Also, having an overactive thyroid gland, seizures, epilepsy or a condition such as diabetes, requires the person to consult his/her care giver before making use of the medication.
To conclude, if the patient feels the need to use the albuterol inhaler more than what has been prescribed, then it must be conveyed to the doctor, as well.
