Albuterol is a steroid hormone that can be used, often via inhalation, for the relief of asthma symptoms and other respiratory conditions. Generally, an albuterol dose appropriate for an individual is determined by the condition the drug is being used to treat. Other considerations such as the age and weight of the patient as well as tolerance to the medication can affect dosage levels.
A general albuterol dose for adults using this medication for acute asthma is two puffs of an inhaler, taken every four to six hours. Inhalation caps can be used to treat this condition as well, in which case 200 milligrams (mg) would be inhaled every four to six hours. This dosage can increase to 400 mg if the symptom severity or tolerance requires a dose increase to be effective. Using a nebulizer to treat this condition requires a dose of 2.5 mg for each six to eight hour period. An acute bronchospasm, or asthma attack, can require an initial dose of up to 5 mg, however.
Bronchospasm may occur during exercise, and this medication can be used to prevent these attacks. An albuterol dose for this purpose is 2 puffs of an inhaler, taken 15 minutes before exercise. Alternately, 200 mg of inhalation caps can be taken 15 minutes before exercise.
The appropriate albuterol dose for children often depends on age. Children less than one year old may have asthma symptoms controlled by a nebulizer dose of 0.05 mg to 0.15 mg per kilogram (kg) of body weight, or 0.05 mg to 0.15 mg per 2.2 pounds (lb) of body weight. This dose is given every four to six hours.
Acute asthma doses for children ages two to four are slightly higher, but still use a nebulizer. These doses range from 1.25 mg to 2.5 mg per 1 kg, or 2.2 lb, of body weight. Doses are given every four to six hours, for as long as the asthma symptoms persist, and may be raised or lowered somewhat based on the child's response.
For children over five years old, an inhaler can be used to control asthma symptoms. The albuterol dose for an inhaler is two puffs, every four to six hours, for as long as the symptoms last. A nebulizer dose for the same purposes utilizes 2.5 mg given every four to six hours. Inhalation caps can also be used in children of this age, with a dose of 200 mg every four to six hours.
