Albuterol Sulfate (albuterol sulfate)
Beta-Adrenergic Agents Short-Acting (Inhaled) Inhalation Vial, Nebulizer (Ml)
Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
Overview
Albuterol (a racemic mixture) and levalbuterol (the R-enantiomer) are synthetic sympathomimetic amines that stimulate beta-adrenergic receptors. The drugs are relatively selective, short-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists.
USES: Albuterol (also known as salbutamol) is used to treat wheezing and shortness of breath caused by breathing problems such as asthma. It is a quick-relief medication. Albuterol belongs to a class of drugs known as bronchodilators.
It works by relaxing the muscles around the airways so that they open up and you can breathe more easily. Controlling symptoms of breathing problems can decrease time lost from work or school.
Generic name: albuterol sulfate
Pronunciation: (al-BUE-ter-ol/sal-BUE-ta-mol)
Drug class: Beta-Adrenergic Agents Short-Acting (Inhaled)
Therapeutic class: Respiratory Therapy Agents
Reference product & biosimilars
No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.
Today’s intelligence on Albuterol Sulfate
Indications
The following indications are listed for Albuterol Sulfate:
- Acute Asthma Attack
- Bronchospasm Prevention
- Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm Prevention
Also known as: Acute Asthma, Acute Asthma Exacerbation, Bronchial Spasm Prophylaxis, Bronchospasm Prophylaxis, Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm Prophylaxis.
Dosing
Dosage of albuterol sulfate is expressed in terms of albuterol. Dosage of levalbuterol hydrochloride or tartrate is expressed in terms of levalbuterol. Dosage of albuterol sulfate and levalbuterol must be carefully adjusted according to individual requirements and response. The albuterol oral aerosol inhalers deliver 90 mcg of albuterol from the mouthpiece per metered spray. The levalbuterol tartrate oral aerosol inhaler delivers 45 mcg of levalbuterol from the mouthpiece per metered spray. The oral aerosol inhaler containing albuterol sulfate and ipratropium bromide delivers 18 mcg of ipratropium bromide and 103 mcg of albuterol sulfate (equivalent to 90 mcg of albuterol) from the mouthpiece per metered spray. Using in vitro testing at an average flow rate of 3.6 L/minute for an average of 15 minutes, the Pari-LC Plus(R) nebulizer delivered at the mouthpiece approximately 46 or 42% of the original dosage of albuterol or ipratropium bromide, respectively. Using in vitro testing at an average flow rate of 3.6 L/minute for an average of 15 minutes or less, the Pari-LC Plus(R) nebulizer delivered at the mouthpiece approximately 43 or 39% of the original dosage of albuterol at the 1.25- or 0. 63-mg strength, respectively.
Commercially available albuterol sulfate aerosol with a hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellant delivers at least 200 metered sprays per 18-g (Ventolin(R) HFA), 6.7-g (Proventil(R) HFA), or 8.5-g (ProAir(R) HFA) canister, respectively. The commercially available aerosol inhaler containing albuterol sulfate in fixed combination with ipratropium bromide delivers 200 metered sprays per 14.7-g canister. The commercially available levalbuterol aerosol inhaler delivers 200 metered sprays per 15-g canister. The canister should be discarded after the labeled number of actuations have been used.
Albuterol sulfate is administered orally or by oral inhalation via a metered-dose inhaler or nebulization. Albuterol sulfate is administered in fixed combination with ipratropium bromide via a metered-dose aerosol inhaler or via nebulization. Levalbuterol hydrochloride is administered by oral inhalation via nebulization. Levalbuterol tartrate with hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellant is administered by oral inhalation via a metered-dose inhaler. To avoid microbial contamination, proper aseptic technique should be used when albuterol or levalbuterol is administered via nebulization. Albuterol sulfate extended-release tablets should not be chewed or crushed.
| Drug label | Dosing type | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Albuterol Sul 1.25 Mg/3 Ml Sol | Maintenance | Inhale 3 milliliters (1.25 mg) via nebulizer by inhalation route 3-4 times daily. |
| Albuterol Sul 2.5 Mg/3 Ml Soln | Maintenance | Inhale 3 milliliters (2.5 mg) by nebulization route 3 times per day. |
| Drug label | Dosing type | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Albuterol Sul 1.25 Mg/3 Ml Sol | Maintenance | Inhale 3 milliliters (1.25 mg) via nebulizer by inhalation route 3-4 times daily. |
| Albuterol Sul 2.5 Mg/3 Ml Soln | Maintenance | Inhale 3 milliliters (2.5 mg) by nebulization route 3 times per day. |
Drug interactions
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.
Sympathomimetics/Dihydroergotamine
SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of dihydroergotamine and sympathomimetics may result in additive or synergistic effect on peripheral blood vessels.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of dihydroergotamine and sympathomimetics may result in increased blood pressure due to peripheral vasoconstriction.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Dihydroergotamine is contraindicated with sympathomimetics because the combination may result in additive or synergistic elevation of blood pressure.(1)
DISCUSSION: Significant elevation in blood pressure has been reported in patients treated with dihydroergotamine.(1) Sympathomimetics can be expected to have additional effects on blood pressure.
Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
Agents That Affect Catecholamines/Iobenguane I 123
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Many compounds that reduce catecholamine uptake or that deplete catecholamine stores may interfere with iobenguane uptake into cells.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Compounds that reduce catecholamine uptake or that deplete catecholamine stores may interfere with imaging completed with iobenguane.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Discuss the use of agents that affect catecholamines. Discontinue drugs that reduce catecholamine uptake or deplete catecholamine stores prior to imaging with iobenguane. Before imaging with iobenguane, discontinue agents that affect catecholamines for at least 5 biological half-lives, as clinically tolerated.(1)
DISCUSSION: Many agents may reduce catecholamine uptake or deplete catecholamine stores.(1) Examples include: - CNS stimulants or amphetamines (e.g. cocaine, methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine) - norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (e.g. phentermine) - norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g. tramadol) - monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g. phenelzine, linezolid) - central monoamine depleting drugs (e.g. reserpine) - non-select beta adrenergic blocking drugs (e.g. labetalol) - alpha agonists or alpha/beta agonists (e.g. pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, ephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, naphazoline) - tricyclic antidepressants or norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (e.g. amitriptyline, bupropion, duloxetine, mirtazapine, venlafaxine) - botanicals that may inhibit reuptake of norepinephrine, serotonin or dopamine (e.g. ephedra, ma huang, St. John's Wort, yohimbine)
Agents That Affect Catecholamines/Iobenguane I 131
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Many compounds that reduce catecholamine uptake or that deplete catecholamine stores may interfere with iobenguane uptake into cells.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Compounds that reduce catecholamine uptake or that deplete catecholamine stores may impact the dosimetry calculations or effectiveness of iobenguane.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Discuss the use of agents that affect catecholamines. Discontinue drugs that reduce catecholamine uptake or deplete catecholamine stores for at least 5 half-lives before administration of either the dosimetry or a therapeutic dose of iobenguane. Do not administer these drugs until at least 7 days after each iobenguane dose.(1)
DISCUSSION: Many agents may reduce catecholamine uptake or deplete catecholamine stores.(1) Examples include: - CNS stimulants or amphetamines (e.g. cocaine, methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine) - norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (e.g. phentermine) - norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g. tramadol) - monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g. phenelzine, linezolid) - central monoamine depleting drugs (e.g. reserpine) - non-select beta adrenergic blocking drugs (e.g. labetalol) - alpha agonists or alpha/beta agonists (e.g. pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, ephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, naphazoline) - tricyclic antidepressants or norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (e.g. amitriptyline, bupropion, duloxetine, mirtazapine, venlafaxine) - botanicals that may inhibit reuptake of norepinephrine, serotonin or dopamine (e.g. ephedra, ma huang, St. John's Wort, yohimbine) - calcium channel blockers
Beta-2 Agonists/Non-Cardioselective Beta-Blockers
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Non-cardioselective beta-blockers and beta-2 agonists may antagonize the effects of each other.
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Diminished response to either the beta-agonist, beta-blocker, or both may occur. Beta-blockers may also induce bronchospasm.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Patients receiving beta-2 agonists for the treatment of asthma may be more at risk for bronchospasm.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: If possible, avoid beta-blocker therapy in asthmatic patients requiring beta-2 agonist therapy. If beta-blocker therapy is required, use a cardio-selective beta-blocker. For timolol ophthalmic drops, counsel patients to apply pressure to the inner corner of the eye after administration to prevent systemic absorption. Monitor patients for decreased effects of either agent, such as increased need for/use of beta-2 agonists or increased heart rate or blood pressure.
DISCUSSION: Many patients with asymptomatic or mild reactive airways disease tolerate beta-blockers well. Most patients with COPD do not have bronchospastic component to their illness and may be given beta-blockers. Heart failure treatment guidelines recommend beta-blockers in the presence of COPD. Non-selective beta-blockers have been shown to have a negative effect on lung function (FEV1) and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in patients with asthma and COPD.(1) An open-label study using the nonselective beta blocker nadolol showed no effect on salbutamol in 10 patients with mild asthma not on controller therapy.(2) A study in 8 healthy men showed that long acting propranolol (160 mg) only effected airway dilation at the 200 mcg salbutamol dose. The 800 mcg and 1600 mcg dose were unaffected. However, penbutolol prevented any significant airway dilation with all doses of salbutamol.(3) In a double blind, three-way, crossover study, 44% (7/16 patients) of patients taking metoprolol showed a greater than 20% decrease in FEV1 compared to 19% (3 patients) after dilevalol and 6% (1 patient) after placebo. Dilevalol and metoprolol significantly inhibited isoproterenol response compared to placebo.(4) A double-blind, randomized, crossover study in 10 asthmatic patients showed that intravenous propranolol produced marked symptomatic bronchoconstriction. Only a slight but significant inhibition of bronchomotor sensitivity to isoproterenol was noted during esmolol infusion.(5) In 18 patients with reversible bronchial asthma, labetalol caused a significant increase in FEV1 and metoprolol caused a significant decrease in FEV1. Concurrent administration of isoproterenol and labetalol caused a further increase in FEV1. The effect of isoproterenol was decreased by metoprolol (100, 200mg).(6) In one study propranolol (0.06mg/kg IV) was shown to almost completely block the effects of isoproterenol in asthmatics. Metoprolol (0.12mg/kg IV) did not affect isoproterenol.(7) Studies have shown that cardioselective beta-blockers are safe for patients with asthma and COPD.(8,9,10) Nebivolol and celiprolol significantly decreased FEV1. Inhalation of albuterol (up to 800mcg) significantly improved FEV1, but the values after nebivolol and celiprolol administration were lower than the initial values.(11) Administration of metoprolol did not cause any respiratory problems in 9 asthmatic patients. There was no significant difference between the metoprolol and placebo groups in the respiratory response to an isoproterenol aerosol in 24 asthmatic patients.(12) Eight male asthmatic patients were given 10 mg bisoprolol, 20 mg bisoprolol, and 100 mg metoprolol. Both bisoprolol and metoprolol caused bronchoconstriction measured by a significant fall in PEFR (peak expiratory flow rate). Terbutaline was able to reverse bronchoconstriction in all patients.(13) A double blind, placebo-controlled study analyzed the use of atenolol 100mg, metoprolol 100mg, or acebutolol 400 mg in 8 asthmatic patients before and after exercise. All three drugs reduced significantly FEV1 and PEFR. Administration of terbutaline improved all respiratory indices.(14) A double-blind crossover trial in 10 asthmatic patients showed that a single IV dose of atenolol 3mg caused slight impairment of ventilatory function. A dose of salbutamol by inhalation was able to reverse the bronchial effect of atenolol.(15) Propranolol (80mg/day), oxprenolol (80mg/day), atenolol (100mg/day), and celiprolol 200mg/day were given to 10 asthmatic patients in a randomized, crossover design with a two week washout period between each drug. The non-beta 1 selective beta blockers (propranolol, oxprenolol) caused a significant reduction in FEV1 and inhibited the bronchodilator response to inhaled salbutamol. Atenolol and celiprolol (beta1 selective beta blockers) did not significantly affect respiratory function or antagonize salbutamol effects.(16) A double blind, randomized, within patient, placebo-controlled study compared the cardioselective beta-blocker atenolol to the non-selective propranolol. Atenolol caused a significantly less drop in FEV1 compared to propranolol. The effect of isoprenaline plus the beta blockers were also studied. Both atenolol and propranolol effected isoprenaline FEV1 dose response curves but the greatest displacement was seen with propranolol.(17) The pulmonary effects of celiprolol 200 mg, celiprolol 400mg, propranolol 40mg, atenolol 100 mg were evaluated in 34 asthmatic patients. Propranolol and atenolol caused significant reductions in pulmonary function. Propranolol pretreatment caused a significant reduction in the effect of the bronchodilator. Celiprolol did not antagonize the bronchodilators.(18) A double-blind, placebo controlled, randomized, crossover design study studied the effects of propranolol 80mg or celiprolol 200 or 400mg on pulmonary function. Propranolol produced a significant decrease in FEV1 and FVC. Celiprolol and placebo had similar results. The effect of aerosolized terbutaline was also measured. Even at supratherapeutic doses, terbutaline was unable to restore pulmonary function parameters to baseline levels after treatment with propranolol. Terbutaline caused further bronchodilation after administration of celiprolol.(19) Eleven asthmatic patients showed significant bronchoconstriction in small airways after propranolol 40mg and pindolol 2.5mg in a double blind, randomized trial. Large airways only showed bronchoconstriction with propranolol. Terbutaline 0.5mg subcutaneous was given after pretreatment with propranolol and pindolol. The bronchodilator effect of terbutaline on large airways was diminished after both propranolol and timolol.(20)
Sympathomimetics/Ergot Alkaloids
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of ergot alkaloids and sympathomimetics may result in additive or synergistic effect on peripheral blood vessels.
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of ergot alkaloids and sympathomimetics may result in increased blood pressure due to peripheral vasoconstriction.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: When possible, avoid the concurrent use of ergot alkaloids and sympathomimetics. If concurrent use is warranted, monitor blood pressure and for signs of vasoconstriction. Decreasing the dose of one or both drugs may be necessary.
DISCUSSION: There have been reports of severe vasoconstriction resulting in gangrene in patients receiving intravenous ergonovine with dopamine or norepinephrine.
Sympathomimetics/Selected Inhalation Anesthetic Agents
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: The exact mechanism is unknown. The anesthetics produce conduction changes that increase impulse re-entry into the myocardial tissue.(1) The anesthetics' ability to precipitate arrhythmias is enhanced by elevated arterial blood pressure, tachycardia, hypercapnia, and/or hypoxia, events that stimulate the release of endogenous catecholamines.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of inhalation anesthetic agents and sympathomimetics may result in ventricular arrhythmias or sudden blood pressure and heart rate increase during surgery.(2)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Monitor blood pressure and avoid use of sympathomimetics in patients being treated with anesthetics on the day of surgery.(2) Intravenous use of epinephrine during surgery with halothane and related halogenated general anesthetics should be strongly discouraged. When intravenous epinephrine is necessary, nitrous oxide anesthesia supplemented with ether, muscle relaxants, or opioids should be used instead of halothane.(3,4) Epinephrine may safely be used subcutaneously with the following precautions: the patient is adequately ventilated to prevent hypoxia or respiratory acidosis; the total dose of epinephrine is limited to 100 mcg/10 minute period or 300 mcg/hour in adults, 3.5 mcg/Kg in infants, 2.5 mcg/Kg in children up to two years of age, and 1.45 mcg/Kg in children over two years of age; a minimum effective concentration of anesthetic is maintained; the drugs are not co-administered in patients with hypertension or other cardiovascular disorders; and the cardiac rhythm is continuously monitored during and after injection.(3-10) If arrhythmias occur after the administration of the epinephrine, the drugs of choice are lidocaine or propranolol, depending on the type of arrhythmia.(1)
DISCUSSION: Administration of epinephrine during halothane anesthesia may may lead to serious ventricular arrhythmias.(3-6,11-18) This has occurred when epinephrine was administered intravenously,(6) when it was administered with lidocaine as a dental block,(11,14) or when it was administered supraperiosteally.(5) Norepinephrine has been shown to interact with halothane in a manner similar to epinephrine.(1) In two case reports, patients were given terbutaline (0.25 to 0.35 mg) for wheezing following induction of anesthesia with halothane. One patient's heart rate increased from 68 to 100 beats/minute, and the ECG showed premature ventricular contractions and bigeminy, while the other patient developed multiple unifocal premature ventricular contractions and bigeminy. The arrhythmias resolved in both patients following lidocaine administration.(19) Although not documented, isoproterenol causes effects on the heart similar to terbutaline(20) and would probably interact with halothane in a similar manner. Other inhalation anesthetics that increase the incidence of arrhythmias with epinephrine include chloroform,(20) methoxyflurane,(20) and enflurane.(12) A similar interaction may be expected between the other inhalation anesthetics and sympathomimetics.
Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
Beta-Agonists; Anticholinergics; Theophylline/Methacholine
SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Beta-agonists, anticholinergics, and theophylline may inhibit the action of methacholine on the airway.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: The result of the methacholine challenge test may not be accurate.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The following drugs should be held before a methacholine challenge for the the duration indicated:(1) - short-acting beta-agonists: 6 hours - long-acting beta-agonists: 36 hours - short-acting anti-cholinergics: 12 hours - long-acting anti-cholinergics: at least 168 hours (7 days) - oral theophylline: 12-48 hours
DISCUSSION: Beta-agonists, anticholinergics, and theophylline may inhibit the action of methacholine on the airway and cause inaccurate test results.
Inhaled Direct-Acting Sympathomimetics/Tricyclic Compounds
SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Unknown. However, it is speculated that direct-acting sympathomimetic amines have an enhanced effect due to tricyclic blockage of norepinephrine reuptake.
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Increased effect of direct acting sympathomimetics.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The concurrent use of inhaled sympathomimetics and tricyclic compounds or the use of these agents within 14 days of each other should be approached with extreme caution.
DISCUSSION: Epinephrine and other direct-acting sympathomimetic amines exert enhanced cardiovascular effects (e.g., arrhythmias, hypertension, and tachycardia) in individuals concurrently receiving or previously treated with tricyclic antidepressants. Protriptyline, amitriptyline, and desipramine have also been reported to interact with direct-acting sympathomimetics. Similarity between cyclobenzaprine and the tricyclic antidepressants consideration of tricyclic antidepressant interactions for cyclobenzaprine.
Contraindications
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There are no contraindication contraindications for this drug.
There are no severe contraindications for this drug.
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Chronic myocardial ischemia
- Congenital long QT syndrome
- Diabetes mellitus
- Hypertension
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypokalemia
- Ketoacidosis
- Metabolic acidosis
- Myocardial ischemia
- Prolonged QT interval
- Seizure disorder
Adverse reactions
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Rare or Very Rare
- Abnormal ECG
- Anaphylaxis
- Angina
- Angioedema
- Hypokalemia
- Hypotension
- Metabolic acidosis
- Myocardial ischemia
- Paradoxical bronchospasm
- Pharyngeal edema
- Urticaria
More Frequent
- Back pain
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Pain
- Pain in oropharynx
- Pharyngitis
- Rhinitis
- Tachycardia
- Tremor
- Upper respiratory infection
- Urinary tract infection
- Viral gastroenteritis
- Vomiting
Less Frequent
- Ataxia
- Chills
- Cough
- Cramps in legs
- Depression
- Dizziness
- Drowsy
- Dry throat
- Dysgeusia
- Edema
- Eructation
- Fever
- Flatulence
- Headache disorder
- Hyperhidrosis
- Hyperkinesis
- Hypertension
- Insomnia
- Migraine
- Mouth irritation
- Sore throat
- Symptoms of anxiety
- Tinnitus
- Voice change
- Xerostomia
Rare or Very Rare
- Chest pain
- Cramps
- Hyperglycemia
- Palpitations
- Skin rash
- Sleep disorder
- Vertigo
Precautions
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Experts from the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) state that maintaining adequate control of asthma during pregnancy is important for the health and well-being of the mother and the fetus. Because of the risks associated with asthma symptoms and exacerbations (e.g., increased perinatal mortality, preeclampsia, preterm birth, low birth weight during pregnancy, such experts consider use of antiasthmatic agents to be safer than the complications of inadequately controlled asthma. Albuterol is the preferred short-acting inhaled beta2-agonist because more data are available on use of albuterol in pregnant women than on use of other short-acting inhaled beta2-agonists, and such data indicate an excellent safety profile.
The manufacturers of albuterol or levalbuterol state that the drugs should be used during pregnancy only if the possible benefits outweigh the potential risks. During marketing experience with the drug, various congenital anomalies, including cleft palate and limb defects, have been reported in the children of patients being treated with albuterol; however, some women were receiving multiple medications during their pregnancies. Because no consistent pattern of congenital abnormality development can be discerned, a relationship between albuterol use and the development of congenital anomalies cannot be established. Large IV doses of albuterol have reportedly inhibited uterine contractions, and the drug has reportedly delayed preterm labor following oral administration. Serious adverse effects, including maternal pulmonary edema, have been reported during or following treatment of premature labor with beta2-agonists, including albuterol. There are currently no well-controlled studies to show that albuterol will stop preterm labor or prevent labor at term, and the risks versus benefits of tocolytic therapy with levalbuterol or albuterol have not been established. Albuterol or orally inhaled levalbuterol should be used with caution in pregnant women when needed for relief of bronchospasm during labor and only when the potential benefits are expected to clearly outweigh the possible risks, since the drugs may interfere with uterine contractility.
Albuterol has been shown to be teratogenic in mice and rabbits. Reproduction studies in mice given subcutaneous albuterol doses of 0.025, 0.25, or 2.5 mg/kg (approximately 0.003, 0.03, or 0.3 times, respectively, the maximum recommended daily oral dosage for adults; 0.125, 1.25, and 12.5 times the maximum recommended human albuterol single-use inhalation solution via nebulization; less than the maximum recommended adult daily inhalation solution dosage on a mg/m2 basis; and up to 8 times the maximum recommended daily inhalation aerosol dosage on a mg/m2 basis) showed cleft palate formation in 4.5% of fetuses at 0.25 mg/kg and in 9.3% of fetuses at 2.5 mg/kg (approximately equal to the maximum daily nebulized levalbuterol, albuterol sulfate, or albuterol sulfate/ipratropium bromide dosage in adults on a mg/m2 basis); cleft palate did not occur in mice receiving 0.025 mg/kg of albuterol (representing less than the maximum daily adult inhalation dosage of albuterol sulfate alone via metered-dose inhalation or nebulization or in fixed combination with ipratropium bromide via nebulization on a mg/m2 basis). Cleft palate also occurred in 30.5% of fetuses treated with 2.5 mg/kg of isoproterenol (positive control). A reproduction study with oral albuterol in rabbits revealed cranioschisis in 37% of fetuses at 50 mg/kg (approximately 25, 55, 60 or 80 times the maximum recommended daily adult oral albuterol sulfate dosage, albuterol sulfate/ipratropium bromide nebulized adult dosage, nebulized pediatric albuterol dosage or nebulized albuterol sulfate adult dosage, respectively, on a mg/m2 basis; 630-680 times the maximum daily adult inhalation aerosol dosage; or 250 times the maximum albuterol inhalation solution dosage via nebulization for a 50-kg human). In a reproduction study in rats given albuterol sulfate aerosol containing a hydrofluoroalkane propellant by oral inhalation, the drug did not exhibit any teratogenic effects at 10.5 mg/kg daily (approximately 60-65 times the maximum recommended human daily inhalation dosage on a mg/m2 basis). Safe use of the drug in pregnant women has not been established. A reproduction study in rabbits given oral levalbuterol dosages of up to 25 mg/kg (approximately 110 times the maximum recommended daily adult oral inhalation dosage on a mg/m2 basis) revealed no evidence of teratogenicity.
It is not known whether albuterol, albuterol sulfate, or levalbuterol is distributed into milk. Because of the potential for tumorigenicity shown for albuterol in animal studies, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or albuterol or levalbuterol, taking into account the importance of the drug to the woman.
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ICD codes
| Code | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Acute asthma attack | ||
| J45.21 | ICD10CM | Mild intermittent asthma with (acute) exacerbation |
| J45.22 | ICD10CM | Mild intermittent asthma with status asthmaticus |
| J45.31 | ICD10CM | Mild persistent asthma with (acute) exacerbation |
| J45.32 | ICD10CM | Mild persistent asthma with status asthmaticus |
| J45.41 | ICD10CM | Moderate persistent asthma with (acute) exacerbation |
| J45.42 | ICD10CM | Moderate persistent asthma with status asthmaticus |
| J45.51 | ICD10CM | Severe persistent asthma with (acute) exacerbation |
| J45.52 | ICD10CM | Severe persistent asthma with status asthmaticus |
| J45.901 | ICD10CM | Unspecified asthma with (acute) exacerbation |
| J45.902 | ICD10CM | Unspecified asthma with status asthmaticus |
| J98.01 | ICD10CM | Acute bronchospasm |
| Bronchospasm prevention | ||
| J44.8 | ICD10CM | Other specified chronic obstructive pulmonary disease |
| J44.81 | ICD10CM | Bronchiolitis obliterans and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome |
| J44.89 | ICD10CM | Other specified chronic obstructive pulmonary disease |
| J44.9 | ICD10CM | Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, unspecified |
| J45.20 | ICD10CM | Mild intermittent asthma, uncomplicated |
| J45.30 | ICD10CM | Mild persistent asthma, uncomplicated |
| J45.40 | ICD10CM | Moderate persistent asthma, uncomplicated |
| J45.50 | ICD10CM | Severe persistent asthma, uncomplicated |
| J45.909 | ICD10CM | Unspecified asthma, uncomplicated |
| J45.990 | ICD10CM | Exercise induced bronchospasm |
| J45.998 | ICD10CM | Other asthma |
| Exercise-induced bronchospasm prevention | ||
| J45.990 | ICD10CM | Exercise induced bronchospasm |
ICD code information from First Databank (FDB).
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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
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