This article describes albuterol metered aerosol’s dosages and strength and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for albuterol. If you want to know more about albuterol metered aerosol, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses, its side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Albuterol metered aerosol is a generic version of the brand-name drugs Ventolin HFA, ProAir HFA, and Proventil HFA. Albuterol also comes in other forms that aren’t described in this article. They are:
- oral tablets
- oral syrup
- powder for inhaling
- liquid solution for inhaling through a nebulizer device*
To learn more about these additional forms, talk with your doctor.
* A nebulizer device turns the liquid solution into a mist that you inhale into your lungs.
Form and strength of albuterol
Albuterol metered aerosol comes as follows:
- Form: aerosol in a canister that contains 8.5 grams of the drug or 200 metered puffs
- Strength: 90 micrograms (mcg) of albuterol per puff
Dosage of albuterol
This article describes the recommended dosages* for albuterol metered aerosol.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of albuterol metered aerosol without your doctor’s recommendation.
* The drugmaker provides these recommended dosages.
Usual recommended dosages of albuterol in adults
Albuterol metered aerosol treats airway tightness caused by asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and exercise. It’s approved for use in adults.
Usually, your doctor will start you on a low dosage. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the right dosage for you. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of albuterol metered aerosol that gives the desired outcome.
Each puff of albuterol metered aerosol delivers 90 micrograms (90 mcg) of albuterol. The dose depends on the type of airway tightness being treated and its severity.
| Condition | Recommended dose | Frequency |
| airway tightness caused by asthma or COPD | 2 puffs | every 4–6 hours |
| airway tightness caused by exercise | 2 puffs | 15–30 minutes before exercise |
The typical maximum dose for airway tightness caused by asthma or COPD is 12 puffs per day. For airway tightness caused by exercise, the maximum dose is two puffs of albuterol before exercise.
Dosages of albuterol in children
Albuterol metered aerosol treats airway tightness caused by asthma, COPD, and exercise. It’s approved for use in children ages 4 years and older.
The dosages for children are the same as for adults. See the table just above for these recommended dosages.
Dosage adjustments for albuterol
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of albuterol metered aerosol based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and its severity
- your age
- other health conditions you may have
Missed dose of albuterol
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of albuterol metered aerosol. They may advise you to take the missed dose if you’re having symptoms. Or they may advise you to skip it.
For tips on how to plan your doses of albuterol metered aerosol and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about albuterol metered aerosol and its dosage.
Is the dosage of albuterol metered aerosol similar to the dosage of albuterol nebulizer solution?
No, it’s not. The table below summarizes the dosages of the aerosol and the nebulizer solution. It also shows the approved conditions and age groups for both medications.
| Form | Condition | Approved age group | Dose | Frequency |
| albuterol metered aerosol | airway tightness caused by asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) | • adults • children ages 4 years and older | 2 puffs | every 4–6 hours |
| albuterol metered aerosol | airway tightness caused by exercise | • adults • children ages 4 years and older | 2 puffs | 15–30 minutes before exercise |
| albuterol nebulizer solution | airway tightness caused by asthma and COPD | adults | 2.5 milligrams (mg) | 3 to 4 times per day as needed |
| albuterol nebulizer solution | airway tightness caused by asthma and COPD | children ages 2 years through 12 years | 0.63–1.25 mg | 3 or 4 times per day as needed |
| albuterol nebulizer solution | airway tightness caused by asthma and COPD | children over age 12 years | 2.5 mg | 3 to 4 times per day as needed |
A nebulizer is a device that turns albuterol liquid solution into a mist. You inhale the mist into your lungs.
Ask your doctor if you have additional questions about dosages for albuterol metered aerosol or albuterol solution for the nebulizer.
Does albuterol have a maximum dosage per day?
Yes, it does. The typical maximum dosage per day of albuterol is 12 puffs for airway tightness from asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This is based on the dose of two puffs taken every 4 hours.
For airway tightness caused by exercise, the maximum dose is two puffs of albuterol before exercise.
Do not take albuterol metered aerosol more often than your doctor prescribes. If you do, this can increase your risk of serious side effects. These include:
- fast heart rate
- shakiness
- chest pain
- headache
- seizures
If the maximum dosage per day isn’t relieving your symptoms of airway tightening, call your doctor. If it isn’t managing your symptoms, your doctor may discuss other treatment options.
Is albuterol taken long term?
Yes, doctors usually prescribe albuterol metered aerosol as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should take albuterol metered aerosol, talk with your doctor.
How albuterol is taken
You’ll inhale albuterol metered aerosol into your lungs using the inhaler device. Once it’s assembled, the device delivers one puff at a time. Take as many puffs as your doctor prescribes. They’ll also tell you how often to take the medication based on your symptoms.
Before you first take albuterol metered aerosol, you’ll need to prime (prepare) the inhaler. Shake the inhaler, then spray in the air three times away from your face. You’ll need to prime it again if you’ve dropped it or haven’t taken your medication for at least 2 weeks.
Be sure to shake the inhaler before each puff. After each puff, hold your breath for about 10 seconds. This allows the medication to get into your lungs to work.
For step-by-step instructions on how to take your medication with the inhaler device, see the “Instructions for Use” section in the prescribing information. If you have questions, ask your pharmacist to show you how to take your medication using the inhaler.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty using your albuterol aerosol inhaler. They can offer recommendations on how to take it.
Some people find it difficult to inhale albuterol using the inhaler. In these cases, your doctor or pharmacist may recommend that you use a spacer. A spacer is a tube that attaches to the end of the inhaler device’s mouthpiece. When used with the inhaler, it helps deliver albuterol into your lungs.
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Overdose of albuterol
It’s important that you do not take more albuterol metered aerosol than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of albuterol overdose
Symptoms of an overdose can include:
- chest pain
- fast heart rate
- changes in blood pressure (high or low)
- headache
- fatigue
- insomnia
- dry mouth
- nausea
- dizziness
- seizures
What to do if you take too much albuterol
If you think you’ve taken too much albuterol, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes the usual recommended dosages for albuterol metered aerosol. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.
Do not change your dosage of albuterol metered aerosol without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take albuterol metered aerosol exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Will I need to take other medications if my albuterol dosage doesn’t manage my symptoms?
- Would I have more side effects taking the maximum dose of albuterol?
- When I begin albuterol, how often will my dosage need to be adjusted?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.