Albuterol
Also known as: Proventil, Ventolin, ProAir, AccuNeb, VoSpire, Salbutamol
* **Proper Administration**: If using the aerosol inhaler, shake well before using. Ensure you know how to properly use the spacer device (e.g., Aerokat, Aerodawg) and mask to maximize drug delivery to the lungs. * **Rescue Use**: This medication is typically used as a "rescue" inhaler for acute breathing difficulty. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet's condition deteriorates, if the inhaler stops providing relief, or if your pet becomes acutely ill. * **Storage & Safety**: Do not puncture the aerosol canister or use it near an open flame. Do not expose to temperatures greater than 120°F (49°C) as it may explode. * **Toxicity Warning**: **Keep inhalers strictly out of reach of dogs.** Dogs that chew and puncture the canister receive a massive, potentially fatal overdose of the drug. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if this occurs.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Feline asthma (mild symptoms)
- Feline asthma (moderate symptoms)
- Feline asthma (severely affected/emergency)
- Feline asthma (chronic therapy)
- Feline asthma (intermittent signs)
- Rescue therapy (respiratory difficulty at rest)
- Moderate to severe respiratory disease
- Bronchodilation
- Heaves
- Short-acting bronchodilation
- Heaves
- Bronchodilation
- Bronchodilation
- Bronchodilation (Inhalation)
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Tachycardia
- Tremors and trembling
- CNS excitement, nervousness, and agitation
- Dizziness
- Hypokalemia (decreased serum potassium)
- Paradoxical airway inflammation in cats (associated with chronic use of the S-enantiomer in racemic albuterol)
- Muscle tremors
- Restlessness or excitement
- Hypokalemia (with high doses)
Cautions & contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to albuterol
- Use with extreme caution in patients with cardiac disease (especially concurrent arrhythmias)
- Use with caution in patients with diabetes, hyperthyroidism, hypertension, or seizure disorders
- Use during late stages of pregnancy (may inhibit uterine contractions)
- Known hypersensitivity to salbutamol
- Severe cardiac tachyarrhythmias
- Albuterol should be used with caution in animals with underlying **cardiovascular disease**, particularly those prone to arrhythmias, as well as those with hyperthyroidism, hypertension, or seizure disorders. **Pregnancy Warning**: In very large doses, albuterol is teratogenic in rodents. It may also delay preterm labor by inhibiting uterine contractions. Use only when potential benefits outweigh the risks (FDA Category C in humans). **Feline Specific Warning**: Chronic use of racemic albuterol in cats can exacerbate airway inflammation. Its use in cats should generally be restricted to acute rescue therapy.
Drug interactions
- Beta-adrenergic blocking agents (e.g., propranolol): May antagonize the bronchodilatory actions of albuterol
- Digoxin: Albuterol may increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias
- Inhalation anesthetics (e.g., halothane, isoflurane, methoxyflurane): May predispose the patient to ventricular arrhythmias, particularly in patients with preexisting cardiac disease
- Other sympathomimetic amines: Concurrent use may increase the risk of developing adverse cardiovascular effects
- Tricyclic antidepressants or Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): May potentiate the vascular effects of albuterol
- Propranolol (and other non-selective beta-blockers): Antagonizes the bronchodilating effects of salbutamol
- Loop or Thiazide Diuretics: May exacerbate hypokalemia
Frequently asked questions
What is Albuterol used for in pets?
* **Proper Administration**: If using the aerosol inhaler, shake well before using. Ensure you know how to properly use the spacer device (e.g., Aerokat, Aerodawg) and mask to maximize drug delivery to the lungs. * **Rescue Use**: This medication is typically used as a "rescue" inhaler for acute breathing difficulty. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet's condition deteriorates, if the inhaler stops providing relief, or if your pet becomes acutely ill. * **Storage & Safety**: Do not puncture the aerosol canister or use it near an open flame. Do not expose to temperatures greater than 120°F (49°C) as it may explode. * **Toxicity Warning**: **Keep inhalers strictly out of reach of dogs.** Dogs that chew and puncture the canister receive a massive, potentially fatal overdose of the drug. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if this occurs.
Is Albuterol safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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