Albuterol
Albuterol sulfate
También conocido como: Proventil · Ventolin · ProAir · AccuNeb · VoSpire · Salbutamol hemisulphate · Salbutamol sulphate · Salbutamoli sulfas · Albuterol sulfate · Salbutamol sulfate
Revisado por el equipo veterinario de VetSheetActualizado 5 abr 2026Referencia veterinaria basada en la evidencia
Las dosis son una referencia clínica para profesionales veterinarios autorizados. Confirme siempre con el prospecto actual y cada paciente individual.
Dosis por especie
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Perros
| Indicación | Dosis | Vía | Frecuencia | Duración | Región |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronchodilation | 0.05 mg/kg (50 micrograms /kg) PO q8h | PO | q8h | — | 🌎 NA |
| Bronchodilation | 0.02 mg/kg PO q12h for 5 days; if no improvement and no adverse effects may increase to 0.05 mg/kg PO q8-12h. If patient responds, reduce to lowest effective dose. | PO | q12h initially, then q8-12h | 5 days initially | 🌎 NA |
| Bronchodilation (Inhalation) | 0.5 mL of the 0.5% solution for nebulization in 4 mL of saline nebulized every 6 hours | Inhalation | q6h | — | 🌎 NA |
- Bronchodilation: WARNING: Older references stating 50 mg/kg q8h are an obvious overdose and should not be followed.
- Bronchodilation (Inhalation): Based on a 60 lb dog.
Gatos
| Indicación | Dosis | Vía | Frecuencia | Duración | Región |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feline asthma (mild symptoms) | one puff albuterol as needed with one puff of 110 micrograms fluticasone twice daily. | Inhalation | PRN | — | 🌎 NA |
| Feline asthma (moderate symptoms) | albuterol one puff as needed with a 5 day course of prednisone at 1 mg/kg PO daily, and 220 micrograms of fluticasone twice daily. | Inhalation | PRN | — | 🌎 NA |
| Feline asthma (severely affected/emergency) | 90 micrograms (one puff) albuterol every 30 minutes as needed. | Inhalation | q30min PRN | — | 🌎 NA |
| Feline asthma (chronic therapy) | 90 micrograms albuterol as needed | Inhalation | PRN | — | 🌎 NA |
| Feline asthma (intermittent signs) | two puffs into an appropriate spacer ( e.g., Aerokat ®) twice daily; cat should breathe through the mask and spacer for 7-10 seconds. Positive clinical effect should be seen within 5-10 minutes. Can be used every 1/2 hour for 2-4 hours in crisis. | Inhalation | BID or q30min in crisis | — | 🌎 NA |
- Feline asthma (mild symptoms): Using the 90 micrograms/puff aerosol albuterol inhaler and an appropriate spacer and mask.
- Feline asthma (severely affected/emergency): Should be treated on an emergency basis with oxygen and an intravenous dose of a glucocorticoid.
- Feline asthma (chronic therapy): Should include fluticasone 220 micrograms twice daily and 1 mg/kg prednisone every other day.
- Feline asthma (intermittent signs): For intermittent signs (e.g., wheeze, increased cough or respiratory rate and effort at rest).
Caballos
| Indicación | Dosis | Vía | Frecuencia | Duración | Región |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rescue therapy (respiratory difficulty at rest) | 360 micrograms (4 puffs) inhaled; if severe airway obstruction, may give at 15 minute increments for up to 2 hours. Continue as needed every 4-6 hours. | Inhalation | q15min up to 2h, then q4-6h PRN | — | 🌎 NA |
| Moderate to severe respiratory disease | 360 micrograms followed in 5 minutes with aerosolized corticosteroid (beclomethasone or fluticasone) therapy. | Inhalation | — | — | 🌎 NA |
| Bronchodilation | 2-3 micrograms/kg via inhalation using a specially designed mask and spacer ( Aeromask ® and Aerovent ®) | Inhalation | — | — | 🌎 NA |
| Heaves | 0.8-2 micrograms/kg in a metered dose inhaler | Inhalation | — | — | 🌎 NA |
| Short-acting bronchodilation | 450-900 micrograms (5-10 puffs) as needed, not to exceed 4 times per week unless in conjunction with a corticosteroid | Inhalation | PRN (max 4x/week without steroids) | — | 🌎 NA |
| Heaves | 360 micrograms (4 puffs) inhaled as needed. Tolerance develops rapidly if used as a sole therapy. | Inhalation | PRN | — | 🌎 NA |
- Rescue therapy (respiratory difficulty at rest): Beneficial effects may last approximately 1 hour in severely affected horses. ARCI UCGFS Class 3 Drug.
Las dosis son una referencia clínica para profesionales veterinarios autorizados. Confirme siempre con el prospecto actual y cada paciente individual.
Resumen
El albuterol (conocido internacionalmente como salbutamol) es un agonista de los receptores $\beta_2$-adrenérgicos de acción corta (SABA). Se utiliza ampliamente en medicina veterinaria como un potente broncodilatador para aliviar el broncoespasmo y la tos asociados con enfermedades de las vías respiratorias inferiores.
Las aplicaciones clínicas clave incluyen:
- Asma felina: Utilizado principalmente como inhalador de "rescate" para crisis asmáticas agudas.
- Bronquitis crónica canina: Proporciona alivio sintomático del broncoespasmo.
- Obstrucción recurrente de las vías respiratorias en equinos (RAO / Heaves): Utilizado para el alivio agudo de la dificultad respiratoria.
Perla clínica: Aunque es altamente eficaz para la terapia de rescate aguda, se desaconseja la monoterapia crónica con albuterol racémico, particularmente en gatos. El S-enantiómero en la mezcla racémica puede aumentar paradójicamente la inflamación de las vías respiratorias con el tiempo. Idealmente, debe combinarse con corticosteroides inhalados (p. ej., fluticasona) para el manejo a largo plazo.
Mecanismo de acción
Albuterol selectively binds to and stimulates $\beta_2$-adrenergic receptors on bronchial smooth muscle.
Mechanism Pathway: $\beta_2$-receptor activation $\rightarrow$ stimulates adenylyl cyclase $\rightarrow$ increases intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) $\rightarrow$ activates protein kinase A (PKA) $\rightarrow$ decreases intracellular calcium concentrations $\rightarrow$ results in smooth muscle relaxation and bronchodilation.
- Secondary Effects: It also stabilizes mast cell membranes (preventing inflammatory mediator release) and increases mucociliary clearance.
- Metabolic/Electrolyte Effects: Beta-adrenergic stimulation activates the $Na^+/K^+$-ATPase pump, driving potassium from the serum into the intracellular space, which can cause temporary hypokalemia.
- Cardiac Effects: At standard doses, it has minimal $\beta_1$ (cardiac) activity, but at high doses or in sensitive individuals, it can cause tachycardia.
Seguridad y advertencias
Contraindicaciones
- 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
Efectos adversos
- 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)
Precauciones
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.
Interacciones farmacológicas
May antagonize the bronchodilatory actions of albuterol
Albuterol may increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias
May predispose the patient to ventricular arrhythmias, particularly in patients with preexisting cardiac disease
Concurrent use may increase the risk of developing adverse cardiovascular effects
May potentiate the vascular effects of albuterol
Antagonizes the bronchodilating effects of salbutamol
May exacerbate hypokalemia
Monitorización
- Clinical symptom improvement (respiratory rate, effort)
- Thoracic auscultation
- Blood gases (if indicated in severe respiratory distress)
- Cardiac rate and rhythm (especially in overdose or susceptible patients)
- Serum potassium levels (early in therapy if animal is susceptible to hypokalemia)
- Respiratory rate and effort
- Heart rate and rhythm
- Serum potassium levels (if used frequently or in high doses)
Farmacocinética
Vida media
Absorción
Absorbed rapidly and well after oral administration. Effects occur within 5 minutes after oral inhalation, and 30 minutes after oral administration (e.g., tablets).
Distribución
Does not cross the blood-brain barrier but does cross the placenta.
Metabolismo
Extensively metabolized in the liver principally to the inactive metabolite, albuterol 4'-O-sulfate.
Eliminación
Duration of effect generally persists for 3-6 hours after inhalation and up to 12 hours after oral administration.
Sobredosis
Significant overdose (often occurring when dogs puncture an aerosol canister with their teeth) leads to massive systemic absorption and severe sympathomimetic toxicity.
Clinical Signs:
- Severe tachycardia and arrhythmias (extrasystoles)
- Hypertension
- Tremors, agitation, and CNS stimulation
- Panting, tachypnea, and fever
- Vomiting
- Mydriasis
- Hypokalemia and hypophosphatemia (due to intracellular shifts)
Treatment:
- Oral Ingestion (Tablets): If recent and asymptomatic, perform standard decontamination (emesis, activated charcoal, cathartic).
- Inhaler Puncture: Decontamination is generally not effective as absorption across the oral mucosa is extremely rapid.
- Medical Management:
- Use beta-blocking agents (e.g., atenolol, metoprolol, or propranolol) to control severe tachycardia and arrhythmias.
- Administer diazepam for severe tremors or agitation.
- Monitor electrolytes closely; potassium supplementation via IV fluids is frequently required to correct hypokalemia.
- Contact an animal poison control center for guided management.
Productos disponibles
Formulaciones
- Extended-release oral tablets
- Oral syrup
- Aerosol metered-dose inhaler (MDI)
- Solution for inhalation (nebulization)
- Inhalational: 100 μg per metered inhalation (Evohaler)
Etiquetado para humanos
- Albuterol Oral Tablets: 2 mg & 4 mg
- Albuterol Extended Release Oral Tablets: 4 mg & 8 mg (VoSpire ER)
- Albuterol Oral Syrup: 2 mg/5 mL
- Albuterol Aerosol (MDI): 90 micrograms/actuation (ProAir HFA, Proventil HFA, Ventolin HFA)
- Albuterol Solution for Inhalation ('Nebs'): 0.083% (2.5 mg/3 mL), 0.5% (5 mg/mL), 0.021% (0.63 mg/3mL), 0.042% (1.25 mg/3 mL) (AccuNeb, Proventil)
- Combination Aerosol: 103 mcg albuterol / 18 mcg ipratropium bromide per puff (Combivent)
- Combination Solution for Inhalation: 3 mg albuterol / 0.5 mg ipratropium bromide (DuoNeb)
- Ventolin Evohaler (100 μg per metered inhalation)
Estado regulador
POM (Prescription Only Medicine)
POM (Prescription Only Medicine)
Sin datos reguladores para: 🇺🇸 US · 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Almacenamiento y estabilidad
Oral albuterol sulfate products should be stored at 2-30°C. The inhaled aerosol should be stored at room temperature; do not allow exposure to temperatures above 120°F or the canister may burst. The 0.5% nebulizer solutions should be stored at room temperature; the 0.083% nebulizer solutions should be stored in the refrigerator. Discard solutions if they become colored.
Información para el cliente
- Administración adecuada: Si utiliza el inhalador en aerosol, agítelo bien antes de usarlo. Asegúrese de saber cómo utilizar correctamente el dispositivo espaciador (p. ej., Aerokat, Aerodawg) y la mascarilla para maximizar la llegada del medicamento a los pulmones.
- Uso de rescate: Este medicamento se utiliza generalmente como un inhalador de "rescate" para dificultades respiratorias agudas. Contacte a su veterinario inmediatamente si la condición de su mascota empeora, si el inhalador deja de proporcionar alivio o si su mascota se enferma gravemente.
- Almacenamiento y seguridad: No perfore el envase de aerosol ni lo utilice cerca de llamas abiertas. No lo exponga a temperaturas superiores a 120°F (49°C) ya que puede explotar.
- Advertencia de toxicidad: Mantenga los inhaladores estrictamente fuera del alcance de los perros. Los perros que mastican y perforan el envase reciben una sobredosis masiva y potencialmente fatal del fármaco. Busque atención veterinaria de emergencia inmediatamente si esto ocurre.
La referencia de medicamentos de VetSheet está destinada a profesionales veterinarios autorizados como ayuda para la toma de decisiones clínicas, no como sustituto del criterio profesional ni del prospecto actual del fabricante.