Using an albuterol inhaler more than 3 times?

Question

I am asthmatic, and I have always had a question about the dosage. I've been told numerous times that I can only use my inhaler up to three times a day as necessary. I was told once that if I've used my inhaler three times already and i have an attack, that I'm not allowed to take the fourth no matter what.
Could someone enlighten me as to why this is? And what are the consequences of using it more than thrice in 24 hours?

Yah, it might also have to do with the dosage. I guess the turning blue of your hands and trembling are definitely side-effects, thanks pzratnog. It is a steroid after all, and overdoses could be a problem.

And more details...
It was a nurse at some place I went to who told me only that if I was having an attack, I can't have a fourth set of puffs. I bet that if I was having a bad attack it would be OK, but that's why I'm asking here.

Answer 1

I was told by one doctor I could use it four times daily, and another said six. Maybe it has to do with how it accelerates the heart rate, why it should only be used three? I haven't needed to use it more than once or twice in a long time, and rarely use it now. Guess that's a good thing, eh?

Answer 2

I have had asthma for 20 years so I have a little experience.
Your albuterol inhaler is considered a "rescue" inhaler so theoretically, it is only supposed to be used in the case of a breathing emergency.
That being said, if for some reason you have used your inhaler 3 times in one day and need to use it a fourth, you can. You won't expire. But that is telling you that your asthma is not controlled and you better get to your doctor. You are not supposed to need your rescue inhaler more than 3 times in a week and that's even considered too much.
You may have to use a maintenance drug like Advair to keep your asthma controlled.
One of the reasons you don't want to be taking it two or three times a day is because your body can become immune to its medical benefits.
I have had asthma so bad that I emptied an entire inhaler in a week. By the middle of the week the inhaler wasn't even providing me with relief.
So the basic message here is if you're using it every day, tell your doctor. If they don't think that's a big deal, get a second opinion!
I hope this helped.

Answer 3

I am begining to think that the Bronchial chemical business is about the same as garden fertilizer business, They recommend about 4 times more than you actually need.

I have been thru Ablbuterol, Atrovent, Combivent, Flovent, Abuterol HFA, Albuterol Neb, Foridill and Xopenex so far.


With each one I had the "Side effects" listed in the


"OVERDOSE " specifactions

IE my last one was Xopenex, My Dr said 2 puffs every 6 hours 3x daily , That worked for about 2 weeks, Then I had high blood pressure, low blood pressure and irregular hear beat I "bitched" and was told to stay with it. I found a later study that a Pulmanologist in SLC Utah, plased 100 patients on 1/3 the recommened dose 95% had better results

I went to 1 puff a day of xopenex and have better results

At 2 puffs every 4 hours of albuterol (Or a neb treatment every 4 hours) I had over 10 differrent side effects, My DR wouldn't take me off albuterol till I complained about being shaky

Heres hoping you have a better Doc than I do


The last time I went to the hosp for SOB The ambulance gave me 2 doses of albuterol the ER gave me 3 more doses plus I had one at home before the amulance got there.

The next time I had SOB I gave myself 1.5 doses of albuterol and stayed home.

Answer 4

albuterol is also a rescue drug.....it might be in your best interest to use an aerochamber----this will help with placement of medicine. if your short of breath and anxious your not going to be able to get all the medicine in your lungs, it goes in the back of your throat. there are side effects using the drug, headache, upset stomach, increased heart rate. you can use this inhaler more than 3 times. but let me say once again if the medicine is not going into the lungs you won't get any relief....use an aerochamber, these need to be keep clean. after several uses there will be a residual of medicines and moisture. take apart wash with warm soapy water, rinse will, let air dry and put back together. using this will make a big difference. signed RRT.

Answer 5

I was in your position about 9 months ago... i was always using my inhaler... and getting attacks all the time. I talked to my doctor who prescribed me two different meds. One was advair. This one you take one in the morning and one at night it helps prolong your attacks. The second was Singular... Since i have been taking these i have had fewer attacks. You might just wanna ask your doctor about these... The more you use your inhaler the more your body is immune to it. this is what i've been told. So you should definately talk to your doctor about other methods as well as your inhaler.

Answer 6

who ever told you not to use your inhaler even if your haveing an attack needs there butts kicked. if your haveing an attack, that inhaler will probably save your life.

Answer 7

I dunno, I'm glad you told this though, I used it three times in 5 hrs. Once when I used too much, my hands turned a little blue, and I got the trembles