How to Use an Albuterol Inhaler: Step-by-Step Guide & Tips

If you have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), your healthcare provider may prescribe you an albuterol inhaler. Albuterol is a powerful and effective medication to help quickly treat asthma and COPD symptoms. Is albuterol a steroid? The answer to this is no. Albuterol is not a steroid. The fact that albuterol is not a steroid has certain implications for how to use albuterol sulfate inhalers. Understanding the process of using your albuterol inhaler is crucial for maximizing the benefits of this treatment method. Read on to learn more about albuterol inhaler directions, how to use albuterol sulfate inhaler devices, and do you need to rinse your mouth after using albuterol.

What is an albuterol inhaler?

An albuterol inhaler is a device that helps deliver albuterol medication to its intended target—your respiratory tract. To get the albuterol medication into your lungs, you must inhale it. An inhaler helps convert liquid albuterol solution into an aerosolized mist, making it easier for you to inhale it into your lungs. Some albuterol inhalers also help deliver this medication in powder form. Inhalers differ from nebulizer machines because they are small, handheld devices that can be easily carried around. A nebulizer machine delivers albuterol in a different way than an inhaler.

What you should know before using an albuterol inhaler

How to use albuterol without nebulizer? There are certain things you should know before using albuterol without a nebulizer. To take an albuterol inhaler, you should first understand when to use the medicine. Ask your medical professional about how frequently to take an inhaler and when you should specifically use the inhaler based on your particular respiratory condition. Generally, if you have asthma, you should use an albuterol inhaler to help control asthma symptoms as they arise. However, if you have exercise-induced asthma, you may be directed by your healthcare professional to take a preventive dose of albuterol ahead of physical activity to prevent symptoms. How long does albuterol inhaler take to work? Albuterol inhalers take just a few minutes to take effect. After taking the medication, albuterol's effects can last up to a few hours.

How to use an albuterol inhaler in 7 simple steps

Albuterol inhaler use can be intimidating at first. How to use albuterol sulfate inhalation solution? Follow these seven simple steps to learn how to inhale albuterol using an aerosol albuterol inhaler such as Ventolin HFA.

Step 1: Remove the dust cap

Before using the inhaler, it's essential to remove the dust cap. After removing the cap, inspect the inside for any debris that could interfere with the medicine's delivery, and gently remove it if found.

Step 2: Prime the inhaler

If it has been more than 2 weeks (14 days) since you last used the inhaler, or if it is a new inhaler, you will need to prime the device before using it. To do this, shake the inhaler for five seconds and spray it away from you, into the air, and away from your eyes. Repeat this step three times (for a total of four sprays), and then you are ready to use the device.

Step 3: Shake the inhaler

Whether or not you have primed the inhaler, it's important to shake the device before taking a dose of the medication. Shaking it will help make sure the solution is properly mixed and ready to be aerosolized.

Step 4: Breathe out fully and then breathe in slowly

Empty your lungs by fully exhaling, trying to push out as much air as possible. Then, place the mouthpiece into your mouth, and close your lips around the piece. As you slowly breathe in, push down once to spray the medication into your mouth.

Step 5: Hold your breath

Attempt to hold your breath for at least 10 seconds before removing the device from your mouth and slowly exhaling.

Step 6: Repeat as directed

If your healthcare provider has prescribed one puff of albuterol as needed, then you can replace the cap on the device and wait four to six hours for your next as-needed dose. If two puffs are prescribed, wait at least one minute and then repeat steps 3 through 5. Then, replace the cap on the inhaler device. If your provider has prescribed an inhaler with a spacer, follow these additional instructions.

Storage, maintenance, & replacement: Key instructions for albuterol inhaler

Keeping your albuterol inhaler in working condition is critical for being able to use it when urgent symptoms arise. While it may be tempting to store the inhaler in a vehicle or other convenient place, this actually may reduce the effectiveness of the medication. Follow these albuterol inhaler directions for storage tips, maintenance, and replacement.

1. Clean and prime the inhaler as needed

After using the inhaler, you can clean it by removing the metal canister and rinsing the plastic mouthpiece and cap in warm water. Let this air dry, then replace the metal canister in the plastic piece and secure the cap.

2. If your inhaler has a counter, continually monitor it

Many inhalers come with a built-in counter device that helps you keep track of the number of doses of the medication remaining. After the counter has reached zero, any additional sprays of the metal canister will not release a full dose of medication. This can be a dangerous situation, so it's essential to contact your provider for a refill of your inhaler when the counter number drops beneath a certain threshold.

3. Store your inhaler intentionally

It may be tempting to keep your inhaler in the bathroom or the glove compartment of your car, but these are not good storage places. Avoid storing your inhaler in a place of high humidity or extreme temperatures. Also, avoid keeping your inhaler in a place where it might accidentally get punctured. Aim for a location that is room temperature, in a specific spot that you will remember and can easily access.

4. Replace your inhaler

Replace your inhaler when the counter reaches a low number or when the expiration date has passed. Most inhalers expire one year after they are removed from the packaging.

What to do if you miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of albuterol, take the dose as soon as you remember it. However, albuterol inhalers are typically not used according to a scheduled dosing schedule. Instead, albuterol inhalers are usually prescribed in an "as-needed" manner. Therefore, if you are not having symptoms, you would not need to use the medication.

How long does albuterol take to work?

How long does it take an albuterol inhaler to work? If you're wondering how quickly an albuterol inhaler works, it's important to remember that this medication is a "rescue med." Albuterol does not need to enter the bloodstream to work. Instead, it begins to work immediately after reaching your lung cells, which means it takes effect rapidly, within minutes. So, how long does an albuterol inhaler take to work? Almost immediately.

FAQs

Why is it important to know the proper way to use an albuterol inhaler?

It's essential to know how to inhale albuterol and how to use albuterol sulfate inhalers specifically, because misusing the device can mean that you don't receive the recommended dose of the medication. Following proper technique ensures that you receive the intended amount of drugs and that they can have their intended effect.

How to use an inhaler for the first time?

To use an inhaler for the first time, ensure that you prime the device by shaking it for 5 to 10 seconds and then spraying it away from you. Repeat this step three times, and then proceed to take the medication. If you're helping a child use an inhaler for the first time, follow these steps.

How to use liquid albuterol without a nebulizer?

To use liquid albuterol without a nebulizer, you'll need an inhaler device. You can contact your healthcare provider to be prescribed albuterol in this form. If you are having urgent symptoms but don't have an accessible form of albuterol available, seek medical attention immediately.

Should you rinse your mouth after using an albuterol inhaler?

It is not necessary to rinse your mouth after using an albuterol inhaler. There is no harm in doing so, but not rinsing will not cause any problems. This is different from the general guidance given when using inhalers that contain steroids—it is recommended to rinse your mouth after using an inhaler with steroids.

Can I drink water after using an albuterol inhaler?

Yes, it's perfectly fine to drink water after using an albuterol inhaler. Unlike other types of inhalers, such as inhalers that contain steroids, there is no reason to rinse your mouth or avoid foods or drinks for a certain amount of time after using albuterol.

How many puffs of albuterol should you take, and how long between albuterol puffs should you wait?

Follow your healthcare provider's directions regarding how many puffs of albuterol to take. Generally, people are typically prescribed one to two puffs as needed. If you've been prescribed two puffs, wait 1 to 2 minutes in between puffs to get the maximal effect. Libby Pellegrini is a nationally certified physician assistant. She currently works in emergency medicine, where she sees and treats a broad spectrum of illnesses across all age ranges. She holds a journalism degree from Northwestern University.

References:

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682145.html

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482272/

https://www.wellrx.com/news/understanding-your-child-s-asthma-and-proper-inhaler-technique/