Albuterol sulfate inhalation solution is a short-acting bronchodilator used to prevent and treat bronchospasms. This medication is aerosolized by placing it in a small volume, large volume or ultrasonic hand held nebulizer. A nebulizer disperses medication as a fine mist, either by a high-speed stream of air or oxygen or by an ultrasonic oscillator, a machine that uses sound waves to change a liquid into a mist.
Taking a Nebulizer Treatment Using Albuterol Sulfate
Step 1
Place the compressor on a side table, close to a grounded power outlet, and plug it in. Assemble the tubing, nebulizer cup and mouthpiece or mask. Connect one end of the tubing to the bottom of the nebulizer cup and the other end to the compressor outlet port or to the air or oxygen supply.
Step 2
Remove the top of the nebulizer reservoir cup. Remove one albuterol sulfate vial from the foil pouch. Twist off the top of the vial, squeeze the medication into the nebulizer cup and replace the top.
Step 3
Sit in a comfortable, upright position near the compressor. Turn on the machine. Hold the mouthpiece between the lips and teeth creating a seal. If using a mask instead of the mouthpiece, place it comfortably on the face and adjust the elastic band to prevent the mist from escaping between the mask and the face.
Step 4
Breathe normally with occasional slow, deep breaths. Do not remove the mouthpiece to exhale. The mouthpiece and reservoir cup should remain vertical and in the mouth during the entire treatment.
Step 5
If using a breath-actuated nebulizer, continue the treatment until the reservoir cup is empty. If using a jet nebulizer, continue the treatment until the mist stops or the cup begins to sputter. A treatment generally lasts five to 10 minutes, depending on the type of nebulizer being used.
Step 6
Rinse the nebulizer reservoir cup with clear water and place on a towel to air dry.
Tips and Warnings
- Store the nebulizer and supplies in a dirt and dust free environment. Always have a spare nebulizer available in the event the one you are using stops workings.
- Plug the device into a properly grounded 3-prong outlet. Store all medication out of the reach of children.
Things You'll Need
- Compressor or compressed air or oxygen
- Nebulizer unit consisting of medication reservoir, mouthpiece or aerosol mask and tubing
- Albuterol sulfate inhalation solution vial
- Comfortable chair or sofa
