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Albuterol (Salbutamol)

Prescription

Short-Acting Beta-2 Agonist (SABA) / Bronchodilator

Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

3 available

Interactions

2 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Selective beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonist causing rapid bronchial smooth muscle relaxation. Acts within minutes via inhaled route. Also stimulates Na+/K+-ATPase, shifting potassium into cells (useful for hyperkalemia).

At a glance

Class

Short-Acting Beta-2 Agonist (SABA) / Bronchodilator

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

MDI at room temperature; shake before each use; prime before first use; nebulization solution refrigerated or room temperature per label

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Preferred for acute bronchospasm via MDI spacer (AeroDawg for dogs)

Dose

90–180 mcg

Route

Frequency

q4–6h as needed (bronchodilator); continuous (hyperkalemia)

🐈

Cat

Rescue inhaler for acute feline asthma

Dose

—

Route

Frequency

q4–8h as needed

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Other — 4

Strength

—

Strength

—

Strength

—

Strength

—

Storage

MDI at room temperature; shake before each use; prime before first use; nebulization solution refrigerated or room temperature per label

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Heart rate post-doseRespiratory response (peak flow improvement)Serum potassium (frequent use)Frequency of rescue use (signal for poor control)

Educational reference only

Interactions

Major — 1

Propranolol

major

Non-selective beta-blocker completely blocks albuterol's beta-2 bronchodilatory effect, causing bronchospasm. Also blocks beta-2 mediated hypokalemia correction.

Management: NEVER use non-selective beta-blocker in patients requiring bronchodilators. If beta-blocker needed, use cardioselective (atenolol) at lowest effective dose.

Moderate — 1

Furosemide

moderate

Both cause hypokalemia via different mechanisms (albuterol: intracellular K+ shift; furosemide: renal K+ loss). Combined: significant hypokalemia risk.

Management: Monitor serum potassium. Supplement if K+ <3.5 mEq/L. Particularly important in cardiac patients.

Educational reference only

Brands

Other markets

ProAir

Ventolin

Proventil

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Albuterol (Salbutamol)?

Albuterol (Salbutamol) is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (saba) / bronchodilator used in pets. Selective beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonist causing rapid bronchial smooth muscle relaxation. Acts within minutes via inhaled route. Also stimulates Na+/K+-ATPase, shifting potassium into cells (useful for hyperkalemia).

›What is Albuterol (Salbutamol) used for in pets?

Albuterol (Salbutamol) is used in veterinary medicine for: Preferred for acute bronchospasm via MDI spacer (AeroDawg for dogs); Rescue inhaler for acute feline asthma.

›What is the Albuterol (Salbutamol) dose for dogs?

For dogs, Albuterol (Salbutamol) is typically dosed as follows — Preferred for acute bronchospasm via MDI spacer (AeroDawg for dogs): 90–180 mcg IV q4–6h as needed (bronchodilator); continuous (hyperkalemia). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Albuterol (Salbutamol) dose for cats?

For cats, Albuterol (Salbutamol) is typically dosed as follows — Rescue inhaler for acute feline asthma: undefined undefined PO q4–8h as needed. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›Does Albuterol (Salbutamol) need a prescription?

Yes. Albuterol (Salbutamol) is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database