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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
4

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

Cat

Rescue inhaler for acute feline asthma
Dose
—
Route
PO
Frequency
q4–8h as needed

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)

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.

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.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
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 →