Last update Jan. 30, 2021

Albuterol

Compatible

Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.

Short-acting beta-adrenergic bronchodilator, similar in characteristics to Terbutaline.
Indicated in the treatment of asthma.
Administration preferably inhaled (also oral or intravenous).

Its large volume of distribution and poor absorption after inhaled administration make it highly unlikely that significant quantities will pass into milk.
Its low oral bioavailability would make it difficult its passage to the infant’s plasma through breast milk.

Inhaled preparations are preferred since they are absorbed less than 10 %.

Several medical societies, experts authors and expert consensus consider the use of inhaled bronchodilators to be safe during breastfeeding (Hale, Lactmed, Amir 2011, National Asthma 2004, Nelson 2001, Ellsworth 1994).
List of WHO essential medicines: compatible with breastfeeding (WHO / UNICEF 2002).

Alternatives

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

Your contribution is essential for this service to continue to exist. We need the generosity of people like you who believe in the benefits of breastfeeding.

Thank you for helping to protect and promote breastfeeding.

José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.

Other names

Albuterol is also known as


Albuterol in other languages or writings:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Albuterol in its composition:

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Oral Bioavail. 50 (inhala: 10) %
Molecular weight 239 daltons
Protein Binding 10 %
VD 2.2 l/Kg
pKa 10.12 -
Tmax 0.2 - 0.4 hours
2.7 - 5 hours

References

  1. LactMed. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). Internet. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/ 2006 - Consulted on April 16, 2024 Full text (link to original source)
  2. Hale TW. Medications & Mothers' Milk. 1991- . Springer Publishing Company. Available from https://www.halesmeds.com Consulted on April 10, 2024 Full text (link to original source)
  3. Chambers CD, Krishnan JA, Alba L, Albano JD, Bryant AS, Carver M, Cohen LS, Gorodetsky E, Hernandez-Diaz S, Honein MA, Jones BL, Murray RK, Namazy JA, Sahin L, Spong CY, Vasisht KP, Watt K, Wurst KE, Yao L, Schatz M. The safety of asthma medications during pregnancy and lactation: Clinical management and research priorities. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2021 Jun;147(6):2009-2020. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  4. Amir LH, Pirotta MV, Raval M. Breastfeeding--evidence based guidelines for the use of medicines. Aust Fam Physician. 2011 Sep;40(9):684-90. Review. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  5. Nice FJ, De Eugenio D, Dimino TA, Freeny IC, Rovnack MB, Gromelski JS. Medications and Breast-Feeding: A Guide for Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians, and Other Healthcare Professionals. Part I. J Pharm Technol 2004;20:17-27. doi: 10.1177/875512250402000106.
  6. National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Asthma and Pregnancy Working Group. Managing asthma during pregnancy: recommendations for pharmacologic treatment-2004 update. 2004;1-57. None 2004 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  7. WHO / UNICEF. BREASTFEEDING AND MATERNAL MEDICATION Recommendations for Drugs in the Eleventh WHO Model List of Essential Drugs. Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development (WHO/UNICEF) 2002 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  8. Nelson-Piercy C. Asthma in pregnancy. Thorax. 2001 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  9. Ellsworth A. Pharmacotherapy of asthma while breastfeeding. J Hum Lact. 1994 Abstract
  10. Hochhaus G, Möllmann H. Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic characteristics of the beta-2-agonists terbutaline, salbutamol and fenoterol. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol. 1992 Abstract

Total visits

261,256

Help us improve this entry

How to cite this entry

Do you need more information or did not found what you were looking for?

   Write us at elactancia.org@gmail.com

e-lactancia is a resource recommended by Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine - 2015 of United States of America

Would you like to recommend the use of e-lactancia? Write to us at corporate mail of APILAM