Can Albuterol be used everyday ?

[Sal678]

I take Qvar twice a day. I find that Albuterol makes my breathing easier but have read that you should not use it everyday.

[wotnot]

Hi, I've been using Albuterol for 15 years and take 2 inhales (1 minute between each) whenever I wheeze or am short of breath. I find that it also helps to loosen the phlegm. I have Asthma and COPD , and haven't had any problems taking the Albuterol 4 or 5 times in one day. That's not every day mind.

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

This is an issue that's often not very well explained I think. Any 'danger' is not in the actual taking of Ventolin every day, but in needing to take it every day. But often it's made to sound like it's dangerous just to take Ventolin and you should minimise its use without looking at why you're taking it so much.

You CAN take albuterol (Ventolin; we call it salbutamol in the UK) or any other reliever multiple times a day - it's not an 'overdose' if you need to. However, you shouldn't NEED to take it every day. If you need it more than 2-3x a week, that's usually an indication that your asthma isn't well controlled, and you should see your doctor/asthma nurse or whoever you normally see for asthma and discuss your symptoms. It might be that you need a different preventer, or more medication, if you find you need to take your reliever every day.

Hope that makes sense. You might find this post is helpful on when to take your reliever and when to see your doctor or get emergency help (this is obviously using very UK-focused terms as this is a UK forum, but should still make sense): healthunlocked.com/asthmauk...

[hilary39 in reply to Lysistrata]

I second all of this (as usual Lysistrata! )