Description
Same active ingredient (albuterol) as Ventolin® HFA and ProAir®, the US brands. Asthalin Respules is an Indian brand, made and licensed in India. Compare all Albuterol Inhalers (Generic Ventolin & ProAir) options.
About Asthalin Respules
Asthalin Respules are prescription single-dose plastic ampoules of albuterol (salbutamol) nebulizer solution, 2.5 mg in 2.5 mL, made by Cipla Limited, used to relieve acute and severe bronchospasm in asthma and COPD. The solution is turned into a fine mist by a nebulizer machine and breathed in through a mouthpiece or face mask, so no hand-and-breath coordination is required.
How do Asthalin Respules work?
The nebulizer breaks the liquid into tiny droplets that travel deep into the lungs with ordinary breathing. There the albuterol relaxes the tightened airway muscle, usually easing wheeze within about 5 minutes, and the benefit lasts around 4 to 6 hours. Nebulization suits people who are too breathless, too young or too unwell to use a handheld inhaler properly. For many others, an inhaler with a spacer works just as well, so ask your doctor which method fits you.
How to use Asthalin Respules
- Wash your hands and set up the nebulizer on a flat, stable surface.
- Twist one respule off the strip, keeping the rest in the foil pouch.
- Twist off the top and squeeze all the liquid into the nebulizer cup. Do not dilute it unless your doctor tells you to.
- Attach the mouthpiece or mask, switch on and breathe calmly through your mouth.
- Continue until no more mist appears, usually 5 to 15 minutes.
- Throw away any solution left in the cup, then wash, rinse and air-dry the nebulizer parts.
How much to use
For adults and children, the usual dose is one 2.5 mg respule up to three or four times a day, as prescribed; some adults are told to use two. In hospital, higher or more frequent doses may be given under monitoring, but at home you should keep to the dose on your action plan. Some treatment plans add ipratropium, found alongside a related bronchodilator in Duolin Respules, or a steroid respule such as Budecort Respules; mix solutions in one cup only if your doctor has said you may.
When a nebulizer is not enough
If breathing does not improve after a treatment, if you need another dose within 3 to 4 hours, or if you become drowsy, confused or blue around the lips, call 911 immediately. Frequent nebulizer use at home is a sign that treatment needs reviewing, not simply more albuterol.
What are the side effects?
- Tremor, a fast heartbeat, headache, restlessness and muscle cramps, which are more likely than with an inhaler because the nebulized dose is larger.
- Low potassium, especially with repeated doses or when combined with steroids, diuretics or theophylline.
- Irritation of the mouth or throat, and occasionally nausea.
- Rarely, worsening wheeze straight after treatment, chest pain, irregular heartbeat or allergic swelling; stop and seek urgent care if these occur.
Who should take care?
Your doctor should know about heart disease, arrhythmia, high blood pressure, thyroid overactivity, diabetes or seizures. Non-selective beta-blockers can reduce the effect. Nebulized albuterol may be used in pregnancy and breastfeeding when the doctor considers it necessary, since a severe asthma attack is itself dangerous for mother and baby.
Storage and pack sizes
Keep unused respules in their foil pouch to protect them from light, store below 86°F (30°C) and do not freeze. Discard a respule if the solution looks cloudy or discolored. Asthalin Respules come in packs of 30, 60 or 90, from $10.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a special nebulizer?
A standard jet or mesh nebulizer is usually suitable; check your machine’s instructions. Respules cannot be used in handheld inhalers.
Is there a portable option?
The Asthalin Inhaler contains the same drug in a pocket-sized aerosol.
Where can I find other nebulizer medicines?
See the COPD category and the wider respiratory range.
General educational information. Asthalin Respules are a prescription medicine; use them only at the dose and frequency on your treatment plan.
Helpful guides
- Asthma vs COPD: What’s the Difference? Causes, Tests and TreatmentAsthma often starts in childhood and its airway narrowing largely reverses with treatment, while COPD usually follows years of smoking and causes…
- Asthalin vs Ventolin: Are These Albuterol Inhalers the Same?Asthalin vs Ventolin: both are 100 mcg salbutamol reliever inhalers. Compare makers, licensing, dosing, technique and when needing your reliever is a…
- Types of Asthma Inhalers: Relievers, Preventers and How to Use Them CorrectlyLearn the types of asthma inhalers (relievers, preventers and combination inhalers), how each one works, and step-by-step tips for correct inhaler technique.