Salbutamol doses for children 1–5 years

SituationTotal dose per occasionAdministration
Cough or wheeze without visibly increased work of breathing

2 actuations x salbutamol 100 microg/actuation

If symptoms do not resolve within a few minutes, give 2 more actuations.

Administer via spacer (and mask, if needed)

Add 1 actuation to spacer – child takes 4 breaths in and out of spacer.

Immediately repeat for second and subsequent actuations until the recommended number of actuations have been given.

Symptoms with increased work of breathing

6 actuations x salbutamol 100 microg/actuation

If symptoms do not resolve within a few minutes, give 6 more actuations and call 000 for an ambulance.

If symptoms still do not resolve, or recur within 3 hours, parents/carer should take child to ED or call 000 for an ambulance.