To JoAnn Barham:

        Ventolin inhaler contains a drug called Albuterol,  a Beta-2 agonist
that dilates bronchial smooth muscle.  When inhaled only minimal amounts(5%)
of the drug are absorbed systemically into the bloodstream,  the larger
majority being bound to the receptors in the bronchi.  Because of the
minimal systemic absorption,  and the minimal plasma levels,  very little
would ever reach the breast milk.  Even if it did,  only a small dose would
reach the infant.  We currently use albuterol all the time in kids anyway,
without significant effect.  The inhaled dose is generally 200 microgram,
whereas the Oral dose is up to 8000 micrograms,  which gives you some
indication of the doses(40 fold) required to produce effects via oral
absorption.   The most common side effect in patients on oral albuterol,  is
a tremor,  which is generally dose related.

I think it is very important that you use the medication as needed to
maintain good airway control,  this in the long run will make yourself
healthier and benefit your infant significantly.




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T.W. Hale, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Texas Tech University School of Medicine

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