Albuterol belongs to a class of drugs called bronchodilators. It works by relaxing the muscles in your airways which allows air to flow in and out of your lungs more easily.
Albuterol is used to treat bronchospasm (wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by asthma chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other conditions.
Albuterol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
You should not use albuterol if you are allergic to it.
To make sure albuterol is safe for you tell your doctor if you have:
heart disease high blood pressure congestive heart failure;
a heart rhythm disorder;
a seizure disorder such as epilepsy;
diabetes;
overactive thyroid;
or
if you use a beta-blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin) metoprolol (Lopressor Toprol XL) nadolol (Corgard) propranolol (Inderal InnoPran) sotalol (Betapace) and others.
Albuterol can affect heart rhythm and may cause an irregular heartbeat. If you have a heart condition it is important to monitor your heart rate while using this medication.
Albuterol may increase the risk of death in people with asthma but the risk is still low.
Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using albuterol.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether albuterol will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
Albuterol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using albuterol.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old.
How should I use albuterol?
Use albuterol exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Albuterol inhalation is for use in adults and children who are at least 4 years old.
Albuterol solution in a nebulizer should be used only with a compressor-type nebulizer and mouthpiece or face mask. Do not mix the albuterol solution with any other liquid.
Prepare the nebulizer for use according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Measure the prescribed amount of albuterol liquid into the nebulizer cup. Attach the mouthpiece or face mask to the top of the nebulizer.
Plug in the nebulizer and turn on the compressor. The medicine will begin to flow into the air. Breathe in slowly and deeply.
Do not breathe in the aerosolized mist directly from the mouthpiece. Doing so can cause life-threatening side effects.
Each treatment usually takes about 5 to 15 minutes depending on the amount of medicine you are using and how often you use it.
Use the albuterol inhaler or nebulizer for only as long as recommended by your doctor.
Call your doctor if your asthma does not improve or if it gets worse when you use albuterol.
Store at room temperature away from moisture heat or cold. Do not freeze. Keep the medicine canister away from open flame or high heat such as in a car on a hot day. Do not puncture or burn an empty inhaler canister.
Throw away the canister after you have used the labeled number of inhalations even if it still contains some liquid and continues to work.
Keep track of the number of inhalations you use and discard the canister when you reach the limit.
What is albuterol?
Albuterol is a bronchodilator that relaxes muscles in the airways and increases air flow to the lungs.
How does albuterol work?
Albuterol works by binding to beta-2 receptors in the lungs.
This prevents bronchospasm or narrowing of the airways.
Who should not use albuterol?
People with asthma chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other breathing disorders should not use albuterol.
What are the side effects of albuterol?
The most common side effects of albuterol are shaking (tremor) headache dizziness mouth/throat dryness or irritation cough and nervousness.
What should I do if I experience a side effect from using albuterol?
If you experience a side effect you should stop using the medication and contact your doctor.
How do I take albuterol?
Albuterol comes in an inhaler nebulizer or tablet form.
It is typically taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
Will albuterol help me if I am having an asthma attack?
Albuterol can help to relieve symptoms of an asthma attack but it will not stop the attack.
Can I take albuterol if I am pregnant?
There is no definitive answer as the safety of albuterol during pregnancy has not been established.
You should speak with your doctor if you are pregnant and considering taking albuterol.
Can I take albuterol if I am breastfeeding?
Again there is no definitive answer.
Albuterol may be passed through breast milk so you should speak with your doctor if you are breastfeeding and considering taking albuterol.
How long does albuterol stay in my system?
Albuterol typically stays in your system for 4 to 6 hours.
Do I need a prescription for albuterol?
Yes albuterol is a prescription medication.
Can I buy albuterol over the counter?
No you cannot buy albuterol over the counter.
Where can I get albuterol?
You can get albuterol from your doctor or a pharmacy.
How much does albuterol cost?
The cost of albuterol varies depending on the form and the dosage.
Is there a generic form of albuterol?
Yes there is a generic form of albuterol.
