What Does Albuterol Do?
Albuterol (brand names ProAir HFA, Proventil HFA, Proventil and Ventolin HFA) is an inhaled or oral medication that is used to prevent and treat wheezing and labored breathing or shortness of breath--common symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Albuterol is a bronchodilator and opens the airways by relaxing breathing muscles. Albuterol, also known as salbutamol, contains a steroid that reduces inflammation in breathing passageways.
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Dispensing
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Albuterol comes in an aerosol inhaler or liquid vials that are used with a nebulizer. A nebulizer uses compressed air to transform the liquid into gas form, like steam, to be inhaled. Albuterol also comes as a pill, a syrup and a long-acting pill. However, oral Albuterol is less effective for fast-acting relief and is not commonly prescribed by doctors.
Dosing
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For asthma and chronic pulmonary disease, the most common dosage is two puffs of an inhaler, one breathing treatment with a nebulizer or one tablet every two to four hours as needed. However, different pulmonary conditions may require various doses and dispensing. Breathing relief can be noticed in as little as five minutes after using inhaled Albuterol. If you miss a dose, take it as soon you remember. Do not take the dose if it is near the time for the next dose. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
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Side Effects
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Most side effects reported from Albuterol use include shaking or jittery feeling, rapid heart rate, headache, nervousness and dry mouth. Other side effects include changes in sleep or behavior, urinary tract infections, low potassium levels and disturbances in heart rates. Albuterol also may cause thrush, so rinsing the mouth is recommended after an inhaled dose of Albuterol.
Contraindications
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Albuterol should not be combined with tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors because of possible increased blood pressure and heart rate. Albuterol also should not be used with any other stimulant, which could cause chest pain for patients with increased risk for heart attacks. There are no adequate studies of Albuterol use during pregnancy. However, some reports show that Albuterol may cause congenital defects. It's unknown whether Albuterol is excreted in breast milk.
Overdose
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If you think an overdose has occurred, contact your local poison control center or emergency room. Symptoms of an overdose may include chest pain, extremely fast or irregular heartbeat, severe headache, tremors or nervousness, muscle weakness, and extremely high blood pressure levels.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit GlaxoSmithKline photo
