How Does Albuterol Work?
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About Albuterol
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Albuterol, which chemically is C13H21NO3, is used to treat asthma and other breathing conditions. It offers short-term relief for a long-term problem, so it's used for flareups of the condition. Asthma and chronic lung-constriction conditions have been treated with albuterol in the United States since it became legal in 1980. GlaxoSmithKline is the pharmaceutical company that makes and distributes albuterol inhalers.
How Albuterol Works
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Albuterol is in the beta-adrenergic class of medications. That means that when albuterol enters the body, it interacts with naturally occurring beta receptors in the human body. Beta receptors are found throughout the human body, but these receptors are concentrated around the muscles of the lungs and airways.
When the albuterol hits the beta receptors in the muscles around the airways, the interaction stimulates the muscles, the muscles relax, and the airways expand to allow more air to get through to the lungs.
Albuterol is usually combined in asthma medications with a variation of steroids, which bypass the muscles around the airways and go directly to the muscles of the lungs to attack the underlying inflammation.
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Side Effects
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Albuterol does not have any known significant side effects. Minor side effects include tremors, nervousness, muscle cramps, minor palpitations of the heart, headaches and lightheadedness.
A temporary acceleration of the heart rate, flushing and difficulty sleeping are also known side effects of albuterol.
People have also been known to have allergic reactions to albuterol. It is important to talk to a doctor about albuterol and undergo a simple doctor-administered test to see whether you are allergic to the drug.
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