Albuterol

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Canadian/Mexican Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to open the airways in diseases, such as asthma and COPD, where spasm may cause breathing problems.

How does it work?

• Albuterol works at sites in the airways to relax the muscles and improve oxygen delivery.

How is it best taken?

• For inhaling (puffing) only by an inhaler or as a liquid (solution) through a special machine (nebulizer) into the lungs. It may be used on an as needed basis, on a timed schedule, or both. Shake inhaler well before using.
• Follow directions given by healthcare provider. Do not go over maximally recommended daily dose.
• Spacer can be used with inhaler for easier delivery. This gets more medicine into the lungs.
• Check inhaler use with healthcare provider at each visit. Using the inhaler the right way is very important.
• If you are using more than one type of inhaler, use albuterol first, then the others.
• Tablets/syrup may be taken with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an upset stomach.
• Swallow sustained-release tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• Do not change dose or stop taking medicine without talking with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Wear disease medical alert identification for lung disease.
• Limit caffeine (teas, coffee, colas) and chocolate intake. Use may increase inability to sleep or cause nervousness with this medicine.
• If exercise causes symptoms, use inhaled dose immediately before activity to prevent them.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Inability to sleep, nervousness, shakiness, over active.
• Rapid or pounding heartbeat.
• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
• Dry mouth. Rinse out mouth with water after each inhaler use.
• Inhaled medicine has the fewest side effects.

What should I monitor?

• Watch for changes in breathing. Is breathing better, worse, or about the same.
• If used for asthma, monitor with peak flow meter.
• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Unable to get breathing attack under control.
• Very nervous and excitable.
• Chest pains, fast heartbeats, shortness of breath, or decreased ability to walk.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.
• Store inhaler at room temperature for best results.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant)
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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