GENERIC NAME:
albuterol
DRUG CLASS: Albuterol is a bronchodilator used
in treating asthma and other conditions with reversible
airway obstruction. Asthma is a breathing problem involving
widespread narrowing of the airways (bronchial tubes).
Airways are breathing passages that allow air to move
in and out of the lungs. These airways can be narrowed
due to the accumulation of mucus, spasm of the muscles
that surround these airways, or swelling of the lining
of the airways. Airway narrowing leads to shortness of
breath, wheezing, cough, and congestion. Albuterol dilates
bronchial airways by relaxing the surrounding bronchial
muscles. Albuterol can also be helpful in patients with
emphysema and chronic bronchitis when their symptoms are
partially related to reversible airway obstruction.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes
PREPARATIONS: Inhaled preparations
in Canisters (6.8g with 80 inhalations and 17g with
200 inhalations). Also available in syrup, solution,
and tablets (2mg, 4mg).
STORAGE: Albuterol should
be stored between 59 and 86 degrees F. The canister
should be kept away from heat or flame and not punctured.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Albuterol
is used in the relief and prevention of airway obstruction
(bronchospasm) in patients with asthma and in patients
with exercise-induced asthma. Albuterol can also be
used in treating those patients with emphysema and chronic
bronchitis when their symptoms are related to reversible
airway obstruction. The inhaled form of albuterol starts
working within 15 minutes and can last up to 6 hours.
DOSING: Albuterol inhalations
should not be administered more often than prescribed.
Excessive use of inhaled albuterol can have adverse
effects on the heart. Albuterol inhalations should be
administered with proper technique and the specific
instructions accompanying the drug packaging should
be exactly followed. Use in children should be supervised
by an adult. Patients requiring more inhalations for
relief of symptoms should seek medical advice.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Albuterol
is used with caution in patients with coronary heart
disease or in patients with cardiac rhythm disturbances
(arrhythmias). Use of albuterol together with other
stimulant medications is discouraged because of their
combined effects on the heart rate, blood pressure,
and the potential for causing chest pain in patients
with underlying coronary heart disease. Tricyclic antidepressants,
such as Elavil, should not be used together with albuterol
because of their combined toxicity to the vascular system.
In rare patients, inhaled albuterol can paradoxically
precipitate life threatening bronchospasm. Allergic
reactions may rarely occur and can cause rash, hives,
swelling, bronchospasm, and anaphylaxis (shock). Worsening
of diabetes and lowering of potassium have also been
reported.
SIDE EFFECTS: Albuterol
can cause side effects including palpitations, fast
heart rate, elevated blood pressure, tremor, nausea,
nervousness, dizziness, and heart burn. Throat irritation
and nose bleeds can also occur
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