Precautions
Albuterol is a bronchodilator that relaxes muscles in the airways and increases air flow to the lungs. Albuterol inhalation is used to treat or prevent bronchospasm, or narrowing of the airways in the lungs, in people with asthma or certain types of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
What is albuterol used for in the lungs?
The usual dose of albuterol inhalation is 2 inhalations every 4 to 6 hours. To prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm, use 2 inhalations 15 to 30 minutes before you exercise. The effects of albuterol inhalation should last about 4 to 6 hours. Seek medical attention if you think your asthma medications are not working as well.
How long do the effects of albuterol inhalation last?
Tips 1 If you use an albuterol inhaler, ask your pharmacist or doctor to check... 2 Most inhalation devices require regular cleaning or else they will clog. 3 Store your device at room temperature away from heat, cold, open flames and moisture. 4 Avoid spraying into the eyes. Rinse eyes with water if this happens by accident.
What should I do if I use an albuterol inhaler?
What does albuterol inhaler do for your lungs?
Albuterol solution for oral inhalation is used in adults and children 2 years of age and older. Albuterol is in a class of medications called bronchodilators. It works by relaxing and opening air passages to the lungs to make breathing easier.
How long does it take for albuterol inhaler to work?
How long does it take to work? Albuterol metered aerosol works to improve your breathing within 15 minutes of using it.
What are the side effects of albuterol inhaler?
Side effects of albuterol include nervousness or shakiness, headache, throat or nasal irritation, and muscle aches. More-serious — though less common — side effects include a rapid heart rate (tachycardia) or feelings of fluttering or a pounding heart (palpitations).
Is albuterol a steroid?
No, Ventolin (albuterol) does not contain steroids. Ventolin, which contains the active ingredient albuterol, is a sympathomimetic (beta agonist) bronchodilator that relaxes the smooth muscle in the airways which allows air to flow in and out of the lungs more easily and therefore it is easier to breath.
Will albuterol help a cough?
They relieve cough, wheezing, and trouble breathing by increasing the flow of air through the bronchial tubes.
When should you not take albuterol?
high blood pressure. diminished blood flow through arteries of the heart. a low supply of oxygen rich blood to the heart. prolonged QT interval on EKG.
Does albuterol increase mucus?
The first is that increased mucus production from the epithelial cells is promoted by albuterol treatment. The second is that albuterol treatment increases plasma leakage into the lung.
Does albuterol make you cough more?
This medicine may cause paradoxical bronchospasm, which means your breathing or wheezing will get worse. This may be life-threatening. Check with your doctor right away if you or your child have coughing, difficulty breathing, or wheezing after using this medicine.
What happens if you use albuterol and don't need it?
About 25% of people who use albuterol take more of it than they need to. This can make symptoms of asthma come on more often, such as: Cough. Chest tightness.
How many puffs of albuterol can I take?
Adults and children 4 years of age and older—Two puffs every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
Can I take albuterol before bed?
Can I use my inhaler before bed? You can use your inhaler before bed but keep it beside you if you have an attack. When you take your inhaler, sit up first so the medication can easily enter your throat and lungs. Wait a little bit before lying down and going back to sleep to ensure the medicine is working.
Is it OK to use albuterol every day?
Albuterol overuse This medication is meant for occasional use when you have acute asthma symptoms. However, about a quarter of people prescribed albuterol use it as a daily asthma-control medication instead of as a rescue inhaler for quick relief.
How many puffs of albuterol can I take?
Adults and children 4 years of age and older—Two puffs every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
Can I take 3 puffs of albuterol?
The normal way to use your inhaler (both adults and children) is: 1 or 2 puffs of salbutamol when you need it. up to a maximum of 4 times in 24 hours (regardless of whether you have 1 puff or 2 puffs at a time)
How long should a person hold their breath after using an inhaler?
Not holding your breath after taking your inhaler Holding your breath gives the medicine more time to settle into your lungs. Ten seconds is ideal, but if this isn't possible, you'll still benefit by holding your breath for as long as you feel comfortable.
Can I drink water after using albuterol inhaler?
If you are using a corticosteroid inhaler, gargle and rinse out your mouth with water after use. Do not swallow the water. Swallowing the water will increase the chance that the medicine will get into your bloodstream.
What is the purpose of albuterol nebulizer?
Speaking with a doctor. Summary. An albuterol nebulizer relieves muscle tightening in the airways to help a person breathe more easily. The nebulizer turns liquid medicine into a mist, helping it reach the lungs faster.
How to make a nebulizer with albuterol sulfate?
Follow the assembly instructions to put together the nebulizer and attach the mask, tubing, and mouthpiece. Open an albuterol sulfate foil and check the color. It should be clear and colorless. If it is cloudy, do not use it. Add the albuterol sulfate to the medicine cup. Turn the nebulizer on.
How does a nebulizer work?
It works by dilating the airways, making it easier to breathe for people who experience bronchospasm, or tightening of the airways. Albuterol sulfate (AccuNeb) is a liquid form of this medication. A nebulizer is a machine that turns liquid medicine into a fine mist. A person breathes this mist through a mouthpiece or face mask.
How to breathe through a nebulizer?
Sit in a comfortable position that makes breathing easier. Hold the mouthpiece over the nose and mouth with one hand. With the other hand, hold the medicine cup upright to help the medication pass through the nebulizer. Take deep slow breaths and continue breathing through the mask until all the medicine is gone.
How old do you have to be to use albuterol?
Adults and children who are older than 2 years old can use an albuterol nebulizer. A doctor will determine how much albuterol a person needs and how often they should use the medication. If a person is pregnant or nursing, they should make their doctor aware of this before taking albuterol.
Can you give albuterol to children?
Generally, nebulizers are a good way for people to give medicine to children, as all they have to do is sit and breathe through a mask. However, albuterol is not suitable for everyone. Read on to learn more about how albuterol nebulizers work, conditions they may help with, and how to use them.
Can albuterol cause breathing problems?
The most common side effects are: If these side effects occur and do not get better, or they become disruptive, talk with a doctor as soon as possible about ways to manage or avoid them. Occasionally, albuterol may cause breathing difficulties to get worse.
Why is albuterol used for coughing?
Albuterol is used to prevent and treat difficulty breathing, wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness caused by lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; a group of diseases that affect the lungs and airways). Albuterol inhalation aerosol and powder for oral inhalation is also used ...
How many inhalations of albuterol?
Each albuterol aerosol inhaler is designed to provide 60 or 200 inhalations, depending on its size. Each albuterol powder inhaler is designed to provide 200 inhalations. After the labeled number of inhalations has been used, later inhalations may not contain the correct amount of medication. Dispose of the aerosol inhaler after you have used the labeled number of inhalations, even if it still contains some liquid and continues to release a spray when it is pressed. Dispose of the powder inhaler 13 months after you open the foil wrapper, after the expiration date on the package, or after you have used the labeled number of inhalation, whichever comes first.
How should this medicine be used?
Albuterol comes as a solution (liquid) to inhale by mouth using a special jet nebulizer (machine that turns medication into a mist that can be inhaled) and as an aerosol or powder to inhale by mouth using an inhaler. When the inhalation aerosol or powder for oral inhalation is used to treat or prevent symptoms of lung disease, it is usually used every 4 to 6 hours as needed. When the inhalation aerosol or powder for oral inhalation is used to prevent breathing difficulty during exercise, it is usually used 15 to 30 minutes before exercise. The nebulizer solution is usually used three or four times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use albuterol exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
How to know how long an inhaler lasts?
You can divide the number of inhalations in your inhaler by the number of inhalations you use each day to find out how many days your inhaler will last. Do not float the canister in water to see if it still contains medication.
What is albuterol powder?
Albuterol powder for oral inhalation (Proair Respiclick) is used in children 12 years of age and older. Albuterol solution for oral inhalation is used in adults and children 2 years of age and older. Albuterol is in a class of medications called bronchodilators. It works by relaxing and opening air passages to the lungs to make breathing easier.
How long do you have to dispose of a powder inhaler?
Dispose of the powder inhaler 13 months after you open the foil wrapper, after the expiration date on the package, or after you have used the labeled number of inhalation, whichever comes first. Your inhaler may come with an attached counter that keeps track of the number of inhalations you have used.
When do you need to prime an inhaler?
If you are using the inhaler for the first time or if you have not used the inhaler in more than 14 days, you will need to prime it. You may also need to prime the inhaler if it has been dropped. Ask your pharmacist or check the manufacturer's information if this happens.
How to use a dropper in a nebulizer?
Use the dropper supplied by the manufacturer to carefully measure the prescribed amount of medication and place in the nebulizer with sterile saline as directed. If you are using the single dose package, empty the contents of the package in the nebulizer and add sterile saline as directed.
Can you use a nebulizer with a dropper?
This product should be clear and colorless to light yellow. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Use the dropper supplied by the manufacturer to carefully measure the prescribed amount of medication and place in the nebulizer with sterile saline as directed. If you are using the single dose package, empty the contents of the package in the nebulizer and add sterile saline as directed. Gently swirl the nebulizer to mix the solution.
How does albuterol work?
Albuterol works by relaxing the muscles that surround the airways, which causes the airways to open up. 4
What is albuterol used for?
Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA). It is used as a rescue medicine to treat asthma attacks in people ages 4 and older. It is also approved to prevent exercise-induced asthma. Albuterol is taken using a metered-dose inhaler. 1-3.
How long does albuterol last?
Albuterol affects the whole airway, from the large trachea to the very small bronchioles. It generally works in 5 to 8 minutes. The effects last 3 to 6 hours. 1-3.
What to tell your doctor before taking albuterol?
Before starting albuterol, tell your doctor about any prescription medicines, vitamins, supplements, or over-the-counter drugs you are taking. Certain medicines affect the way albuterol works, including other asthma drugs, other inhaled medicines, beta-blockers, diuretics, digoxin, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), ...
What are the side effects of albuterol?
The most common side effects of albuterol include: 1-3. Headaches. Dizziness. Muscle pain. Sore throat. Nausea, vomiting. Running nose. Feelings of shakiness or nervousness. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these potentially serious side effects: 4.
Can albuterol cause breathing problems?
In serious cases, taking albuterol could cause your airways to tighten suddenly. This is called a bronchospasm and can make breathing difficult. This side effect happens immediately after using the inhaler. It can occur the first time you use a new canister. If this happens to you, call your doctor, and use a different asthma treatment. 1-3
Can you take albuterol with asthma?
Overusing your albuterol inhaler can worsen your asthma. Studies show that taking albuterol regularly can lead to worse lung function and asthma control. Albuterol is meant to provide occasional quick relief of symptoms, not long-term control. Using albuterol more than 2 days per week is a sign of poor asthma control.
How to use an inhaler aerosol?
To use the inhalation aerosol: The inhaler should be at room temperature before you use it. Insert the metal canister firmly and fully into the actuator. This actuator should not be used with other inhaled medicines. Remove the cap and look at the mouthpiece to make sure it is clean.
How to use inhalation solution in a nebulizer?
To use the inhalation solution in the nebulizer: Use one container of solution or mix the exact amount of solution using the dropper provided for each dose. Place the inhalation solution in the medicine reservoir or nebulizer cup on the machine. Connect the nebulizer to the face mask or mouthpiece.
Why is my inhaler red?
The counter will turn red when there are only 20 doses left , to remind you to refill your prescription. To use the inhalation powder: Take the inhaler from the foil pouch before you use it for the first time. The inhaler provides about 200 inhalations. The dose counter will change to red when there are "20" doses left.
What to do if you don't understand the directions for an inhaler?
If you or your child do not understand the directions or are not sure how to use the inhaler, ask your doctor to show you what to do. Also, ask your doctor to check regularly how you or your child use the inhaler to make sure you are using it properly. To use the inhalation aerosol:
How to breathe in medicine?
Use the face mask or mouthpiece to breathe in the medicine.
How long should you wait to inhale a second puff of saline?
If you are supposed to use more than one puff, wait 1 minute before inhaling the second puff. Repeat these steps for the second puff, starting with shaking the inhaler.
Can you use albuterol with a nebulizer?
To do so may increase the chance for breathing problems. The albuterol inhalation solution (eg, Accuneb®) should be used with a jet nebulizer that is connected to an air compressor with good air flow. The inhalation solution and nebulizer will come with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully.
What does albuterol sulfate (inhalation) do? how does it work?
Albuterol: is a bronchodialator and helps to decrease smooth muscle spasm in conditions like bronchitis or asthma.
Please explain what does albuterol sulfate (inhalation) do?
Bronchodilator: Albuterol is in a class of medications called beta- agonists - they work by making the bronchial tubes not spasm - conventionally they are called bronchodilators.
Medical uses
Albuterol (also known as salbutamol) is used to treat wheezing and shortness of breath caused by breathing problems (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
May Treat: Acute asthma attack · Bronchospasm · Bronchospastic pulmonary disease · Exercise-induced bronchospasm
Brand Names: Vospire ER · Ventolin HFA · ProAir HFA · Proventil HFA · ProAir RespiClick and more
Drug Class: Asthma/COPD Therapy - Beta 2-Adrenergic Agents, Inhaled, Short Acting · Asthma/COPD Therapy - Beta Adrenergic Agents
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
May Treat: Acute asthma attack · Bronchospasm · Bronchospastic pulmonary disease · Exercise-induced bronchospasm
Brand Names: Vospire ER · Ventolin HFA · ProAir HFA · Proventil HFA · ProAir RespiClick and more
Drug Class: Asthma/COPD Therapy - Beta 2-Adrenergic Agents, Inhaled, Short Acting · Asthma/COPD Therapy - Beta Adrenergic Agents
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
Lactation: Consult a doctor before using
Driving: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution
- May make you dizzy. Use caution when driving.
- Avoid smoking, allergens, smoke and irritants.
- Tell Dr. if using rescue inhaler more & more often
- May make you dizzy. Use caution when driving.
- Avoid smoking, allergens, smoke and irritants.
- Tell Dr. if using rescue inhaler more & more often
- Use peak flow meter. Call MD immediately if worse.
- For hfa aerosol with adapter products : Know how to use before taking. Shake well before using.
- For solution, non-oral products : Dilute prior to use.
- For syrup products : Tell doctor your complete medical history. Measure dose using a dosing spoon/cup/syringe. Check warnings on OTC medications. Call Dr before increasing dose or frequency.
- For tablet products : Skip missed dose if almost time for next dose.
- For tablet, extended release 12 hr products : Take at the same time(s) daily as directed. Do not chew or crush. OK to split tablet if scored. Do not change brands without checking with Dr.
- For vial, nebulizer products : If available, read the patient package insert. Use in nebulizer with adequate flow rate. Discard unused portion of the vial after dose.
Diagnosis
Results
Contraindications
Safety
- Albuterol is used to prevent and treat difficulty breathing, wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness caused by lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; a group of diseases that affect the lungs and airways). Albuterol inhalation aerosol and powder for oral inhalation is also used to prevent ...
Preparation
- Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen or if you feel that albuterol inhalation no longer controls your symptoms. If you were told to use albuterol as needed to treat your symptoms and you find that you need to use the medication more often than usual, call your doctor.
Prevention
- Albuterol controls symptoms of asthma and other lung diseases but does not cure them. Do not stop using albuterol without talking to your doctor.
Uses
- The inhaler that comes with albuterol aerosol is designed for use only with a canister of albuterol. Never use it to inhale any other medication, and do not use any other inhaler to inhale albuterol.
Risks
- Be careful not to get albuterol inhalation into your eyes. Do not use your albuterol inhaler when you are near a flame or source of heat. The inhaler may explode if it is exposed to very high temperatures.