
What is the adverse effect of albuterol?
Some of the more common side effects that can occur with albuterol include:
- fast or irregular heart rate
- chest pain
- shakiness
- nervousness
- headache
- nausea
- vomiting
- dizziness
- sore throat
- runny nose
What is the onset of action for albuterol?
- The way that the nurse would properly administer the two MDIs when both have been scheduled at the
- same time of the day would be to follow the direction carefully and ask any question if you have a
- difficult time understanding which to administer first. As a nurse I believe that albuterol inhalations. ...
Is it possible to overdose on albuterol?
It is possible to overdose on albuterol. Too much of this drug, which treats lung conditions such as asthma by opening up airways, can be life threatening. Instead of opening airways, too much albuterol can cause them to suddenly constrict, making it even harder to breathe. Other signs of an albuterol overdose can include: trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
How long do side effects of albuterol nebulizer last?
Tremor or shaking. Certain inhalers may cause a shake or tremor in your hands or make your heart pound. This is not uncommon with bronchodilating medications such as Albuterol, Ventolin, Proventil, Maxair, and Serevent. Although uncomfortable, it is not dangerous and will pass within 30-60 minutes.

How does albuterol work in body?
Albuterol belongs to a class of drugs known as bronchodilators. It works by relaxing the muscles around the airways so that they open up and you can breathe more easily.
What is the pharmacokinetics of albuterol?
Pharmacokinetics. Albuterol is rapidly absorbed after oral administration of one 4 mg Albuterol tablet in normal volunteers. Maximum plasma concentrations of about 18 ng/mL of Albuterol are achieved within 2 hours, and the drug is eliminated with a half-life of about 5 hours.
How does albuterol open airways?
How it works. Albuterol is a bronchodilator - this means it relaxes muscles in the airways, widening them and allowing more air to flow into the lungs. Albuterol works preferentially on beta2 receptors, which are the predominant receptors in the smooth muscle of the bronchi (the breathing tubes).
Is albuterol a short-acting beta agonist?
Albuterol, a short-acting beta 2-agonist, is also available in pills or syrups. In these forms, the medication tends to have more side effects because they are given in higher dosages and are absorbed through the bloodstream to get to the lungs.
Which mechanism of albuterol reduces airway resistance?
Albuterol is an inhaled short-acting beta-2 agonist that stimulates beta-2 receptors on the surface of airway smooth muscle. The increased sympathetic tone causes the relaxation of airway smooth muscle, which causes dilation of the bronchi and bronchioles, reducing airway resistance.
What receptor does albuterol bind to?
Albuterol binds to β2-adrenergic receptors on bronchial smooth muscle cells. This binding results in the activation of adenylyl cyclases, which in turn results in the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)–mediated activation of protein kinase A, and thereby smooth muscle relaxation (1).
How does albuterol work for asthma?
Albuterol is a type of drug called a short-acting bronchodilator. It provides relief from an asthma attack by relaxing the smooth muscles in your airways. It's usually taken with a metered dose inhaler (ProAir HFA, Proventil HFA, others).
How does albuterol work in COPD?
Albuterol (also known as salbutamol) is a short-acting bronchodilator. It is used in emergency situations or for quick relief use as needed. Bronchodilators work by relaxing and opening the airways to the lungs to make breathing easier.
What is the effect of albuterol on the bronchi and bronchioles?
Albuterol is in a class of drugs called bronchodilators. It works by relaxing muscle around bronchi (the airways leading from the trachea to the lungs) and opening up the air passages to the lungs, so it's easier to breathe.
How do short-acting bronchodilators work?
Bronchodilators are a type of medication that make breathing easier by relaxing the muscles in the lungs and widening the airways (bronchi). They're often used to treat long-term conditions where the airways may become narrow and inflamed, such as: asthma – a common lung condition caused by inflammation of the airways.
What is the mechanism of action of short-acting beta-2 agonists?
How It Works. Short-acting beta2-agonists are bronchodilators . They relax the muscles lining the airways that carry air to the lungs (bronchial tubes) within 5 minutes. This increases airflow and makes it easier to breathe.
How does a beta agonist work?
Beta-agonist: A bronchodilator medicine that opens the airways by relaxing the muscles around the airways that may tighten during an asthma attack or in COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Beta-agonists can be administered by inhalers or orally.
How long does albuterol work?
Albuterol starts acting in about 1 to 5 minutes and can be effective for a duration of 3 to 4 hours.
Does albuterol help with COPD?
By promoting relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle with dilation of the airways, Albuterol helps individuals with asthma and COPD, to prevent episodes of acute shortness of breath and dyspnea.
Can albuterol be used for shortness of breath?
Due to the quick onset of action, Albuterol can also be used as a rescue medication during acute episodes of exacerbation of shortness of breath and dyspnea. Relaxation of smooth muscle of blood vessels by Albuterol can result in dilation of blood vessels and consequently, can contribute towards reduced blood pressure.
Is albuterol a beta 2 agonist?
Asthma: Albuterol is a short-acting beta 2 -agonist that should be used as needed for quick relief of asthma symptoms. Based on a step-wise treatment approach using asthma guidelines, monotherapy without concurrent use of a long-term controller medication should only be reserved for patients with mild, intermittent forms of asthma without the presence of risk factors (Step 1 and/or exercise-induced) (GINA 2019; NAEPP 2007).
Does albuterol cross the placenta?
Albuterol crosses the placenta (Boulton 1997). Congenital anomalies (cleft palate, limb defects) have rarely been reported following maternal use during pregnancy. Multiple medications were used in most cases, no specific pattern of defects has been reported, and no relationship to albuterol has been established.
Can albuterol be used for anaphylaxis?
Do not use albuterol for initial or sole treatment of anaphylaxis because albuterol does not prevent or relieve upper airway edema, hypotension, or shock (AAAI [Lieberman 2015]; WAO [Simons 2011]). Inhalation: MDI or DPI (90 mcg/actuation): 2 to 3 inhalations as needed for symptom relief (Grammer 2019; Kang 2019).
2. Chemical Defense therapeutic area (s)
Albuterol has been investigated as a potential medical mitigation agent against both upper and lower chemical-induced pulmonary injury by the agents such as chlorine gas, mustard gas, phosgene and nerve agents sarin and soman.
4. Pharmacokinetic and toxicokinetics data
AIM: To study the pharmacokinetics and relative bioavailability of salbutamol metered-dose inhaler (MDI) in healthy volunteers. METHODS: An HPLC method for the determination of salbutarnol in human plasma was improved. Ten healthy male Chinese volunteers were enrolled in a randomized crossover study.
7. Current off label utilization and dosing
The following dosing is from the National Asthma Education and Prevention guidelines.
10. Contraindication (s)
Albuterol tablets are contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to albuterol, or any of its components.
11. Clinical studies in progress
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and a lesser condition that occurs prior to ARDS, Acute Lung Injury (ALI), are medical conditions that occur when there is severe inflammation and increased fluids (edema) in both lungs, making it hard for the lungs to function properly.
16. Global regulatory status
AccuNeb is indicated for the relief of bronchospasm in patients 2 to 12 years of age with asthma (reversible obstructive airway disease).
17. Other potentially useful information
Albuterol sulfate has been investigated as a potential medical mitigation agent against both upper and lower chemical-induced pulmonary injury.
What is albuterol used for?
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).
How long does albuterol last?
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 often should you clean an albuterol inhaler?
You may also need to shake your albuterol device just before each use. Keeping your inhaler clean is important to ensure you are receiving the medication. Clean the plastic actuator with the canister removed at least once a week. Your medicine comes with directions for properly cleaning your device.
How to store albuterol?
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, or cold temperatures. Keep the albuterol canister away from open flame or high heat , such as in a car on a hot day. The canister may explode if it gets too hot. Do not puncture or burn an empty inhaler canister.
How old is too old to take albuterol?
It is also used to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm. Albuterol inhalation is for use in adults and children who are at least 4 years old. Always follow your doctor's directions when giving albuterol to a child.
How to contact the poison line for albuterol?
An overdose of albuterol can be fatal. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of albuterol can be fatal. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Does albuterol harm babies?
It is not known whether albuterol will harm an unborn baby. However, having uncontrolled asthma during pregnancy may increase the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, or eclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure that can lead to medical problems in both mother and baby).
When was albuterol invented?
Albuterol. Albuterol is a widely used bronchodilator. It is one of a series of compounds that were patented in 1972 by L. H. C. Lunts and co-inventors and assigned to Allen and Hanburys, a British pharmaceutical company that dated back to the early 18th century.
Does albuterol increase bronchial activity?
In some accounts, ( S )-albuterol is said to increase bronchial activity, but in others it is described as inactive.
Is albuterol a racemic mixture?
It is prescribed for treating pulmonary conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Albuterol is a racemic mixture. The pharmaceutical literature contains conflicting accounts of the mechanisms of action of the two enantiomers.
How does albuterol work?
Albuterol works by attaching to the beta-2 receptors on the cell membranes of the airways. This causes an enzyme called adenylate cyclase to convert the energy molecule adenosine triphosphate (ATP) into another molecule called cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) within the cell.
What is albuterol sulfate?
Albuterol, also called albuterol sulfate or salbutamol sulfate, is chemically classified as a beta-2 adrenergic agonist. We'll get to why that's important in the next section. Albuterol's therapeutic class is that of a bronchodilator. In other words, it's a drug that expands the airways. Its therapeutic use is thus important in conditions such as: 1 Asthma 2 Emphysema 3 Bronchitis
Is albuterol a beta agonist?
Albuterol, as you learned before, is a beta-2 adrenergic agonist. That is to say, it stimulates the beta-2 adrenergic receptors. It fits the beta-2 lock and turns it to produce an effect. The beta-2 receptors are part of the adrenergic system. This is the system that is influenced by epinephrine and norepinephrine.
What is albuterol used for?
Albuterol /ipratropium is a combination product consisting of two bronchodilators, albuterol (Proventil; Ventolin) and ipratropium ( Atrovent) that is used in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( bronchitis and emphysema) when there is evidence of spasm (narrowing) of the airways (bronchi).
What are the side effects of albuterol?
Side effects of albuterol include nervousness, tremor, headache, palpitations, fast heart rate, elevated blood pressure, nausea, dizziness, and heartburn. Throat irritation and nosebleeds also can occur. Worsening of diabetes and lowering ...
What is the name of the inhaler that is used to narrow the airways?
Albuterol and ipratropium inhaler (Combivent Respimat) is prescribed for the treatment of bronchospasm or narrowing of the airways caused by emphysema or bronchitis in individuals who require a second bronchodilator.
What is the difference between albuterol and ipratropium?
Albuterol is a bronchodilator of the beta-2 agonist type. Beta-2 agonists are medications that stimulate beta-2 receptors on the smooth muscle cells that line the airways, causing these muscle cells to relax and thereby opening airways. Ipratropium blocks the effect of acetylcholine in airways and nasal passages.
How does bronchodilator work?
Bronchodilators dilate or enlarge the airways by relaxing the muscles surrounding the airways. Albuterol and ipratropium work by different mechanisms, but both cause the muscles of the airways to relax. Albuterol is a bronchodilator of the beta-2 agonist type.
Does ipratropium block cholinergic nerves?
The "anti-cholinergic" effect of ipratropium blocks the effect of cholinergic nerves, causing the muscles to relax and airways to dilate. The FDA approved albuterol/ipratropium in October 1996.
Can albuterol be used with other stimulants?
Use of albuterol/ipratropium with other stimulant medications is discouraged because of their combined effects on heart rate, blood pressure, and the potential for causing chest pain in patients with underlying coronary heart disease. Beta blockers, for example, propranolol ( Inderal, Inderal LA) block the effect of albuterol ...

Chemical Defense Therapeutic Area
- Albuterol has been investigated as a potential medical mitigation agent against both upper and lower chemical-induced pulmonary injury by the agents such as chlorine gas, mustard gas, phosgene and nerve agents sarin and soman.
Pharmacokinetic and Toxicokinetics Data
- Adult
1. AIM: To study the pharmacokinetics and relative bioavailability of salbutamol metered-dose inhaler (MDI) in healthy volunteers. METHODS: An HPLC method for the determination of salbutarnol in human plasma was improved. Ten healthy male Chinese volunteers were enrolled … - Children
1. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the population pharmacokinetics (PK) of (R)- and (S)-albuterol in pediatric asthmatics using a model that supports a sparse blood sampling strategy. METHODS: The data for this analysis were collected from patients enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, m…
Current Fda/Eua Approved Indications and Dosing
- Pregnancy
FDA Pregnancy Risk Category: 1. C; RISK CANNOT BE RULED OUT. Adequate, well controlled human studies are lacking, and animal studies have shown risk to the fetus or are lacking as well. There is a chance of fetal harm if the drug is given during pregnancy; but the potential benefits … - Nursing Mothers
Lactation Risk Category: 1. L1 Safest; Drug which has been taken by a large number of breastfeeding mothers without any observed increase in adverse effects in the infant. Controlled studies in breastfeeding women fail to demonstrate a risk to the infant and the possibility of har…
Current Available Formulations/Shelf Life
- Formulations
1. Oral Solution 2 mg/5 mL (of albuterol) 1. Oral Tablets 2 mg, 4 mg (of albuterol) 1. Oral Tablets, extended release 4 mg, 8 mg (of albuterol) 1. Oral Inhalation, aerosol 90 mcg (of albuterol) per metered spray 1. Oral Inhalation, solution for nebulization 0.021% (of albuterol), 0.042% (of albut… - Storage
1. Preparations containing albuterol sulfate should be stored in well-closed, light-resistant containers. Albuterol sulfate inhalation aerosol with hydrofluoroalkane propellant should be stored at 15-25°C. Failure to use these inhalers within these respective temperature ranges coul…
Current Off Label Utilization and Dosing
- Adult
1. The following dosing is from the National Asthma Education and Prevention guidelines. Asthma (quick relief): Metered-dose inhaler- 2 inhalations every 4 to 6 hours as needed; Nebulizer - 1.25 to 5 mg (in 3 mL of saline) every 4 to 6 hours. Dose may be doubled in severe exacerbations. Asth… - Children
1. The following dosing is from the National Asthma Education and Prevention guidelines. Asthma (quick relief): Metered-dose inhaler- 2 inhalations every 4 to 6 hours as needed; Nebulizer (1 year of age and older) - 1.25 to 5 mg (in 3 mL of saline) every 4 to 8 hours as needed. Dose may be d…
Route of Administration/Monitoring
- Oral
- Oral Inhalation via Metered-Dose Aerosol
- Oral Inhalation via Nebulization
Adverse Effects
- Cardiovascular Effects Albuterol Sulfate Syrup, like all other beta-adrenergic agonists, can produce a clinically significant cardiovascular effect in some patients as measured by pulse rate, blood...
Contraindication
- Albuterol tablets are contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to albuterol, or any of its components.
Clinical Studies in Progress
- "Study Terminated/Has Results"
- Drug Study of Albuterol to Treat Acute Lung Injury Condition: Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult Interventions: Drug: Albuterol Sulfate USP; Procedure: Mini-Bronchoalveolar Lavage; Drug: Placebo
Needed Studies For Non Chemical Defense Clinical Indications
- Nonbiodefense clinical need(s): Treatment of asthma, bronchiolitis. Needed studies for nonbiodefense clinical indications: Bronchiolitis; animal studies of standardized exposure; systematic data co...