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Albuterol is a short-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist bronchodilator used to open narrowed airways. Inhaled albuterol comes in metered-dose inhalers and nebulizer forms. A current inhalation aerosol label covers treatment or prevention of bronchospasm in adults and children age 4 and older with reversible obstructive airway disease. It is also approved to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm in that age group.
read more about albuterol ...Albuterol stimulates beta2-adrenergic receptors on airway smooth muscle. This activates adenyl cyclase, raises cyclic AMP inside the cells, and reduces intracellular calcium. The change relaxes bronchial smooth muscle and opens the airways. Inhaled albuterol acts mainly in the respiratory tract, though beta2 receptors are also present in the heart and other tissues.
Albuterol inhalation aerosol is used to treat or prevent bronchospasm linked to reversible obstructive airway disease. It is also used before exercise to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm. The current aerosol label covers adults and children age 4 and older. Other albuterol formulations have their own age limits, concentrations, dosing directions, and administration instructions.
For acute bronchospasm or prevention of asthma symptoms, the usual aerosol dose for adults and children age 4 and older is two inhalations every four to six hours. For exercise-induced bronchospasm, the usual dose is two inhalations 15 to 30 minutes before exercise. Each actuation of the referenced aerosol releases 90 mcg of albuterol from the mouthpiece.
Inhaled albuterol can cause tremor, nervousness, nausea, rapid heart rate, palpitations, chest discomfort, or headache. Serious concerns include paradoxical bronchospasm, cardiovascular effects, significant low potassium, and immediate hypersensitivity reactions. Needing the inhaler more frequently than prescribed can signal worsening asthma and calls for medical reassessment. Excessive use has been linked with severe outcomes.
No. Albuterol is a beta2-adrenergic bronchodilator. It relaxes airway smooth muscle rather than acting as a corticosteroid.
Clinical studies of one inhalation aerosol found measurable bronchodilation within several minutes, with effects lasting several hours in studied patients.
Yes. Inhalation aerosol labeling includes two inhalations 15 to 30 minutes before exercise for prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm.
Patients should not increase the dose or frequency without medical direction. Needing doses more frequently than normal calls for prompt reassessment.
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