What Is an Albuterol Inhaler?
Different Albuterol Inhalers
There are many different albuterol inhalers. Some are equivalent to each other, while others are not. Older inhalers are made using chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as the propellants, while newer inhalers use hydrofluoroalkane (HFA), an environmentally friendly propellant. The older albuterol inhalers include:
How Do Albuterol Inhalers Work?
Normally, air moves easily into and out of the lungs through a network of airways. However, during an
asthma attack, the muscles around these airways tighten. This narrows the airways and makes it harder to breathe -- this is called bronchospasm.
Albuterol is part of a class of drugs called beta-adrenergic receptor agonists, or beta agonists for short. Beta agonists stimulate beta receptors in the body, including those on the muscles around airways. This stimulation causes the muscles to relax, which opens up the airways and allows more air to get into and through the lungs.
The medication also has some effects on decreasing the activity of mast cells in the lungs, which play an important role in inflammation and allergic reactions.
Effects of Albuterol Inhalers
In clinical studies, albuterol inhalers started working within 6 to 15 minutes, with effects lasting for three or four hours, on average. Studies have also shown that using an inhaler 15 to 30 minutes before exercise can help prevent
exercise-induced asthma symptoms. In addition, studies have shown that the new HFA albuterol inhalers are just as effective as the older inhalers.
When and How to Use an Inhaler
Some general considerations for when and how to use an albuterol inhaler include the following:
- Some people use their inhaler only when they need it (during an asthma attack), while others use it regularly to help prevent attacks.
- You should "test spray" each albuterol inhaler before your first use, or if you have not used it for a long period of time. To test spray the inhaler, spray it into the air by pressing on the top of the canister.
- Shake your albuterol inhaler gently before each use.
- Wait at least one minute in between inhalations.
- It is important that you learn exactly how to use your albuterol inhaler. It may be difficult at first and may require practice.
- The spray should be inhaled into the lungs, not sprayed into the back of the throat and swallowed. To accomplish this, you will need to breathe in while spraying the inhaler.
- Most people put the mouthpiece of the inhaler directly into their mouths. However, many healthcare professionals now recommend placing the inhaler an inch or two away from the mouth. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way for you to use it.
- Each albuterol inhaler contains 200 sprays. Try to keep track of approximately how many sprays you have used in order to know when to replace the inhaler. Do not place the inhaler in water to see if it is empty (although it was recommended to do so in the past). One inhaler (Ventolin HFA) has a counter that automatically keeps track of how many sprays are used.
- For albuterol inhalers to work properly, they must be taken as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of
albuterol inhaler your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Whether you use your inhaler to treat or prevent asthma attacks
- The severity of your asthma or other respiratory problems
- Other medications you may be taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Side Effects of Albuterol Inhalers
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with albuterol inhalers. However, not everyone who uses one will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the inhalers well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of albuterol inhalers include but are not limited to:
- Fast heart rate (tachycardia)
- Feelings of a rapidly or forcefully beating heart (heart palpitations)
- Irritated or runny nose
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Shakiness (tremor)
- Throat irritation
- Upper respiratory tract infections (such as the common cold).
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to using an
albuterol inhaler if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who use an albuterol inhaler too much may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Chest pain (angina)
- High blood pressure (hypertension) or low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Fast heart rate (tachycardia)
- Nervousness
- Headaches
- Shakiness (tremor)
- Dry mouth
- Feelings of a rapidly or forcefully beating heart (heart palpitations)
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Seizures
- Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
- Fatigue
- Low potassium in the blood (hypokalemia)
- Cardiac arrest
- Loss of life.
If you happen to overdose on the medication, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should My Albuterol Inhaler Be Stored?
Albuterol inhalers should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. You should have an inhaler available at all times, especially if you have severe
asthma attacks. To clean the inhaler, remove the canister from the plastic inhaler and run warm water through the plastic inhaler for 30 seconds. Let the inhaler air dry (do not use cloth or paper towels to dry the inhaler, as this may leave particles that could be inhaled). Never put the canister in water.
Keep your albuterol inhaler -- and all medications -- out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not use your albuterol inhaler as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember, but do not take your doses more closely together than every four hours (unless absolutely necessary to control an attack).
All albuterol inhalers contain 200 inhalations, with 90 mcg of medication per inhalation.
Are There Generic Albuterol Inhalers?
Currently, only the older
Ventolin inhaler is available as a generic. All other albuterol inhalers have no generic equivalents.
