Albuterol

Albuterol is commonly prescribed to treat airway spasms in people with asthma or COPD. Several forms are available, such as a solution that is inhaled using a nebulizer, tablets that are taken orally, or a traditional inhaler. Some people take albuterol regularly to prevent asthma attacks, while others take it only when they need to. Commonly reported side effects include headaches, tremors, and dizziness.

 

What Is Albuterol?

Albuterol is a prescription medication used to treat airway spasms (called bronchospasms). These bronchospasms are most common in people with asthma, but can also occur in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema. Some forms of albuterol are also approved to prevent exercise-induced asthma.
 
(Click Albuterol Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Different Albuterol Products

Albuterol comes in many different forms. Some are inhaled into the lungs, while others are taken by mouth (swallowed) and work through the bloodstream. Albuterol inhalers include:
 
Albuterol solution (inhaled using a nebulizer), short-acting tablets, long-acting tablets (Vospire ER®), and syrup are also available.
 

How Does It 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 a 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 the airways. This stimulation causes the muscles to relax, which opens up the airways and allows more air to get into and through the lungs.
 
Albuterol also has some effects on decreasing the activity of mast cells in the lungs, which play an important role in inflammation and allergic reactions.
 

When and How to Take Albuterol

Some general considerations for when and how to take albuterol include the following:
 
  • Some people take the medication on a regular schedule to prevent asthma attacks, while others take it only when they need it.
     
  • In general, albuterol should not be taken more often then every four hours. Let your healthcare provider know if you need to use it more frequently than prescribed, as this may be a sign that your asthma is worsening.
     
  • Make sure you know exactly how to take albuterol. Inhalers and nebulizers may be difficult to use at first.
     
  • For albuterol to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Dosing Information

The dose of albuterol your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The particular product
  • Your age
  • The severity of your asthma or other respiratory problem
  • Other medications you may be taking.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your albuterol dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Albuterol Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Albuterol

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with albuterol. However, not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the medication 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 include but are not limited to:
 
  • Shakiness (tremors)
  • Nervousness
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness.
     
(Click Albuterol Side Effects to learn more, including some of the more serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions

Albuterol can potentially interact with several other medicines (see Albuterol Drug Interactions for more information).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking It?

Talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking albuterol if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Albuterol Warnings and Precautions for more information, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

People who take too much albuterol may experience:
 
  • Chest pain (angina)
  • High blood pressure (hypertension) or low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • A fast heart rate (tachycardia)
  • Nervousness
  • Headaches
  • Shakiness (tremors)
  • Dry mouth
  • Feelings of a rapidly or forcefully beating heart (heart palpitations)
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Insomnia
  • Seizures
  • An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
  • Fatigue
  • Low potassium in the blood (hypokalemia)
  • Cardiac arrest
  • Loss of life.
     
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Albuterol Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should Albuterol Be Stored?

Albuterol should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

What If I Miss a Dose of Albuterol?

While some people only take the medication when they need it, others take it on a regular basis. If you do not take your albuterol as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;