Albuterol Uses (Cont.)

Albuterol Use in Children

Some forms of albuterol are approved for children as young as two years old, while others are approved only for older children. In general, it is easier for young children to use the albuterol solution (using a nebulizer) or albuterol syrup. Albuterol tablets and albuterol inhalers may be difficult to use for young children.
 

Off-Label Albuterol Uses

On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend albuterol for treating something other than the conditions discussed above. This is called an "off-label" use. At this time, off-label uses of albuterol include the treatment of the following conditions:
 
  • High potassium in the blood (hyperkalemia)
  • Difficulty breathing associated with respiratory infections, such as pneumonia or the flu.
     
Although it is not usually thought of as a medication that can be abused, albuterol is sometimes used inappropriately for other uses, such as to lose weight, improve athletic performance, or to achieve a stimulant "high" (see Albuterol Abuse for more information).

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;