GENERIC NAME: albuterol

BRAND NAMES: Ventolin; Proventil

DRUG CLASS: Albuterol is a bronchodilator used in treating asthma and other conditions with reversible airway obstruction. Asthma is a breathing problem involving widespread narrowing of the airways (bronchial tubes). Airways are breathing passages that allow air to move in and out of the lungs. These airways can be narrowed due to the accumulation of mucus, spasm of the muscles that surround these airways, or swelling of the lining of the airways. Airway narrowing leads to shortness of breath, wheezing, cough, and congestion. Albuterol dilates bronchial airways by relaxing the surrounding bronchial muscles. Albuterol can also be helpful in patients with emphysema and chronic bronchitis when their symptoms are partially related to reversible airway obstruction.

PRESCRIPTION: yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes

PREPARATIONS: Inhaled preparations in Canisters (6.8g with 80 inhalations and 17g with 200 inhalations). Also available in syrup, solution, and tablets (2mg, 4mg).

STORAGE: Albuterol should be stored between 59 and 86 degrees F. The canister should be kept away from heat or flame and not punctured.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Albuterol is used in the relief and prevention of airway obstruction (bronchospasm) in patients with asthma and in patients with exercise-induced asthma. Albuterol can also be used in treating those patients with emphysema and chronic bronchitis when their symptoms are related to reversible airway obstruction. The inhaled form of albuterol starts working within 15 minutes and can last up to 6 hours.

DOSING: Albuterol inhalations should not be administered more often than prescribed. Excessive use of inhaled albuterol can have adverse effects on the heart. Albuterol inhalations should be administered with proper technique and the specific instructions accompanying the drug packaging should be exactly followed. Use in children should be supervised by an adult. Patients requiring more inhalations for relief of symptoms should seek medical advice.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Albuterol is used with caution in patients with coronary heart disease or in patients with cardiac rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias). Use of albuterol together with other stimulant medications is discouraged because of their combined effects on the heart rate, blood pressure, and the potential for causing chest pain in patients with underlying coronary heart disease. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as Elavil, should not be used together with albuterol because of their combined toxicity to the vascular system. In rare patients, inhaled albuterol can paradoxically precipitate life threatening bronchospasm. Allergic reactions may rarely occur and can cause rash, hives, swelling, bronchospasm, and anaphylaxis (shock). Worsening of diabetes and lowering of potassium have also been reported.

SIDE EFFECTS: Albuterol can cause side effects including palpitations, fast heart rate, elevated blood pressure, tremor, nausea, nervousness, dizziness, and heart burn. Throat irritation and nose bleeds can also occur.

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From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

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Last Editorial Review: 12/31/1997