Medications and Drugs
Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
GENERIC NAME: albuterol
BRAND NAMES: Ventolin, Proventil, AccuNeb, Vospire, ProAir
DRUG CLASS: Albuterol dilates the
airways of the lung and is used for treating asthma and other conditions of the
lung. Asthma is a breathing problem due to widespread narrowing of the airways
(bronchial tubes). Airways are the 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 (bronchospasm), 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 muscles that
surround the airways. Albuterol also can be helpful in patients with emphysema
and chronic bronchitis when symptoms are partially related to spasm of the
airways' muscles. The FDA approved albuterol in May 1982.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Inhalation aerosol: 80 and 200 inhalations; Inhalation
solution: 0.63, 1.25, and 2.5 mg/3 ml, also 5 mg/ml; Syrup: 2 mg/5 ml; Tablets:
2, 4, and 8 mg
STORAGE: Albuterol should be stored at room temperature, 59-86 F
(15-30 C). The canister should be kept away from heat or flame and not
punctured.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Albuterol is used
for relief and prevention of airway obstruction (bronchospasm) in patients with asthma or exercise-induced asthma.
Albuterol is also used for treating patients with emphysema or 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: The usual dose for prevention of bronchospasm is 1-2
inhalations every 4-6 hours by aerosol. The dose for exercise induced
bronchospasm is 2 inhalations 15 minutes prior to exercise. The usual nebulizer
dose is 0.63 mg, 1.25 mg or 2.5 mg 3-4 times a day. The recommended dosing for
tablets or syrup is 2 or 4 mg given 3 or 4 times daily and the dose of extended
release tablets is 4 or 8 mg every 12 hours.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tricyclic antidepressants [for example, amitriptyline
(Elavil, Endep),
monoamine oxidase inhibitors (for example, tranylcypromine) should not be combined with
albuterol because of their additive effects on the vascular system (increased
blood pressure, heart rate, etc.). A period of two weeks should elapse between
treatment with albuterol and tricyclic antidepressants or monoamine oxidase
inhibitors.
Use of albuterol with other stimulant medications is
discouraged because of their combined effects on heart rate, blood pressure, and
the potential for causing chest pain in patients with underlying
coronary heart
disease.
Beta-blockers [for
example, propranolol (Inderal,
Inderal LA) block the effect of
albuterol and may induce bronchospasm in asthmatics. Albuterol may cause
hypokalemia (low potassium).
Therefore, combining albuterol with loop diuretics [for example,
furosemide (Lasix)] may
increase the likelihood of hypokalemia.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Bronchitis - Learn about bronchitis an inflammation of the lining of the lungs. Bronchitis can be aggravated from colds, cigarette smoking, COPD, and other lung conditions.
- Drugs: What You Should Know About Your Drugs - Find out what you should know about your drugs such as side effects, warnings and precautions, storage information, and if a generic version is as good as the brand name.
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