Albuterol

💊 What is Albuterol used for?

• •The label says albuterol tablets are used for the relief of bronchospasm (tightening of the airway muscles) in adults and children 6 years of age and older who have reversible obstructive airway disease.

How it works

The label describes albuterol as a relatively selective beta-2 adrenergic bronchodilator, meaning it works to widen the airways. The label says its effects may last up to 6 to 8 hours or longer.

How it is usually taken

• •The label gives dosing by age, with doses taken several times a day. Doses are set by the prescriber and may be increased only cautiously, step by step, if the first dose does not work well. The label says the medicine should not be taken more often than recommended and that the dose or frequency should not be increased without talking to a doctor. Follow the instructions from your prescriber or pharmacist.

Comes as

• •2 mg tablets: white, round, uncoated tablets with a score line
• •4 mg tablets: white, round, uncoated tablets with a score line
• •Sold in bottles of 100 or 500

⚠️ Albuterol side effects

🛑 Who should not take Albuterol, and who should be careful

The label says not to take it if

• 🚨You have had an allergic reaction (hypersensitivity) to albuterol or any of the ingredients in the tablets. The label lists this as a contraindication.

Tell your doctor before taking it if

• •Tell your prescriber about any heart disease, especially coronary insufficiency, heart rhythm problems (cardiac arrhythmias), or high blood pressure. The label says albuterol should be used with caution in these patients.
• •Tell your prescriber if you have a seizure disorder, an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), or diabetes. The label says caution is needed in these patients.
• •Tell your prescriber if you are unusually sensitive to similar medicines (sympathomimetic amines) or to other beta-stimulators. Older adults may also need extra care, according to the label.
• •Tell your prescriber about all other medicines you use, including other inhaled drugs and asthma medicines. The label says these should be used only as your doctor directs.
• •The label says high doses of albuterol given intravenously may worsen existing diabetes and ketoacidosis. Albuterol can also lower potassium levels, usually temporarily.

🔀 Albuterol with other medicines, food and alcohol

The label says to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist

• •Other oral sympathomimetic medicines: the label says using them together with albuterol tablets is not recommended because it may cause harmful heart effects. The label notes that occasional use of an adrenergic aerosol bronchodilator may be judged case by case, but regular use together should be avoided, and another treatment should be considered if regular use is needed.
• •Beta-blockers: these can block albuterol's effect on the lungs and can cause severe bronchospasm in people with asthma. The label says people with asthma should not normally take beta-blockers. Cardioselective beta-blockers may be considered in some situations, but only with caution.
• •Diuretics that do not save potassium, such as loop or thiazide diuretics: these can worsen heart rhythm changes and low potassium when combined with beta-agonists, especially if the albuterol dose is exceeded. The label advises caution.
• •Digoxin: the label says albuterol may lower digoxin levels in the blood. The label recommends carefully checking digoxin levels in people who take both medicines.

Alcohol and food

The label does not say.

🤰 Albuterol in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy

The label does not say.

Breastfeeding

The label does not say.

🗓️ Storage, missed doses and taking too much

Storage

The label says to store the tablets at 20 to 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F), which is controlled room temperature. The label also begins a statement about protecting the tablets from light, but that text is cut off in this copy.

If a dose is missed

The label does not say.

If too much is taken

The label says too much albuterol can cause signs of strong beta-adrenergic stimulation, such as chest pain, very high blood pressure, a fast heart rate (up to 200 beats per minute), nervousness, headache, tremor, dry mouth, palpitations, nausea, dizziness, and insomnia. It may also cause seizures, low blood pressure, heart rhythm problems, fatigue, malaise, and low potassium. The label says heart arrest and death have been associated with misuse of sympathomimetic medicines. The label says treatment involves stopping albuterol and giving supportive care. Get medical help right away if you think too much has been taken.

🗒️ Questions to ask about Albuterol

• Is this tablet form the right type of albuterol for my condition, or does my prescription say something different?
• How often should I take this medicine, and what should I do if one dose does not help?
• How will I know if my asthma is getting worse, and when should I call you?
• Can I use other inhalers or asthma medicines while taking this, and in what order?
• Do my heart condition, blood pressure, or other medicines (such as beta-blockers or water pills) make this medicine a concern for me?
• Should my potassium or digoxin levels be checked while I take this?

❓ Albuterol: frequently asked questions