MedDataToolAlbuterol
Generic: Albuterol Sulfate
Beta agonistAlso: Albuterol Sulfate HFA✓ FDA-verified
View full FDA label ↗Albuterol is a medication used to treat or prevent breathing problems, like bronchospasm, in adults and children who are at least 4 years old. It works by relaxing the muscles in the airways, making it easier to breathe. You take it by inhaling it, usually 2 puffs every 4 to 6 hours as needed, or 2 puffs about 15 to 30 minutes before exercising. It's important to know that if you've had an allergic reaction to any ingredients in this medication, you should not use it. Additionally, be cautious if you are taking other medications that can affect your heart, as albuterol may increase heart rate and blood pressure.
✦
Uses
- Treatment of bronchospasm in patients aged 4 years and older.
- Prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm in patients aged 4 years and older.
◷
Dosage
2 inhalations every 4 to 6 hours for bronchospasm. 2 inhalations 15 to 30 minutes before exercise. 1 inhalation every 4 hours may be sufficient for some patients.
Prime inhaler before first use or if not used for 2 weeks.
Clean inhaler weekly with warm water and air-dry.
Always follow your doctor's specific instructions for your dose.
⚠
Side effects
Common
Throat irritationViral respiratory infectionsUpper respiratory inflammationCoughMusculoskeletal painParadoxical bronchospasmCardiovascular effectsHypokalemia
Serious
Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis
🛑
Warnings
⚠ Important warnings
- Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular issues.
- May cause severe bronchospasm with beta-blockers.
- Caution with non-potassium-sparing diuretics.
- Monitor digoxin levels if using with albuterol.
- Use with extreme caution with monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants.
⇄
Drug interactions
- Beta-blockersmay block albuterol effectsCaution
- Non-potassium-sparing diureticsmay worsen hypokalemiaCaution
- Digoxinmay decrease serum levelsCaution
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitorsmay increase albuterol effectsCaution
- Tricyclic antidepressantsmay increase albuterol effectsCaution
Ask about this drug
Answers pulled from the FDA label only.
Other Brands:
Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).