{"id":1162,"date":"2023-07-24T15:37:58","date_gmt":"2023-07-24T15:37:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/?p=1162"},"modified":"2023-09-08T14:29:05","modified_gmt":"2023-09-08T14:29:05","slug":"albuterol","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/asthma-medications\/albuterol\/","title":{"rendered":"About Albuterol: A Patient&#8217;s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><b>Highlights<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Albuterol is a bronchodilator, a medication that quickly opens up the airways during an asthma attack.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>While some asthma medications are prescribed for long-term maintenance of the condition, albuterol is a rescue medication, designed to be taken during acute attacks.\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Albuterol users should be mindful of the potential side effects and interactions with other drugs and contact their doctor if they experience new or unusual symptoms after beginning albuterol.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Albuterol is not a good choice for people with certain medical conditions.\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Asthma affects <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/asthma\/most_recent_national_asthma_data.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nearly 25 million Americans<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and can severely impact quality of life. Albuterol is considered a rescue medication that provides short-term relief from acute asthma attacks. Learn how albuterol helps with asthma, who it\u2019s best for, when not to take it, and how to get the lowest price for albuterol.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What Is Albuterol and What Is It Used For?<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/medicine_details\/albuterol-2.5-mg-0.5-ml-sol\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Albuterol<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a bronchodilator, a drug that relaxes the smooth muscle in the airways, and is used primarily for treating asthma. First discovered in the 1960s, and available as a generic drug <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/news-events\/press-announcements\/fda-approves-first-generic-commonly-used-albuterol-inhaler-treat-and-prevent-bronchospasm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">as of 2020<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, it\u2019s sold under the brand names Proventil, ProAir, and AccuNeb, among others.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>How Does Albuterol Work?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Albuterol is a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK482272\/#:~:text=Albuterol%20acts%20on%20beta%2D2,effect%20on%20the%20heart%20rate.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">beta2-adrenergic agonist<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It binds to receptors in smooth muscle cells in the airway that normally attach to the adrenaline hormone. Albuterol mimics the action of adrenaline on beta2-adrenergic receptors, which relaxes the muscles and lets air flow into the lungs more freely.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What Formulas Are Available for Albuterol?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Albuterol is available in a number of formulations:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inhaler<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nebulizer<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Syrup<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tablet<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Long-acting tablet<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Which form you use will depend on your specific needs. For example, tablets can take up to half an hour to begin working, while inhaled albuterol takes effect in minutes. Review possible formulations with your doctor to see which works best for your needs.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Albuterol Dosage and Administration<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1163\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/2.jpeg-5-min.jpg\" alt=\"mom and kid outdoors in the fall\" width=\"780\" height=\"439\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Initial dosage depends on the formulation and medical guidance. For example, doctors generally will prescribe a number of puffs from an inhaler regularly throughout the day, usually every four to six hours, while initial dosage with tablets may be 2 milligrams to 4 milligrams a day.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Discuss dosage with your doctor and the approach they want to take when starting you on albuterol or when switching formulations.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>How Should I Take Albuterol?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since albuterol has so many formulations, the instructions will vary widely.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read the directions carefully and follow them exactly. If you\u2019re not clear on anything in the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist to clarify them.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tablets should not be crushed, chewed, or otherwise broken up. Swallow them whole with plenty of water.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inhaled and nebulized albuterol should be at room temperature before taking.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When using an inhaled version, breathe out fully, as hard as you can, to get the most air out of your lungs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cap your inhaler or actuator when not in use, and keep it clean according to the provided instructions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep inhalers and actuators dry.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>What Are the Potential Side Effects of Albuterol?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common side effects of albuterol include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chest pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fast or pounding heartbeat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea and vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain when urinating<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A nervous or shaky feeling<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headaches<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Back pain or other body aches<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coughing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sore through<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Runny nose<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain in the sinuses<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact your doctor immediately if you experience these more-serious side effects:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any breathing problems after taking albuterol, including wheezing or choking<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chest pain accompanied by a rapid or pounding heart rate<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe pain or a burning sensation while urinating<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unusual hunger or thirst<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dry mouth<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drowsiness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blurred vision<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unexplained weight loss<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unusually dry skin<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any sign of low potassium including:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leg cramping<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Constipation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Irregular heartbeat or a fluttering feeling in your chest<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Extreme thirst<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tingling or numbness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Muscle weakness or a feeling of limpness<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>What Should I Avoid When Taking Albuterol?<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1165\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/3.jpeg-5-min-1.jpg\" alt=\"two happy girls in summer clothes\" width=\"780\" height=\"520\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid other beta-agonist medications if you\u2019re taking albuterol in inhaler or nebulizer form (though it\u2019s OK to take other inhalant medications, such as corticosteroids). Also avoid any herbal supplements and review any medication you regularly take, including over-the-counter medication and supplements, with your doctor or pharmacist before you begin taking albuterol. Don\u2019t begin any new ones without clearing them with your provider first.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Albuterol?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you miss a dose of albuterol, you should not take the missed dose unless it is within 1-2 hours of your next scheduled dose. If it is more than 1-2 hours until your next scheduled dose, you should skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What Should I Do If I Overdose on Albuterol?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019ve accidentally taken an overdose of albuterol and are experiencing at least some of the following symptoms, seek medical attention:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tightness in the chest<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chest pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rapid heartbeat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rapid breathing or shallow breaths<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wheezing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blurred vision<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tingling of the hands or feet<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tremors<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seizures<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Who Should Not Take Albuterol?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have any of the following, only take albuterol if your doctor clears it for you:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Congestive heart failure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any heart rhythm disorder<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any seizure disorder<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diabetes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An overactive thyroid<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low blood potassium<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some studies have shown that albuterol can be safe for use during pregnancy, but more research is needed. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you should talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using albuterol.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Are There Any Potential Drug Interactions With Albuterol?<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1167\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/4.jpeg-2-min.jpg\" alt=\"happy couple jogging \" width=\"780\" height=\"520\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Albuterol should not be used with the following medications:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Any other beta2-agonist. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If albuterol is with other inhaled beta2-agonists, they could potentially compete for the same receptors in the lungs, which might affect the absorption and effectiveness of the medications. Additionally, using multiple medications that have similar effects can increase the risk of an overdose or exacerbate side effects. Examples of commonly prescribed beta2-agonists are:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Salmeterol (Serevent)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Formoterol (Foradil, Perforomist)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Terbutaline (Brethine, Bricanyl)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pirbuterol (Maxair)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Digoxin.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Albuterol can reduce the amount of digoxin in the blood. When these two drugs are combined, they may raise the risk of a serious heart rhythm problem.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Diuretics.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Because albuterol affects your blood potassium levels, taking it with diuretics can raise the risk of low potassium levels in the blood.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Antidepressants.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> In combination, antidepressants and albuterol can increase the risk of heart-related side effects from both drugs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Beta-blockers.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Beta-blockers use the same receptors as albuterol, and may keep it from relaxing the airways. Common beta-blockers include:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Atenolol (Tenormin)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol-XL)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Propranolol (Inderal, Inderal LA)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Carvedilol (Coreg)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bisoprolol (Zebeta)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nebivolol (Bystolic)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nadolol (Corgard)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sotalol (Betapace)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>MAO inhibitors.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Combining MAO inhibitors and albuterol can raise the risk of heart and blood pressure related side effects. It\u2019s recommended to stay off MAO inhibitors for at least two weeks before beginning albuterol. Examples of MAOIs include:\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Phenelzine (Nardil)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tranylcypromine (Parnate)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Isocarboxazid (Marplan)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Get the Lowest Price for Albuterol With BidRx<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t let the cost of prescriptions add to the stress of managing asthma. BidRx helps you find the lowest price for Albuterol by having pharmacies come to you. Make a bid and pick the price that works for you. Depending on the offer you choose, you can even get your prescription shipped to your door. Visit our medications page to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/Contents\/customers\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">create your bid<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> today!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn how albuterol helps with asthma, how it works, when not to take it, the possible drug interactions, and how to get the lowest price for albuterol.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1291,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1162","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-asthma-medications"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1162","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1162"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1162\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1168,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1162\/revisions\/1168"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1291"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1162"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1162"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1162"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}