Albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage

What is albuterol, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?

• Albuterol sulphate 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
  narrowing of the airways (bronchial tubes) 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 sulphate 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 sulphate solution in
  January 1987.

What are the uses for albuterol?

• Albuterol sulphate inhalation solution is used for the treatment of
  bronchospasm in patients 2 to 12 years of age with
  asthma (reversible
  obstructive
  airway disease).

What brand names are available for albuterol?

Ventolin, Proventil, Accuneb (discontinued)

Is albuterol available as a generic drug?

Yes

Do I need a prescription for albuterol?

Yes

What are the side effects of albuterol?

Common side effects include:

• Migraine headaches

• Non-migraine headaches
• nausea
• stomach upset
• flu-like symptoms
• cold symptoms
• ear infections (otitis media)
• bronchitis
• cough

Other side effects include:

• allergic reactions (rash,
  hives,
  itching)
• nervousness
• tremor
• wheezing
• increased sputum
• shortness of breath

Possible serious side effects include:

• bronchospasm (worsening of
  asthma)
• serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
• worsening of
  diabetes
• low potassium
• abnormal heart rhythm (palpitations)
• fast heart rate
• elevated blood pressure
• chest pain

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease.
See Answer

What is the dosage for albuterol?

• A jet nebulizer connected to an air compressor equipped with a mouthpiece or
  face mask is used to administer albuterol sulphate solution.
• The recommended starting dose for patients 2 to 12 years of age is 0.63,
  1.25, or 2.5 mg given by nebulization 3 or 4 times daily, as needed. More
  frequent administration is not recommended.
• Children 6 to 12 years of age with more severe
  asthma may achieve a better
  initial response with the 1.25 or 2.5 mg dose.
• The entire contents of one vial should be placed in the nebulizer and the
  flow rate should be adjusted to deliver albuterol sulphate over 5 to 15 minutes.

Which drugs or supplements interact with albuterol?

• Tricyclic antidepressants, for example,
  amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep), and
  monoamine oxidase inhibitors
  (MAOIs), for example, tranylcypromine, should not be
  combined with albuterol sulfate 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 sulphate and tricyclic
  antidepressants or monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
• Use of albuterol sulphate 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 sulphate and may induce bronchospasm in asthmatics.
• Albuterol sulphate may cause
  hypokalemia (low potassium). Therefore,
  combining albuterol sulphate with loop diuretics, for example,
  furosemide
  (Lasix) may increase the likelihood of hypokalemia.

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Is albuterol safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

• Albuterol sulphate inhalation solution is used for treating children.
• There
  are no adequate studies of albuterol sulphate use during pregnancy. Some reports
  indicate that albuterol sulphate may cause
  congenital defects when used during
  pregnancy.
• It’s not known whether albuterol sulphate is excreted in breast milk.

What else should I know about albuterol?

What preparations of albuterol are available?

• Inhalation Solution: 0.63, 1.25, and 2.5 mg/3 ml; 2.5 mg/0.5 ml.

How should I keep albuterol stored?

• Albuterol sulphate should be stored between 2 C and 25 C (36 F and 77 F) and
  protected from light and excessive heat.