Albuterol is given for the prevention and rapid relief of asthma attacks and other bronchial conditions such as exercise-induced bronchospasms. Albuterol is also used to reduce the rate of recurrence and severity of such attacks.
Albuterol, a bronchodilator works by relaxing the constricted air passages which results in normal breathing and relieves wheezing. The inhaler works fast, usually produce desired results in as little as 15 minutes while other forms may take up to half an hour.
Inform your health care provider before using Albuterol if you have preexisting heart conditions such as angina, high blood pressure, seizure, stroke, diabetes, abnormal heartbeat, and thyroid condition.
Do not exceed the recommended dose of Albuterol set forth by your physician. Excessive use of Albuterol could make the attack worse.
Do not take Albuterol if you are taking or took MAO inhibitors within the past two weeks.
Albuterol may cause a sudden allergic reaction. If this happens, seek medical help right away.
Common side effects of Albuterol may include allergic reactions, aggression, agitation, anxiety, appetite loss, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, light-headedness, muscle cramps, nausea, nervousness, nightmares, restlessness, ringing in the ears, insomnia, urinary problems, vomiting, back pain, fever, and fatigue.
Rare side effects may include chest pain, other heart related problems, emotional problems, nosebleeds, urinary problems, restlessness, vertigo, hoarseness, sleepiness and depression.
Check with your physician before combining Albuterol with the following:
Antihistamines
MAO inhibitors
Tricyclic antidepressants
Beta-blockers
Blood pressure lowering drugs
Digoxin
Other bronchodilators
Theophylline
Water pills
Stimulants such as caffeine, St. John' wort, ginseng, and ephedra.
If you are or planning to become pregnant, discuss this with your doctor before using Albuterol.
As a precautionary measure, nursing mothers should switch to bottle-feed while using Albuterol.
Do not inhale Albuterol if you have anything else in your mouth.
Allow 5 minutes between puffs (if you are inhaling more than 1).
Inhalation Aerosol (puffs)
Adults and Children age 4 and up: 1-2 inhalations every 4-6 hours.
Inhalation Solutions
Adults and children 12 and up: 2.50 mg 3-4 times/day by nebulizer.
Tablets
Adults and children 12 and up: 2-4 mg 3-4 times/day. Not to exceed 32 mg in a day.
Children 6-11: 2 mg, 3-4 times/day. Not to exceed 32 mg in a day.
Extended-Release Tablets
Adults and children 12 and up: 8 mg every 12 hours.
Children 6-12 years: 4 mg every 4 hours. Not to exceed 24 mg in a day.
Syrup
Adults and children 14 and up: 1-2 teaspoons, 3-4 times/day
Children 6-14 years: 1 teaspoon, 3-4 times/day
Children 2-6 years: 0.1 mg/2.2 lbs of bodyweight, 3 times/day
Albuterol overdose usually results in extreme side effects, which may include dizziness, fatigue, headache, high or low blood pressure, insomnia, nausea, nervousness, chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, and seizures.
If you suspect an Albuterol overdose, seek medical help right away.
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