albuterol

n.
A beta-adrenergic stimulant used as a bronchodilator in the treatment of asthma and other obstructive lung diseases.

[Probably alteration of earlier salbutamol (influenced by AL(COHOL) and and perhaps TER(TIARY)) : sal(icyl), the radical of salicylic acid (from French salicyle; see salicylic acid) + BUT(YL) + AM(INE) + -OL¹.]

n

trade names: Proventil, Proventil Repetabs, Nova-Salmol, Ventodisk, Ventolin, Ventolin Rotacaps; drug class: adrenergic β₂-agonist; action: causes bronchodilation; uses: prevents exercise-induced asthma, bronchospasm.

Brand names: Accuneb®Proair® HFAProventil®Proventil® HFAProventil® Repetabs®Respirol Rx™Salbutamol™Ventolin®Ventolin® HFAVentolin® Rotacaps®Ventolin® SyrupVolmax®VoSpire ER™Vospire ER®

Chemical formula:

Drug Forms:
• Albuterol Sulfate Pressurized inhalation, suspension (below)
• Albuterol Sulfate Oral tablet, extended-release
• Albuterol Sulfate Nebulizer solution
• Albuterol oral syrup
• Albuterol inhalation aerosol
• Albuterol inhalation solution
• Albuterol Pressurized inhalation, suspension
• Albuterol Sulfate Oral syrup
• Albuterol Sulfate Oral tablet

Español:
• Sulfato de Albuterol, Suspensión para inhalación presurizada
• Sulfato de Albuterol, Tableta oral liberación prolongada
• Sulfato de Albuterol, Solución nebulizador
• Jarabe oral de albuterol
• Aerosol para inhalación de albuterol
• Solución para inhalación de albuterol
• Albuterol, Suspensión para inhalación presurizada
• Sulfato de Albuterol, Jarabe oral
• Sulfato de Albuterol, Tableta oral

Albuterol Sulfate Pressurized inhalation, suspension

What is this medicine?

ALBUTEROL is a bronchodilator. It helps open up the airways in your lungs to make it easier to breathe. This medicine is used to treat and to prevent bronchospasm.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:
• diabetes
• heart disease or irregular heartbeat
• high blood pressure
• pheochromocytoma
• seizures
• thyroid disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to albuterol, levalbuterol, sulfites, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for inhalation through the mouth. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not use more often than directed. Make sure that you are using your inhaler correctly. Ask you doctor or health care provider if you have any questions.

Use this medicine before you use any other inhaler. Wait 5 minutes or more before between using different inhalers.

A patient information sheet for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

• anti-infectives like chloroquine and pentamidine
• caffeine
• cisapride
• diuretics
• medicines for colds
• medicines for depression or for emotional or psychotic conditions
• medicines for weight loss including some herbal products
• methadone
• some antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, levofloxacin, and linezolid
• some heart medicines
• steroid hormones like dexamethasone, cortisone, hydrocortisone
• theophylline
• thyroid hormones

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve. Do not use extra albuterol. If your asthma or bronchitis gets worse while you are using this medicine, call your doctor right away.

If your mouth gets dry try chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy. Drink water as directed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• chest pain
• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
• high blood pressure
• irregular heartbeat
• fever
• muscle cramps or weakness
• pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet
• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• cough
• difficulty sleeping
• headache
• nervousness or trembling
• stomach upset
• stuffy or runny nose
• throat irritation
• unusual taste

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). The contents are under pressure and may burst when exposed to heat or flame. Do not freeze. This medicine does not work as well if it is too cold. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Some inhalers may need to be thrown away before the expiration date after opening. Check the instructions that come with your medicine to see how long to keep your inhaler after opening.

Last updated: 7/1/2002

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.

A relatively selective β₂-adrenergic bronchodilator used for relief of bronchospasm in patients with reversible obstructive airway disease. Called also salbutamol.

albuterol	albuterol inhaler