Albuterol
From Holoprosencephaly
Albuterol
Trade Names: Ventolin or Proventil
Albuterol is in a class of medications called beta-agonists. It works by relaxing muscles in the airway and opening air passages in the lungs, making it easier to breathe.
Uses:
Albuterol is used to prevent and treat wheezing, shortness of breath, and troubled breathing caused by asthma, chronic bronchitis, and other lung diseases.
Albuterol inhalation may be used to prevent breathing difficulties (bronchospasm).
Albuterol is sometimes helpful in managing excessive respiratory secretions.[Click here to learn more about this special situation]
Forms:
Albuterol comes as a tablet, extended-release (long-acting) tablet, and a syrup to take by mouth. For use as an aerosol, it comes as a solution (usually in liquid vials), and as a portable oral inhaler device.
In general, an inhaled form of albuterol works better, works faster, and has fewer side effects than the oral form, like from albuterol syrup or tablets. The solution is inhaled using a nebulizer. The nebulized solution is used three or four times a day. [Click here to learn more about nebulizers]
Albuterol tablets and syrup are usually taken three or four times a day, and extended-release tablets are usually taken twice a day.
Side Effects:
Albuterol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
tremor nervousness shakiness dizziness excitement headache difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep nosebleed increased appetite upset stomach vomiting stomach pain muscle cramps cough dry mouth (inhalation only) throat irritation (inhalation only)
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat chest pain or discomfort severe rash hives itching increased difficulty breathing difficulty swallowing swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs hoarseness
Albuterol may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication
[Click here to learn more about various respiratory conditions]
