Common use

Albuterol inhaler is a bronchodilator that relaxes muscles in the airways and increases air flow to the lungs. Albuterol inhalation is used to treat or prevent bronchospasm, or narrowing of the airways in the lungs, in people with asthma or certain types of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is also used to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm.

Dosage and direction

Use albuterol inhalation exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use albuterol inhalation in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. The usual dose of albuterol inhalation is 2 inhalations every 4 to 6 hours. To prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm, use 2 inhalations 15 to 30 minutes before you exercise. The effects of albuterol inhalation should last about 4 to 6 hours.

Precautions

To make sure albuterol inhalation is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have: heart disease, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure; a heart rhythm disorder; a seizure disorder such as epilepsy; diabetes; overactive thyroid; or low levels of potassium in your blood.

Contraindications

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to albuterol.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to albuterol: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Common albuterol side effects may include: chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats; upset stomach, vomiting; painful urination; dizziness; feeling shaky or nervous; headache, back pain, body aches; or cough, sore throat, sinus pain, runny or stuffy nose.

Drug interaction

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially: any other inhaled medicines or bronchodilators; digoxin; a diuretic or "water pill"; an antidepressant - amitriptyline, desipramine, imipramine, doxepin, nortriptyline, and others; a beta blocker - atenolol, carvedilol, labetalol, metoprolol, propranolol, sotalol, and others; or a MAO inhibitor - isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others or methylene blue injection.

Missed dose

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

Overdose symptoms may include dry mouth, tremors, chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, nausea, general ill feeling, seizure (convulsions), feeling light-headed or fainting. Seek emergency medical attention.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, or cold temperatures. Keep the albuterol canister away from open flame or high heat, such as in a car on a hot day. The canister may explode if it gets too hot. Do not puncture or burn an empty inhaler canister.