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Albuterol

Salbutamol, Ventolin, Aeroline

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Written by R. Author | Reviewed by Uche Ruth

Updated on July 02, 2024

Overview

Albuterol sulfate is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA). It's a rescue inhaler that treats or prevents sudden wheezing or shortness of breath in adults and children at least 4 years old with certain breathing problems, such as asthma. Albuterol is inhaled through the mouth using either an HFA inhaler (or metered dose inhaler) or a dry powder inhaler. The typical dose is 2 inhalations every 4 to 6 hours as needed when you suddenly have trouble breathing. Albuterol side effects generally include sore throat, throat irritation, and infections.

What is Albuterol used for?

  • Treatment or prevention of wheezing or tightening of airways in people ages 4 years and older with certain types of lung problems (e.g., asthma)
  • Prevention of exercise-induced asthma in people ages 4 years and older

How Albuterol works

Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA). It works by relaxing the muscles in your lungs to open up your airways. This makes it easier for you to breathe.

When does Albuterol start working?

Time passed since treatment started:

time passed since treatment

Pros and cons of Albuterol

pros and cons

Pharmacist tips for Albuterol

  • Albuterol is a rescue inhaler that's used as needed for sudden shortness of breath. Make sure to keep an albuterol inhaler with you at all times in case you need to use it.
  • Use the dose counter on the albuterol inhaler to track how many doses you have left. Be sure to get a refill when the display window shows that you only have 20 inhalations left with a red-colored background. And when the display window reads "0," throw your inhaler away, even if the canister isn't completely empty.
  • If you need to take more than one inhalation (puff) of albuterol, wait at least 1 minute between inhalations.
  • Call your provider if your breathing gets worse or doesn't improve after you use albuterol. Also contact your provider if you're using albuterol more often than usual. These could be signs that you need a change in your treatment plan for your breathing problem.
  • Don't start any new medications while you're taking albuterol without asking your provider or pharmacist first. Albuterol can interact with other medications, such as blood pressure medications (e.g., beta blockers), tricyclic antidepressants, and the heart medication digoxin (Lanoxin). Some interactions can make your medications work less well, and others can raise your risk for side effects. Your providers can check for interactions to make sure your medications are safe to take.

Tips for using Proventil HFA, Ventolin HFA, ProAir HFA, and generic albuterol HFA inhaler:

  • Make sure you know how to use your albuterol HFA inhaler to help relieve your shortness of breath. Ask your provider or pharmacist if you have any questions.
  • If you're about to use a new inhaler for the first time or if you haven't used it for more than 2 weeks, you'll need to prime your inhaler to make sure you get the full dose. To prime the inhaler, shake it well and spray into the air away from your face 3 times (ProAir HFA, generic) or 4 times (Proventil HFA, Ventolin HFA).
  • How to use the albuterol HFA inhaler: Shake the inhaler well before each dose to mix the medication. When you're ready, place your lips firmly around the mouthpiece. Then, take a slow and deep breath while you push the top of the canister down to deliver the medication. Try to hold your breath for up to 10 seconds or for as long as you comfortably can so that albuterol can reach deep into your lungs.
  • Ask your provider about using a spacer with your inhaler to help you take albuterol if you're having a hard time using your HFA inhaler.
  • Clean your HFA inhaler at least once a week. Remove the cap and canister and set them aside. Then, rinse the mouthpiece with warm running water for 30 seconds. Shake off any extra water and let it fully air dry before putting your inhaler back together.

Tips for using ProAir RespiClick and ProAir Digihaler:

  • Review the instructions for use (ProAir Respiclick, ProAir Digihaler). Ask your provider or pharmacist if you have any questions about how to use your inhaler.
  • You don't need to shake or prime the ProAir RespiClick or ProAir Digihaler before you use it.
  • How to use ProAir RespiClick or ProAir Digihaler: Pull the red cap all the way back until you hear a "click" to prepare the inhaler for your dose. Breathe out completely through your mouth and away from the mouthpiece to remove as much air from your lungs as possible. When you're ready, place your lips firmly around the mouthpiece. Make sure your lips or fingers aren't blocking the vent above the mouthpiece. Then, take a quick and deep breath. Try to hold your breath for up to 10 seconds or for as long as you comfortably can. This makes sure albuterol can reach deep into your lungs.
  • Clean the mouthpiece with a dry cloth if it looks dirty. Don't rinse the inhaler with water because it'll damage the powder medication. Throw the inhaler away and use a new one if you accidentally get it wet.

What are the risks and warnings for Albuterol?

Albuterol can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Breathing problems

Although rare, albuterol can sometimes cause a muscle spasm in your lungs (bronchospasm). This can lead to difficulty breathing, wheezing, cough, and chest discomfort. Get medical help right away if you become short of breath after you use albuterol.

For some people, asthma can worsen over time. Let your provider know if you start needing to use albuterol more often than usual. Your provider can examine your lungs to see whether your treatment plan needs any changes to better control your breathing symptoms.

Heart problems

  • Risk factors: High blood pressure | Heart failure | Heart rate or rhythm problems | Using more albuterol than recommended

Albuterol can cause changes in your blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rhythm. But these side effects are typically unlikely to happen if you're taking the recommended dose of albuterol. Your provider might ask you to regularly check your blood pressure and heart rate at home if you have high blood pressure or other heart problems. Don't use albuterol more often than recommended. If you find that you need to use albuterol more often, let your providers know so they can see if you need any changes to your treatment plan. Tell your provider if you have dizziness, fatigue, tremor, rapid heartbeat, or weakness after you use albuterol.

Low potassium in the blood

  • Risk factors: Using albuterol too much

Albuterol can cause the potassium levels in your blood to drop too low. In most cases, this happens if you use more albuterol than recommended. Drops in blood potassium levels are typically mild and your levels should go back to usual with time. Sometimes, low potassium can cause tiredness, weakness, muscle cramps, a racing heart, and a "pins and needles" feeling in your hands and feet. Tell your provider if you experience any of these symptoms while you're using albuterol. Also let your provider know if you need to use albuterol more often than instructed. Your treatment plan might need to be adjusted to better control your symptoms.

Allergic reactions

Allergic reactions to albuterol are possible. These reactions can include life-threatening facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). Get medical attention right away if you notice hives, rash, red skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after you use albuterol.

Strengths

Bottle of inhalation solution

  • 20ml of 5mg/ml

Hfa inhaler

  • 6.7g of 90mcg
  • 8.5g of 90mcg
  • 18g of 90mcg

Ml of syrup

  • 2mg/5ml

Tablet

  • 2mg 
  • 4mg

Vial

  • 0.5ml of 2.5mg/0.5ml
  • 3ml of 0.63mg/3ml
  • 3ml of 1.25mg/3ml
  • 3ml of 2.5mg/3ml

Dosages

Each inhalation delivers 90 mcg of albuterol into the lungs.

  • Asthma: The typical dose is 1 to 2 inhalations through the mouth every 4 to 6 hours as needed for wheezing or shortness of breath.
  • Prevention of exercise-induced asthma: The typical dose is 2 inhalations through the mouth 15 to 30 minutes before exercise.

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Interactions

Albuterol may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Albuterol. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Side-effects

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Note: Side effects you might have can depend on your age, dose, the type of albuterol inhaler you're using, and how often you're using the inhaler.

Other Side Effects

  • Fast heart rate
  • Changes in blood pressure
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Nervousness or anxiety
  • Shakiness or tremor
  • Chest pain
  • Muscle or bone pain
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Change in taste
  • Cough

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

  • Allergic reaction: hives, swelling of your face or tongue, difficulty breathing
  • Sudden narrowing of your airways: difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest pain or tightness, cough
  • Heart problems: dizziness, fatigue, weakness, tremor, irregular heartbeat, worsening symptoms of heart problem you already have

When do Albuterol possible side effects begin and end?

Time passed since treatment started:

time passed since treatment started

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

  • Shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
  • Trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
  • Less common
  • Fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse

Rare

  • Cough
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Difficulty with swallowing
  • Hives or welts
  • Hoarseness
  • Large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
  • Noisy breathing
  • Redness of the skin
  • Shortness of breath
  • Skin rash
  • Slow or irregular breathing
  • Swelling of the mouth or throat
  • Tightness in the chest
  • Wheezing

Incidence not known

  • Agitation
  • Anxiety
  • Arm, back, or jaw pain
  • Blurred vision
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Confusion
  • Convulsions
  • Extra heartbeats
  • Fainting
  • Hallucinations
  • Headache
  • Irritability
  • Lightheadedness
  • Mood or mental changes
  • Muscle pain or cramps
  • Muscle spasm or jerking of all extremities
  • Nervousness
  • Nightmares
  • Pounding in the ears
  • Restlessness
  • Sudden loss of consciousness
  • Sweating
  • Total body jerking
  • Unusual feeling of excitement
  • Vomiting

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

  • Dizziness
  • Feeling of warmth
  • Irritability
  • Nausea
  • Redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
  • Sleeplessness
  • Trouble with holding or releasing urine
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Unable to sleep

Rare

  • Sleepiness
  • Unusual drowsiness

Incidence not known

  • Bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste
  • Change in taste
  • Feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
  • Gagging
  • Rough, scratchy sound to voice
  • Sensation of spinning
  • Tightness in the throat

Common Concerns

Albuterol starts to work to help you breathe easier within minutes after you take a dose. The medication can usually last for up to 6 hours.
Albuterol can be used up to every 4 hours as needed. But, it's possible your provider might prescribe albuterol to be used more or less often than this, so make sure to follow their instructions. If albuterol isn't working to treat your shortness of breath and you've reached the maximum prescribed dose, stop using albuterol and seek medical help right away.
Yes, albuterol can expire. There should be an expiration date that's written on the inhaler itself and on the manufacturer's box that the inhaler comes in. Ask your pharmacist or provider about getting a refill if your inhaler has expired. Don't use albuterol past the written expiration date because it might not work well to help with your breathing.
No, albuterol isn't a steroid; it's a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA). Steroids and SABAs work differently to help you breathe easier. Steroids lessen inflammation and swelling in the lungs over time, whereas SABAs quickly relax the muscles in your lungs to open up the airways. Your provider might prescribe an inhaled steroid for you to use along with your albuterol inhaler. The inhaled steroid is typically used every day to help keep your airways open in the long-run, while the albuterol inhaler is only used as needed to treat sudden trouble breathing.
Yes, albuterol is classified as a bronchodilator. It helps open (or dilate) your airways to help you breathe.
Albuterol can only help with cough that's related to or caused by a lung problem like asthma or COPD. Keep in mind that albuterol isn't a cough medication, so ask your provider about available treatment options if you don't have lung problems and you have a cough (e.g., from a common cold).
It's possible for albuterol to raise your heart rate. Some people have also reported that albuterol caused changes to their blood pressure (either went up or went down). Because albuterol is inhaled, the medication isn't expected to raise your heart rate or change your blood pressure by a lot. To be safe, it's always best to let your provider know if you have heart problems like high blood pressure or heart rate problems (e.g., atrial fibrillation or AFib) before you start albuterol.
No. Albuterol relaxes and opens your airways to help you breathe. It doesn't work to break up or thin the mucus in the chest. Contact your provider if you feel like you have mucus buildup in the chest or if you have a productive cough (cough with phlegm). You might need to take a different medication along with albuterol for this problem.

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