Albuterol is a medication used to prevent and treat difficulty breathing, wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness caused by lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
. It belongs to a class of medications called bronchodilators and works by relaxing and opening air passages to the lungs, making breathing easier
. Albuterol is available in various forms, including aerosol, powder for oral inhalation, and solution for oral inhalation
. Some important points to consider when using albuterol include:
- It is used to control symptoms of asthma and other lung diseases but does not cure them
- Albuterol should be taken exactly as directed by your doctor, and it is not recommended to use more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed
- Albuterol inhalation aerosol (Proair HFA, Proventil HFA, Ventolin HFA) is used in adults and children 4 years of age and older, while albuterol powder for oral inhalation (Proair Respiclick) is used in children 12 years of age and older, and albuterol solution for oral inhalation is used in adults and children 2 years of age and older
- If you were told to use albuterol as needed to treat your symptoms and you find that you need to use it more often, call your doctor
- Albuterol controls symptoms of asthma and other lung diseases but does not cure them. Do not stop using albuterol without talking to your doctor
Before using albuterol, inform your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially if you are taking anti-inflammatory medications, including steroids, together with this medicine
. Albuterol may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, and you should seek medical help right away if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction
