Detailed Drug Information:

DRUG CLASS: Albuterol is a bronchodilator used in treatingasthma and other conditions with reversible airway obstruction. Asthma isa breathing problem involving widespread narrowing of the airways(bronchial tubes). Airways are breathing passages that allow air to movein and out of the lungs. These airways can be narrowed due to theaccumulation of mucus, spasm of the muscles that surround these airways,or swelling of the lining of the airways. Airway narrowing leads toshortness of breath, wheezing, cough, and congestion. Albuterol dilatesbronchial airways by relaxing the surrounding bronchial muscles. Albuterolcan also be helpful in patients with emphysema and chronic bronchitis whentheir symptoms are partially related to reversible airway obstruction.

PREPARATIONS: Inhaled preparations in Canisters (6.8g with 80inhalations and 17g with 200 inhalations). Also available in syrup,solution, and tablets (2mg, 4mg).

STORAGE: Albuterol should be stored between 59 and 86 degreesF. The canister should be kept away from heat or flame and not punctured.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Albuterol is used in the relief and preventionof airway obstruction (bronchospasm) in patients with asthma and inpatients with exercise-induced asthma. Albuterol can also be used intreating those patients with emphysema and chronic bronchitis when theirsymptoms are related to reversible airway obstruction. The inhaled form ofalbuterol starts working within 15 minutes and can last up to 6 hours.

DOSING: Albuterol inhalations should not be administered moreoften than prescribed. Excessive use of inhaled albuterol can have adverseeffects on the heart. Albuterol inhalations should be administered withproper technique and the specific instructions accompanying the drugpackaging should be exactly followed. Use in children should be supervisedby an adult. Patients requiring more inhalations for relief of symptomsshould seek medical advice.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Albuterol is used with caution in patients with coronary heart disease or in patients with cardiac rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias). Use of albuterol together with other stimulant medications is discouraged because of their combined effects on the heart rate, blood pressure, and the potential for causing chest pain in patients with underlying coronary heart disease. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as Elavil, should not be used together with albuterol because of their combined toxicity to the vascular system. In rare patients, inhaled albuterol can paradoxically precipitate life threatening bronchospasm. Allergic reactions may rarely occur and can cause rash, hives, swelling,bronchospasm, and anaphylaxis (shock). Worsening of diabetes and loweringof potassium have also been reported.

SIDE EFFECTS: Albuterol can cause side effects includingpalpitations, fast heart rate, elevated blood pressure, tremor, nausea,nervousness, dizziness, and heart burn. Throat irritation and nose bleedscan also occur.