Albuterol Drug (Medication) Information

What is Albuterol and for what Albuterol is used?

Albuterol medication belong to Bronchodilator/Sympathomimetic class. Albuterol is used in the prevention and treatment of reversible bronchospasm associated with asthma and other obstructive pulmonary diseases. Albuterol is used adjunctive treatment of hyperkalemia in patients undergoing dialysis.

Albuterol produces bronchodilation by relaxing bronchial smooth muscle through beta-2 receptor stimulation.

How to Take Albuterol

Take Albuterol exactly as prescribed by health care provider. Albuterol is generally available in market in the form of liquid as well as in solid form. Albuterol aerosol and inhalation powder in children below 4 yr and albuterol solution for inhalation in children below 2 yr not established. Use before other inhalation therapy and before postural drainage. Adults and Children at least 4 yr (at least 12 yr for Proventil ): 1 to 2 inhalations q 4 to 6 hr. Prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm: 2 inhalations 15 min before exercise.
Contraindications for Albuterol Drug

Cardiac tachyarrhythmias.

Interactions of Albuterol with other drugs

Beta-blockers: Severe bronchospasms may be produced in asthmatic patients taking albuterol.
Digoxin: Albuterol may decrease serum digoxin levels.
Diuretics: ECG changes and hypokalemia associated with these diuretics may worsen with albuterol coadministration.

What are the Side Effects of Albuterol -

Like other medicines, Albuterol can cause side effects. Some of the more common side effects of Albuterol include

* Palpitations; tachycardia; elevated BP; chest tightness; angina.
* Tremor; dizziness; hyperactivity; nervousness; headache; insomnia; weakness; drowsiness; restlessness.
* Dry mouth; throat irritation.
* Nausea; vomiting; heartburn; diarrhea.
* Cough; bronchospasm; wheezing; dyspnea.
* Flushing; sweating; anorexia; unusual sensory changes.

Warnings and precautions before taking Albuterol :

* Advise patient before using Albuterol to maintain fluid intake of 2000 mL/day and to rinse mouth after each complete dose.
* The safety and efficay of Albuterol medicine have not been studied in children and adolescents.
* Allow 1 to 2 min between metered-dose inhalations and 5 min before administering other inhalant medications before using Albuterol . Permit patient to rinse mouth after each completed inhalation dose.
* Review baseline and any follow-up ECG before using Albuterol. If patient takes digoxin, check baseline and any follow-up serum digoxin levels.
* Advise women before using Albuterol to inform health care provider if pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Albuterol. Insulin is recommended to maintain blood glucose levels during pregnancy. Prolonged severe neonatal hypoglycemia can occur if sulfonylureas are administered at time of delivery.
* Instruct patient before using Albuterol to contact health care provider if symptoms are not relieved by normal dose.

What if Overdose of Albuterol ?

If you think you or anyone else taken overdose of Albuterol , immediately telephone your doctor or contact your local or regional Poisons Information Centre Seek medical attention immediately. You may need urgent medical attention. Tremor, palpitations, tachycardia, elevated BP, seizures are may be the overdose symptoms of Albuterol.

What if Missed Dose of Albuterol ?

If you miss a dose of Albuterol medicine and you remember within an hour or so, take the dose immediately. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage Conditions for Albuterol :

Store at room temperature. Refrigeration of syrup improves palatability.

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