Drug
Albuterol
Pronounced
"al-BUE-ter-ol" "sal-BUE-tah-mol"
Uses
Albuterol (also known as salbutamol) is used to treat wheezing and shortness of breath caused by breathing problems (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Albuterol belongs to a class of drugs known as bronchodilators. It works by relaxing the muscles around the airways so that they open up and you can breathe more easily. Controlling symptoms of breathing problems can decrease time lost from work or school.
How to Use This Medication
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually twice a day (12 hours apart). Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush or chew the tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often than prescribed because your risk of serious side effects will increase.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.
This medication does not work right away and should not be used for sudden attacks of breathing trouble. Your doctor may prescribe a quick-relief inhaler for sudden shortness of breath/asthma attacks while you are taking this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
If you use other asthma drugs (including inhaled medications), ask your doctor about how to properly take this medication with your other asthma medicines.
If this medication stops working well or your breathing symptoms become worse, get medical help right away.