What Is Albuterol Sulfate?
Albuterol-containing products come as one of two different forms of albuterol: albuterol or albuterol sulfate. There is really no important difference between these two active ingredients. In fact, albuterol sulfate is often just shortened to "albuterol."
Albuterol Sulfate Products
Of the many different albuterol products, several of them contain albuterol sulfate. These products include:
How Does Albuterol Sulfate Work?
Normally, air moves easily into and out of the lungs through a network of airways, but during an
asthma attack, the muscles around these airways tighten. This narrows the airways and makes it harder to breathe. This is called bronchospasm.
Albuterol sulfate is part of a class of drugs called beta-adrenergic receptor agonists, or beta agonists for short. Beta agonists stimulate beta receptors in the body, including those on the muscles around airways. This stimulation causes the muscles to relax, which opens up the airways and allows more air to get into and through the lungs.
The medication also has some effects on decreasing the activity of mast cells in the lungs, which play an important role in inflammation and allergic reactions.
When and How to Take Albuterol Sulfate
Some general considerations for when and how to take albuterol sulfate include the following:
- Albuterol sulfate is either taken by mouth or inhaled (using an inhaler or nebulizer), depending on the particular product.
- You can take albuterol sulfate with or without food.
- For albuterol sulfate to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
For further information about when and how to take albuterol sulfate, see the specific medication in the eMedTV archives.
Dosing Information for Albuterol Sulfate
The dose of albuterol sulfate your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The particular product
- Your age
- The severity of your asthma or other respiratory problems
- Other medications you may be taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Side Effects of Albuterol Sulfate
As with any medicine, side effects can occur with
albuterol sulfate. However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
The side effects depend on the particular product. Some of the common side effects of albuterol sulfate include but are not limited to:
- Shakiness (tremor)
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Upper respiratory tract infections (such as the common cold)
- Irritated or runny nose
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fast heart rate (tachycardia)
- Nervousness.
Drug Interactions With Albuterol Sulfate
Albuterol sulfate can potentially interact with several other medicines.
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking albuterol sulfate if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
- Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
- Breastfeeding.
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose of Albuterol Sulfate?
People who take too much
albuterol sulfate may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Chest pain (angina)
- High blood pressure (hypertension) or low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Fast heart rate (tachycardia)
- Nervousness
- Headaches
- Shakiness (tremor)
- Dry mouth
- Feelings of a rapidly or forcefully beating heart (heart palpitations)
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Seizures
- Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
- Fatigue
- Low potassium in the blood (hypokalemia)
- Cardiac arrest
- Loss of life.
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Albuterol Sulfate Be Stored?
Albuterol sulfate should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Albuterol Sulfate?
While many people take albuterol sulfate only when they need it, others take it on a regular basis. If you do not take albuterol sulfate as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
