COPD Channel
Topics & Medications
Quicklinks
Related Channels
Albuterol Syrup
Albuterol syrup is often prescribed for the treatment of airway spasms in adults and children. By opening up the airways and allowing more air to move in and out of the lungs, the medication is effective in relieving symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The product is an oral medication that is usually taken three or four times a day. Potential side effects may include headache, shakiness, nervousness, and dizziness.
Albuterol syrup (albuterol sulfate) is a prescription medication used to treat airway spasms (called bronchospasms) in adults and children as young as two years old. Bronchospasms are most common in people with asthma but can also occur in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
(Click Albuterol Syrup Uses for more information on what albuterol syrup is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
Albuterol syrup is made by the following manufacturers:
- Teva Pharmaceuticals
- Actavis
- Qualitest Pharmaceuticals
- Hi-Tech Pharmacal.
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 syrup 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.
Albuterol syrup also has some effects on decreasing the activity of mast cells in the lungs, which play an important role in inflammation and allergic reactions.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD