Albuterol

Albuterol is a drug prescribed for preventing and treating bronchospasm. The doctors also prescribe the drug for wheezing and difficulty breathing due to asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Albuterol is a bronchodilator that acts on the air passage muscles in the lungs. When Albuterol is taken, the muscles relax allowing more airflow into the lungs. The drug belongs to a group of drugs called beta-agonists.

The Albuterol drug comes in solution and aerosol forms. The solution is normally inhaled using a nebulizer and the aerosol type is taken using an inhaler. Always follow your doctor’s direction when using Albuterol. Do not take the drug in larger amounts and also do not take it for longer periods unless the doctor prescribes it.

Always maintain the correct dosage. Well, an overdose of Albuterol can be fatal. In case you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Some of the signs of overdose are headache, nervousness, pain spreading to the arm/shoulder, tremor, chest pain, dry mouth, uneven heart rate, nausea, dizziness, sweating and seizure.

Before the doctor advises Albuterol, you should have to inform him about all your medical conditions. This will help your physician to take an appropriate decision on the medication. You should never forget to tell the doctor if you are allergic to any food, medicine or any substance. You have to clearly state about all your health problems. Tell your physician if you have heart disease, diabetes, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, heart rhythm disorder, overactive thyroid and seizures. If you are having any of these, the doctor may not prescribe Albuterol or he may go for dosage adjustments.

Care should be taken while using Albuterol. Be careful to see that the drug does not enter the eyes. If this happens, rinse the eyes with water and call your doctor immediately.

Albuterol is FDA pregnancy category C, which shows that the drug is harmful to the unborn baby. So pregnant women and those who hope to get pregnant should have to avoid the drug. Though it is not known if Albuterol is excreted into breast milk, you should have to discuss all the risks and benefits of the drug with the doctor before you breast-feed.

Just like other medicines, Albuterol also has many minor and major side effects. Some of the minor side effects associated with the drug are dizziness, headache, nervousness, insomnia, sore throat, cough, runny nose, dry mouth/throat and diarrhoea. Some of the major side effects of Albuterol are wheezing, trouble breathing, chest pain, uneven heartbeats, nervousness, tremor and high blood pressure.

If you are taking any other medicine when taking Albuterol, you have to inform your doctor as some drugs are known to interact with Albuterol. Tell your doctor if you are using diuretic, digoxin, beta-blockers, antidepressants, MAO inhibitor and other bronchodilators.

You should also inform your doctor if you are using any minerals, vitamins and herbal products.

Albuterol should have to be stored at room temperature and keep away he drug from heat and moisture.