Albuterol is a bronchodilator. Bronchial asthma is one of the main non-communicable diseases on the planet. According to the World Health Organization, in 2019 there were 292 million asthma patients, and 461 thousand people died from the disease.

As a rule, bronchial asthma cannot be cured, but thanks to modern inhalation drugs, asthma can be controlled and people can lead normal lives. For inhalation therapy, two types of drugs are used: dilating the bronchi (bronchodilators) and relieving inflammation (steroid hormones). They relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of severe asthma attacks and death.

What are the prices?

Albuterol-inhaler has some generic equivalents of Salbutamol (Ventolin, Asmalal, Proair, etc). The Canadian pharmacy provides the lowest prices on Albuterol original as well as its generics. You can check all the prices online and order the necessary medication.

What is Albuterol used for?

Full information about the drug Albuterol is contained in the instructions and the Register of Medicinal Products. Doctors prescribe it:

  • in bronchial asthma for the relief and prevention of attacks and long-term therapy;
  • broncho-obstructive syndrome;
  • emphysema;
  • nighttime asthma;
  • the threat of premature birth (at gestational age from 16 to 37 weeks).

If a patient has unstable or severe bronchial asthma, then Albuterol alone is not enough for therapy. It is recommended to use it or other bronchodilators in combination with glucocorticoids.

What are composition and produced forms?

The composition of the drug is a complex chemical compound of the sulfate salt of racemic albuterol, albuterol sulfate.

The drug is produced in the form of two dosage forms:

  • Albuterol inhaler-aerosol dosed
  • Albuterol solution for inhalation is used in a nebulizer, which turns the solution into an aerosol.

Unfortunately, Akorn Pharmaceuticals, a significant liquid albuterol producer in the US, shut down three of its facilities and all U.S. activities. That’s why patients with asthma have faced the problem of reducing the amount of drugs available. But still, you can find the necessary medication in our Canadian pharmacy. We work with the most reliable suppliers and provide the necessary goods at the most affordable prices. Bear in mind that Albuterol is a prescribed medication, and you need to consult your doctor before taking it.

Very often, the customers of the pharmacies ask for “Albuterol spray”, which is incorrect. Albuterol is produced in the form of an aerosol (inhaler) and not in the form of a spray because of the size and speed of the particles of the active substance. In an aerosol, their diameter is 1–5 microns, in a spray, the diameter is 10–50 microns and particles have low ejection velocity. Large particles do not reach the lower respiratory tract and work only at the level of the upper ones. Albuterol is not produced in the form of tablets, but it can be a part of combined cough medicines.

What is Albuterol mechanism of action?

Albuterol is a bronchodilator drug from the group of selective β₂-adrenergic agonists. The bronchodilator effect is due to the relaxation of the smooth muscles of the bronchi, which relieves spasms. The bronchodilatory effect begins within 5 minutes after ingestion and lasts 4–6 hours. It acts quickly, in connection which is why it is used to stop attacks of bronchial asthma. The following effect could be achieved after Albuterol intake:

  • reducing airway resistance;
  • increasing lung capacity;
  • reducing the viscosity of sputum;
  • stimulation of the work of “cilia” in the ciliated epithelium.

What should I know before taking the medication?

Before starting Albuterol treatment, it is necessary to have a checkup and talk to your doctor. The medication has several contradictions that should be taken into account:

  • Hypersensitivity to Albuterol and other components of the drug;
  • pregnancy (when used as a bronchodilator);
  • with heart rhythm disturbances;
  • with myocarditis, heart defects, and arterial stenosis;
  • ischemic heart disease, severe heart failures;
  • uncontrolled diabetes mellitus;
  • glaucoma;
  • breast-feeding;
  • children’s age up to 2 years (aerosol), up to 18 months (inhalation solutions).

Sometimes Albuterol can be prescribed under medical supervision:

  • with thyrotoxicosis
  • with hypertension
  • with tumors of the adrenal glands

Dosage and frequency

Albuterol-aerosol is intended for inhalation through the mouth. One dose contains 100 mg of the active substance. A single dose for adults is 100–200 mg up to four times a day, for children — 100 mg up to four times a day, depending on the disease. The doctor recommends the treatment regimen, if necessary, he can increase the dose and frequency of administration. An overdose leads to the development of adverse reactions.

If it is difficult for the patient to synchronize inhalation with the release of a pressurized aerosol dose, then a spacer should be used. Children should use a special children’s spacer with a face mask.

Is it dangerous to miss the dose?

It is desirable to adhere to the prescribed medication regimen. But if you miss a dose, you must take the medicine as soon as you remember about it. It is not recommended to take two doses at a time, as it can lead to side effects. An overdose of the drug is dangerous, especially for young children. At high doses, an increase in lactic acid levels is possible, leading to life-threatening complications. Serum lactate levels should be monitored to prevent metabolic acidosis. Therefore, it is very important to follow all the recommendations given by your doctor.

What medicines are forbidden to use with Albuterol?

When talking about Albuterol interactions, you should remember the following:

  • The drug increases the activity of CNS stimulants, and the cardiotropism of thyroid hormones.
  • Theophylline and ephedrine potentiate toxic effects.
  • Corticosteroids, PG synthesis inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, and MAO blockers increase the risk of developing cardiovascular complications, inhalation anesthesia, and levodopa — severe ventricular arrhythmias.
  • Reduces the effectiveness of beta-blockers (including ophthalmic forms), antihypertensive agents, and the antianginal effect of nitrates.
  • Increases the likelihood of glycoside intoxication.

What are side effects of Albuterol usage?

Albuterol can cause side effects. The most common are:

  • Headache;
  • Tremor;
  • Anxiety;
  • Tension;
  • Irritability;
  • Dizziness;
  • sleep disturbance;
  • short-term convulsions;
  • Cardiopathy;
  • Tachycardia;
  • Arrhythmia;
  • Decreased blood pressure;
  • Heart failure;
  • Nausea;
  • Vomiting;
  • Loss of appetite;
  • Pharyngitis;
  • Difficulty urinating;
  • Sweating;
  • Increased blood glucose, free fatty acids, hypokalemia;
  • Allergic reactions in the form of erythema, swelling of the face, difficulty breathing;
  • Development of physical and mental drug addiction.

Sum up

  1. Aerosol inhalers and solutions for inhalation of the drug Albuterol contain the active substance of the same name.
  2. Albuterol tablets are not produced.
  3. Albuterol has a bronchodilatory effect: it acts on the receptors of the smooth muscles of the bronchi, as a result, relaxes the bronchi and relieves spasm.
  4. Albuterol is prescribed for bronchial obstruction: including bronchial asthma, COPD, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.
  5. Albuterol should not be used by pregnant women or children under 1.5 and 2 years of age (solution and aerosol).
  6. The regimen of Albuterol is recommended by the doctor, if necessary, he can increase the standard recommended dose and frequency of administration under treatment control.
  7. Albuterol often has such side effects as tachycardia, tremor, and headache.

Disclaimer

This page summarizes information associated with medicines and corresponding pharmacokinetic as well as pharmacodynamic characteristics, regulations governing safe application, directives for administration, recommended dosage, diseases that can be cured by them, schedules of generic posology, and other important information. The entire information available is in full accordance with general guidelines, which are available via various sources, such as leaflet from manufacturer of medical products, and are provided entirely for familiarization purposes. The main advice to patients is to take the available materials with key idea in mind that those are direct instructions to be followed without any preceding approval from healthcare provider. Consultation by an experienced expert is still necessary and requires complete abidance at all times. The brand names, as well as names of produced products and producing companies, remain under the copyright of their corresponding owners.