An albuterol inhaler is a quick-relief nasal spray used as a medication to reduce symptoms related to asthma. It is also known as albutamol. It belongs to a class of medicines known as bronchodilators. It is used to relieve and prevent airway obstruction in patients with asthma and other breathing disorders. Its mode of action is to dilate the airways of the lungs. The airways or the bronchial tubes are narrowed in the event of asthma attacks. These bronchial tubes can be narrowed due to the accumulation of mucus, spasm of the muscles that encompass these tubes or swelling of the lining of the airways.

Albuterol is known to reduce acute symptoms associated with asthma like tightness of chest, chronic cough, shortness of breath and wheezing. It is also used to correct other breathing problems that are related to other non-infectious respiratory problems. It may also be used in the prevention of exercise induced bronchoconstriction. It is also helpful in patients suffering from emphysema and chronic bronchitis when the symptoms are associated with the spasm of the airway muscles. The dilating of the bronchial tubes is undertaken by this nasal spray by relaxing the muscles that surround the airways. It is a short-acting-beta-agonist that operates as a bronchodilator. It can be prescribed in both oral and inhaled forms. Although for a beta-agonist the inhaler form is the best option to be used. Each inhalation of the drug releases 90 micrograms of the medication. The inhaler is to be shaken well before each inhalation. Normally the inhalation is done orally every 4-6 hours as per the doctor’s advice. The dosage varies according to your condition and your reaction to the treatment. For asthma induced by exercise 2 puffs 15-30 minutes before exercise is recommended.

Following are the common side effects associated with the inhaling of Albuterol.

• Allergic reactions like skin rashes and hives
• Chest pain or chest tightness
• Uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
• Nervousness
• Fast or irregular heartbeats
• Fever or chills
• High blood pressure
• Throat irritation
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Visual changes
• Breathing difficulties
• Tremor
• Palpitations
• Heartburn
• Nosebleeds
• Bronchospasm
• Muscle, bone or back pain
• Chest pain
• Anaphylaxis
• In diabetic patients diabetes is elevated
• Potassium levels go low
• Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Hoarseness of voice
• Fatigue
• Itching
• Anxiousness
• Cough

In the event of an overdose of this medication certain severe side effects can be seen as follows:

• Seizures
• Chest pain
• Increased heart rate
• Nervousness
• Headache
• Uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
• Dryness of mouth
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Exhaustion
• Weakness due to lack of energy
• Difficulty in falling asleep or staying asleep

It is important to consult the doctor immediately as soon as a side effect develops in the body and worsens. Remember not to share this medication with others for the fear of infection. Laboratory or medical tests may be undertaken on a regular basis to check for the side effects. The patients using Albuterol must avoid smoke, pollen, pet dander, dust or mold like allergens or irritants that may make their breathing conditions worse. Check with your doctor whether you need an annual flu shot.

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