Medication To Treat Wheezing, Difficulty Breathing, Chest Tightness and Coughing.

Albuterol is a prescription medication. It is used to treat wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness and coughing due to conditions like:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Asthma- a long –term disease of the airways and lungs

It is a quick relief medication that belongs to the group of drug known as beta2-adrenergic agonist bronchodilators. It is also used to prevent breathing difficulties during exercise. It is sometimes used to improve muscle paralysis in people with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis.

Albuterol inhalation solution is also known as Salbutamol. It is FDA approved for the treatment of asthma and other chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is prescribed for use by adults and children 2 years of age and older. It helps makes breathing easier. It works by relaxing and opening the air passages into the lungs for up to 6 to 12 hours.

How to use Albuterol inhalation solution?

Albuterol inhalation solution comes as a liquid form to inhale with a nebulizer. Your dose and how often you should use this medication is based on:

• your condition
• your age
• how you react to the initial treatment
• your other medical conditions

Albuterol is typically used every 4 to 6 hours or as needed. Each treatment usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. When using this product, check for any discoloration in the liquid. Use a dropper to carefully measure the prescribed amount to be placed in the nebulizer. Use Albuterol exactly as directed. Do not rinse the dropper. Immediately replace the dropper and tightly close the bottle. Do not mix other medicines in your nebulizer. Do not swallow the solution.

What are the side effects of Albuterol inhalation solution?

Some of the side effects are:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Shaking or tremor
• Nervousness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Chest pain
• Runny nose
• Sore throat

Serious side effects are:

• Allergic reaction with signs like hives, rash, trouble swallowing and swelling of the face, lips, eyelids. Tongue and throat
• Heart problems with symptoms like high blood pressure and faster heart rate
• Swelling of the muscles around the airways

In case of serious side effects seek medication attention right away.

Important Information

• This medication may interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor if you are taking other medications including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.
• Albuterol is not approved by the FDA as a weight loss remedy.
• This medication can only control the symptoms of COPD and asthma but it does not cure them.
• Albuterol can sometimes cause breathing problems and wheezing right after being inhaled.