Albuterol

Some of the most common and fatal diseases are those which involved the lungs. Albuterol is a type of medication which works to prevent lung problems, such as chest tightness, difficulty in breathing, and wheezing, all of which are symptoms of lung-related diseases like asthma.

Albuterol is available in liquid form to be used with a nebulizer and inhaled through the mouth. A nebulizer is a device which transforms liquid medication into mist form for easier inhalation. Albuterol is also available as an aerosol, allowing patients to inhale the medication through the use of an inhaler.

When patients are prescribed the albuterol inhaler aerosol to prevent or treat the various symptoms, they typically use the drug every 4-6 hours. However, if it is used to address difficulty in breathing during exercises, the drug is normally used about 15-30 minutes prior the exercise. The solution intended for the nebulizer is mostly used 3-4 times in a day.

Patients should use albuterol as directed in the prescription label, or as instructed by their health care professionals. The use of less or more amount of it, as well as the use of albuterol more frequent than what was prescribed, may not only affect the results desired, but may also cause certain health problems to patients.

Albuterol is formulated to control the symptoms brought about by asthma and other lung conditions. However, the drug does not cure the disease itself. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek the help of your doctor. If the prescription instructs you to use the medication as need, and you seem to require its use more frequent than usual, consult your doctor about it.

Albuterol inhalers come as canisters. Every canister is capable of providing 200 inhalations. When the total number of inhalations is already utilized, remaining inhalations may not have the appropriate amount of the drug. Thus, canisters, whose labeled inhalations have been completely used up, may be discarded. Even if the canister may still have some remaining liquid, or continues to emit mist when sprayed, it would not serve it purpose anymore.

Some inhalers are provided with automatic counters which keep track of the sprays made. This type will let the patients know if they need to have a refill, or if their canisters should be thrown away.

There are inhalers which do not come with their own counters. Patients who are using these should manually keep track of their use. They should never try floating the canister to check its contents.

Before attempting to use albuterol, it is important that your doctor is aware if the patient has any food or drug allergies. The use of other prescription or “over the counter” drugs, supplements, herbal products, and vitamins should also be consulted with the doctor. If you are suffering from a certain medical condition, like heart disease, hyperthyroidism, seizures, high blood pressure, or diabetes, among others, you should inform your health care professional about it. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, or those who are planning on having a baby should tell their doctors regarding their condition.

Albuterol side effects may be experienced by some patients, and while most of these are very minor, persistent symptoms, or worsening ones, merit immediate medical attention. Common side effects include: nausea, headache, uncontrollable shaking, vomiting, muscle pains, cough, nervousness, and throat irritation.

Some patients may feel severe side effects, such as hives, rash, chest pain, hoarseness, irregular heartbeat, itching, and difficulty in breathing.

There may be other side effects which are rare, but can happen during the use of albuterol. Thus, patients should be vigilant in assessing their symptoms to verify if the medication is actually working well for them.