Albuterol metered aerosol is a generic prescription medication. It’s FDA-approved to:
- treat or help prevent bronchospasm* in people with reversible obstructive lung disease, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- help prevent bronchospasm that’s triggered by exercise
Albuterol metered aerosol is approved for these uses in adults as well as children ages 4 years and older. See the “Albuterol metered aerosol uses” section below for details about how this drug is used.
* Bronchospasm is a sudden narrowing of your airways that can make it hard for you to breathe.
Drug details
Albuterol metered aerosol is a type of inhaler. It contains the active drug albuterol sulfate. The drug comes in an 8.5-gram canister that contains 200 puffs.
Albuterol metered aerosol is a bronchodilator (a type of drug that opens your airways). It’s classified as a beta-agonist. The drug works by attaching to beta-receptors (docking stations) in your airways. This helps relax the muscles in your airways, which makes it easier to breathe. The drug may be used regularly every day or only as needed, depending on why you’re taking it.
Note: Albuterol also comes in other forms: oral tablets, syrup, a dry powder inhaler, and a liquid solution that’s used with a nebulizer. This article addresses only the metered aerosol. For information on albuterol’s other forms, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Brand-name versions
Albuterol metered aerosol is available in brand-name forms called Proair HFA, Proventil HFA, and Ventolin HFA.
Note: The other forms of albuterol have other brand-name drug versions. For information on those versions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Effectiveness
For information about the effectiveness of albuterol metered aerosol, see the “Albuterol metered aerosol uses” section below.
Albuterol metered aerosol is a generic drug. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Proair HFA, Proventil HFA, and Ventolin HFA are the brand-name medications that albuterol metered aerosol is based on. A generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.
If you’re interested in using Proair HFA, Proventil HFA, or Ventolin HFA instead of albuterol metered aerosol, talk with your doctor. They can tell you if Proair HFA, Proventil HFA, or Ventolin HFA come in strengths that can be used for your condition. If you have insurance, you’ll also need to check whether your plan will cover Proair HFA, Proventil HFA, or Ventolin HFA.
To learn more about how generics compare with brand-name drugs, see this article.
Albuterol metered aerosol can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking albuterol. These lists do not include all possible side effects.
For more information about the possible side effects of albuterol metered aerosol, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to deal with any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.
Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with albuterol metered aerosol, you can do so through MedWatch.
Mild side effects
Mild side effects* of albuterol metered aerosol can include:
- chest pain
- dizziness
- headache
- nervousness
- rhinitis (nasal inflammation that may cause an itchy, runny, or stuffy nose)
- sore throat
- coughing up mucus†
- shakiness‡
Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. But if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
* This is a partial list of mild side effects from albuterol metered aerosol. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read albuterol metered aerosol’s prescribing information.
† Coughing up mucus was not reported in clinical studies of albuterol metered aerosol, but can happen after using the drug to treat reversible obstructive lung disease. See “Side effect details” below for more information.
‡ For information about this side effect, see “Side effect details” below.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects from albuterol metered aerosol aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.
Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:
- Abnormal heart rhythm or heart rate. Symptoms can include:
- Low potassium levels in your blood. Symptoms can include:
- abnormal heart rhythm
- excessive thirst
- frequent urination
- muscle cramping, twitching, or weakness
- Paradoxical bronchospasm (narrowing of the airways that gets worse after you’ve used the drug, which is unexpected because the drug is used to treat bronchospasm). Symptoms can include:
- Allergic reaction.*
- Increased blood pressure.*
* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect details” below.
How long side effects of albuterol last
Side effects from albuterol metered aerosol can last for several hours. But most side effects should go away after you’ve been using it for several days or weeks.
If you have bothersome side effects from albuterol metered aerosol that aren’t getting better, talk with your doctor. They can suggest ways to lessen these side effects. Or your doctor may prescribe a different treatment for your condition.
Side effects in children and older people
Albuterol metered aerosol is approved to treat or help prevent bronchospasm* in people with reversible obstructive lung disease. It’s also used to help prevent bronchospasm that’s triggered by exercise. Albuterol metered aerosol is approved for these uses in adults and children ages 4 years and older.
The side effects of albuterol metered aerosol in children are similar to those in adults. And, side effects in older people are thought to be the same as they are in younger people. Clinical studies of albuterol metered aerosol didn’t include enough adults ages 65 years and older to determine whether there were any differences in side effects for this age group. (For more information about potential side effects, see the lists above in “Mild side effects” and “Serious side effects.”)
Keep in mind that older people may have other health conditions that affect how their bodies respond to albuterol metered aerosol. These include heart, kidney, and liver problems. And these conditions could increase the risk for side effects from the drug.
Because of this, it’s recommended that people ages 65 years and older start with a low dosage of albuterol metered aerosol. (For more information on dosing, see the “Albuterol metered aerosol dosage” section below.) The dosage may be increased over time until the drug works well to treat their condition.
If you’re age 65 or older, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using albuterol metered aerosol to treat your condition.
* Bronchospasm is a sudden narrowing of your airways that can make it hard for you to breathe.
Side effect details
Here are some details on certain side effects this drug may cause.
Coughing up mucus
It’s possible to cough up mucus after using albuterol metered aerosol.
This side effect wasn’t reported in clinical studies of the drug. However, this can happen when albuterol metered aerosol is used to treat reversible obstructive lung disease, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These conditions can cause mucus to build up in the lungs.
Coughing up mucus after using albuterol metered aerosol can help your body get rid of this mucus buildup. This can be a sign the drug is working to treat your condition.
If you cough up mucus after using albuterol metered aerosol, talk with your doctor. They can recommend ways to help manage this side effect.
Increased blood pressure
Increased blood pressure is a rare side effect of albuterol metered aerosol. To find out how often this side effect happened in clinical studies, see the drug’s prescribing information.
Increased blood pressure doesn’t usually cause any symptoms. But possible symptoms can include:
- anxiety
- dizziness
- headache
- trouble sleeping
You may be at a higher risk for this side effect if you already have high blood pressure before you start using albuterol metered aerosol.
If you’re concerned about increased blood pressure from using albuterol metered aerosol, talk with your doctor. They’ll likely monitor your blood pressure closely while you’re using the drug. Your doctor may also suggest that you check your blood pressure periodically with a home blood pressure monitor.
Shakiness
Albuterol metered aerosol may cause shakiness. Shaking can happen in your hands, or you may feel jittery throughout your whole body. This is a common side effect of albuterol metered aerosol. To find out how often shakiness occurred in clinical studies, see the drug’s prescribing information.
Shaking from albuterol metered aerosol usually stops within 1 hour after using the drug. But if you have bothersome shaking that doesn’t go away after using albuterol metered aerosol, talk with your doctor. They can talk with you about how to stop the shakes.
For example, your doctor may lower your dosage of albuterol metered aerosol. Or they may have you wait several minutes between puffs. But do not change your dosage of albuterol metered aerosol without talking with your doctor first.
Allergic reactionAs with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking albuterol metered aerosol. It isn’t clear whether this side effect occurred in clinical studies of the drug. But, allergic reaction has been reported in people using albuterol metered aerosol since the drug was approved.
Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:
- skin rash
- itchiness
- flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:
- swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
- trouble breathing
Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to albuterol metered aerosol, as the reaction could become severe. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about albuterol metered aerosol.
Is albuterol a steroid?
No, albuterol isn’t a steroid. Albuterol is a beta-agonist. The drug works by attaching to beta-receptors (docking stations) in your airways. This helps relax the muscles in your airways, making it easier for you to breathe.
Steroids, such as prednisone (Rayos), are another group of drugs used to treat breathing conditions. They’re often used in combination with beta-agonists to reduce swelling in your airways. But steroids work differently in your body than beta-agonists do. (See the “How albuterol metered aerosol works” section below for details about how this drug works in your body.)
If you have questions about how albuterol and steroids are alike and different, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Can albuterol be used for breathing problems due to COVID-19 or other infections?
Albuterol isn’t currently approved to treat breathing problems due to infections, including COVID-19. But albuterol has been used off-label for this purpose. Off-label means using a drug for a purpose other than what it’s been approved for by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Albuterol doesn’t treat COVID-19 or other lung infections. But albuterol can help manage breathing problems caused by these infections.
If you have questions about using albuterol to treat breathing problems caused by an infection, talk with your doctor.
Is albuterol used for hyperkalemia?
Albuterol isn’t currently approved to treat hyperkalemia (high potassium levels in the blood). But albuterol is sometimes used off-label for this condition. Off-label means using a drug for a purpose other than what it’s been approved for by the FDA.
Albuterol belongs to a group of drugs called beta-agonists. Several studies have shown that beta-agonists are effective for lowering blood potassium levels.
When used for hyperkalemia, albuterol is typically given as a liquid solution with a nebulizer. The nebulizer turns the liquid into a mist that’s inhaled. Other forms of albuterol, including the metered aerosol inhaler (which this article focuses on), aren’t used to lower blood potassium levels.
If you have questions about using albuterol to treat hyperkalemia, talk with your doctor.
Is albuterol a rescue inhaler?
Yes, albuterol metered aerosol is a rescue inhaler.
It’s called a “rescue inhaler” because it provides quick relief for breathing problems caused by bronchospasm.* The drug works to improve your breathing within minutes after you’ve used it.
For more information about how the drug works, see the “How albuterol metered aerosol works” section below.
* Bronchospasm is a sudden narrowing of your airways that can make it hard for you to breathe.
Can albuterol be used in people with pneumonia?
Albuterol isn’t currently approved to treat pneumonia. But it’s sometimes used off-label to improve breathing in people with pneumonia. Off-label means using a drug for a purpose other than what it’s been approved for by the FDA.
If you have pneumonia that’s severe enough to be treated in the hospital, you may be given albuterol. Pneumonia is a serious lung infection. It often causes a buildup of mucus in the lungs that can make it hard for you to breathe.
Albuterol doesn’t treat the pneumonia infection itself. But albuterol can improve your breathing by loosening the mucus in your lungs.
When used for this purpose, albuterol is typically given as a liquid solution with a nebulizer. The nebulizer turns the liquid into a mist that’s inhaled. Other forms of albuterol, such as the metered aerosol inhaler (which this article focuses on), aren’t typically used for pneumonia.
If you have questions about using albuterol for pneumonia, talk with your doctor.
The albuterol metered aerosol dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of the condition you’re using albuterol metered aerosol to treat
- your age
- other medical conditions you may have
Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Drug strength
Albuterol metered aerosol is a type of inhaler. It comes as an 8.5-gram canister that contains 200 puffs.
Each puff of albuterol metered aerosol delivers 90 micrograms (mcg) of albuterol.
Each albuterol metered aerosol device comes with a built-in dose counter. The dose counter tells you how many puffs are left in the inhaler.
Dosage for bronchospasm
Albuterol metered aerosol is used to treat or help prevent bronchospasm* in people with reversible obstructive lung disease. Examples of this type of disease include asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
When used for these purposes, the drug’s typical dosage is two puffs every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Your doctor will work with you to decide on a treatment plan that tells you exactly when to use the drug. They’ll also tell you how long you should continue using albuterol metered aerosol to treat or help prevent bronchospasm.
Albuterol metered aerosol is also used to help prevent bronchospasm that’s triggered by exercise. For this use, the usual dosage is two puffs taken 15 to 30 minutes before exercise.
* Bronchospasm is a sudden narrowing of your airways that can make it hard for you to breathe.
Children’s dosage
Albuterol metered aerosol is approved for use in children ages 4 years and older, as well as adults. The dosages for children are the same as those for adults. For details, see the “Dosage for bronchospasm” section just above.
What if I miss a dose?
If you use albuterol metered aerosol to treat bronchospasm attacks, you may only use the drug on an as-needed basis. In this case, you won’t have a set schedule for taking the drug. However, if you have a bronchospasm attack and you don’t have your albuterol inhaler available, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.
But if you use albuterol regularly and missed a planned dose, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip your missed dose. Then take your next dose at its regular time. Don’t use extra puffs of albuterol to make up for a missed dose.
To help make sure that you don’t miss a planned dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or timer on your phone or downloading a reminder app. A kitchen timer can work, too.
Will I need to use this drug long term?
Yes, you may need to use albuterol metered aerosol as a long-term treatment. If the drug is working well for you to treat or prevent bronchospasm, your doctor may prescribe it for you long term.
Albuterol metered aerosol is a rescue inhaler. It works quickly to improve your breathing during an episode of bronchospasm.* The drug should start improving your breathing within minutes after you’ve used it.
Other rescue inhalers are available that can treat bronchospasm. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to albuterol metered aerosol, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.
Examples of other rescue inhalers that may be used for bronchospasm include:
- epinephrine (Primatene Mist HFA)
- levalbuterol (Xopenex)
- brand-name forms of albuterol metered aerosol (Proair HFA, Proventil HFA, and Ventolin HFA)
Note: Albuterol is called salbutamol outside the United States. Salbutamol is available internationally in both generic and brand-name forms.
* Bronchospasm is a sudden narrowing of your airways that can make it hard for you to breathe.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as albuterol metered aerosol to treat certain conditions. Albuterol metered aerosol may also be used off-label for other conditions. Off-label means using a drug for a purpose other than what it’s been approved for by the FDA.
Albuterol metered aerosol for bronchospasm
Albuterol metered aerosol is FDA-approved to treat or help prevent bronchospasm in people with reversible obstructive lung disease. It’s also approved to help prevent bronchospasm that’s triggered by exercise. Albuterol metered aerosol is approved for these uses in adults and in children ages 4 years and older.
Obstructive lung disease includes conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Bronchospasm is a common symptom of these conditions. Bronchospasm refers to a sudden narrowing of the muscles in your airways. This makes it hard for you to breathe, and as a result, less oxygen flows through your airways.
Bronchospasm can also be triggered by:
- allergies
- bronchitis and other lung infections
- dehydration and heavy breathing during exercise
- smoking
- cold weather
Symptoms of bronchospasm can include a cough and tightness and pain in your back and chest. Bronchospasm can also cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and wheezing.
For more information about asthma, see the Medical News Today asthma and allergies content hub.
Effectiveness for bronchospasm
Albuterol has been found effective for treating and helping prevent bronchospasm.
Albuterol is a recommended treatment option in the following treatment guidelines:
- American Thoracic Society’s guideline for exercise-induced bronchospasm
- National Institutes of Health’s National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute asthma guidelines
For details on how albuterol performed in clinical studies, see the drug’s prescribing information.
Albuterol metered aerosol and children
Albuterol is approved to treat or help prevent bronchospasm in children ages 4 years and older with certain conditions. (For more information, see “Albuterol metered aerosol for bronchospasm” above.)
To learn how well the drug worked for children in clinical studies, see albuterol’s prescribing information.
Albuterol metered aerosol is a rescue inhaler. It works quickly to improve your breathing during a bronchospasm attack.* The drug works to improve your breathing within minutes after you’ve used it.
Albuterol is typically prescribed along with long-acting medications. These long-acting medications work consistently over time to prevent breathing problems from happening or getting worse. These drugs are often called “maintenance therapies.”
Examples of maintenance therapies that may be used with albuterol include:
- oral corticosteroids, such as:
- prednisone (Rayos)
- methylprednisolone (Medrol)
- inhaled corticosteroids, such as:
- budesonide (Pulmicort)
- fluticasone (Flovent)
- long-acting beta-agonists, such as:
- formoterol (Perforomist)
- salmeterol (Serevent)
- ipratropium/albuterol (Duoneb)
- combined long-acting beta-agonists and corticosteroids, such as:
- long-acting inhalers, such as:
- ipratropium (Atrovent HFA)
- salmeterol (Serevent)
- leukotriene receptor agonists, such as:
- zafirlukast (Accolate)
- montelukast (Singulair)
- immunomodulators, such as:
Talk with your doctor about the combination of medications that’s right for treating your condition.
* Bronchospasm is a sudden narrowing of your airways that can make it hard for you to breathe.
Albuterol metered aerosol is used to treat or help prevent bronchospasm in people with reversible obstructive lung disease. Examples of this type of lung disease include asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It’s also approved to help prevent bronchospasm that’s triggered by exercise.
Bronchospasm is a sudden narrowing of the muscles in your airways, which makes it hard for you to breathe.
Albuterol is a type of drug called a beta-agonist. The drug’s mechanism of action (the way it works) is to attach to beta-receptors (docking stations) in your airways. This helps relax the muscles in your airways, making it easier for you to breathe.
How long does it take to work?
Albuterol metered aerosol works to improve your breathing within 15 minutes of using it.
How long do albuterol’s effects last?
Albuterol’s effects last for about 4 to 6 hours after you use it.
How long does albuterol stay in your system?
Albuterol’s half-life can be used to figure out how long the drug stays in your system. The half-life of a drug is the time it takes for half of its dose to leave your body.
Albuterol’s half-life is about 6 hours. This means it takes about 6 hours for your body to get rid of half of a dose of albuterol.
It usually takes about five half-lives for a drug to leave your system entirely. For albuterol, this means the drug will stay in your system for about 30 hours after your last dose.
There aren’t any known interactions between albuterol and alcohol.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about the amount that’s safe for you to drink while using albuterol.
Albuterol metered aerosol can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain supplements as well as certain foods.
Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase side effects or make them more severe.
Albuterol metered aerosol and other medications
Below are lists of medications that can interact with albuterol metered aerosol. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with albuterol metered aerosol.
Before taking albuterol metered aerosol, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.
Drugs you should not take with albuterol include:
- Beta-blockers. These medications are used to treat heart problems, such as high blood pressure. Taking these drugs while using albuterol to treat conditions such as asthma can cause bronchospasm.* Examples of these drugs include:
- atenolol (Tenormin)
- carvedilol (Coreg)
- metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL)
- Short-acting bronchodilators (other than albuterol). Bronchodilators are drugs that open your airway. They’re used to treat bronchospasm. Using albuterol with these drugs can raise your risk for heart problems. Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) is an example of a short-acting bronchodilator.
If you take any of the following drugs that can interact with albuterol, talk with your doctor to make sure the drug is safe for you to use:
- Certain diuretics. These medications are used to treat high blood pressure. Taking these drugs while using albuterol can cause low blood potassium levels. Examples of diuretics that can cause low potassium include:
- bumetanide (Bumex)
- furosemide (Lasix)
- hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). These medications are used to treat depression. Taking these drugs while using albuterol can cause heart problems. Examples of these drugs include:
- isocarboxazid (Marplan)
- phenelzine (Nardil)
- tranylcypromine (Parnate)
- Tricyclic antidepressants. These medications are used to treat depression. Taking these drugs while using albuterol can lead to heart problems. Examples of these drugs include:
- amitriptyline
- doxepin
- nortriptyline (Pamelor)
- Digoxin (Lanoxin). This drug is used to treat heart failure. Taking digoxin while using albuterol can cause low levels of digoxin in your blood, which can make the drug less effective.
If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
* Bronchospasm is a sudden narrowing of your airways that can make it hard for you to breathe.
Albuterol metered aerosol and herbs and supplements
There aren’t any herbs or supplements that have been specifically reported to interact with albuterol metered aerosol. However, you should still check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products while you’re using albuterol metered aerosol.
Albuterol metered aerosol and foods
There aren’t any foods that have been specifically reported to interact with albuterol metered aerosol. If you have any questions about eating certain foods with this drug, talk with your doctor.
Before taking albuterol metered aerosol, talk with your doctor about your health history. Albuterol metered aerosol may not be right for you if you have certain contraindications. These are medical conditions or other factors affecting your health that may cause albuterol metered aerosol to be unsafe for you to use. These include:
- Diabetes. Albuterol metered aerosol can increase blood sugar levels in people who have diabetes. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes before starting albuterol metered aerosol. They can discuss whether it’s safe for you to use the drug.
- Heart conditions. Tell your doctor if you have any heart conditions before starting albuterol metered aerosol. These conditions include an irregular heartbeat, low blood flow to your heart, or high blood pressure. Albuterol metered aerosol can cause abnormal heart rhythm or heart rate, and high blood pressure. You may be at a higher risk for these side effects if you already have heart conditions before starting the drug. Your doctor will tell you if it’s safe to use albuterol metered aerosol if you have heart conditions.
- Hyperthyroidism. If you have hyperthyroidism, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to use albuterol metered aerosol. Albuterol metered aerosol can further increase thyroid hormone levels in people who already have this condition.
- Seizures. If you have seizures, talk with your doctor before using albuterol metered aerosol. The drug can make seizures worse if you already experience them. Your doctor will tell you if it’s safe to use albuterol metered aerosol if you have a seizure disorder.
- Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to albuterol metered aerosol or any of its ingredients, you should not use albuterol metered aerosol. Ask your doctor about other medications that might be better options for you.
- Pregnancy. It’s not known if albuterol metered aerosol is safe to use during pregnancy. For more information, see the “Albuterol metered aerosol and pregnancy” section above.
- Breastfeeding. It’s not known if albuterol is safe to use while breastfeeding. For more information, see the “Albuterol metered aerosol and breastfeeding” section above.
Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of albuterol metered aerosol, see the “Albuterol metered aerosol side effects” section above.
It’s not known if albuterol metered aerosol is safe to use during pregnancy. The drug hasn’t been studied in pregnancy.
Animal studies have shown harm to offspring of females that received the drug during pregnancy. But animal studies don’t always predict what will happen in humans.
If you use albuterol during pregnancy, consider enrolling in a pregnancy registry. Pregnancy registries collect information about the effects of a drug when it’s used during pregnancy. To learn more and to enroll in a Mother to Baby Pregnancy Study, visit the registry’s site. Or you can call 877-311-8972.
If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant while using albuterol metered aerosol, talk with your doctor. They’ll discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with you.
It’s not known if albuterol metered aerosol is safe to use during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you’re using albuterol metered aerosol.
For more information about taking this drug during pregnancy, see the “Albuterol metered aerosol and pregnancy” section above.
It’s not known if albuterol is safe to take while breastfeeding, or whether the drug passes into breastmilk. The drug’s use while breastfeeding hasn’t been studied, so its nursing implications are not known.
If you’re using albuterol metered aerosol, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of breastfeeding. They can also suggest other healthy ways to feed your child.
The amount of albuterol that’s too much for you depends on the reason you’re using the drug. To treat or prevent bronchospasm,* the usual dosage is two puffs every 4 to 6 hours. This means you’ll typically use less than 12 puffs of albuterol each day.
Tell your doctor if you need to use more albuterol than you’re prescribed. Using more than the recommended dosage of albuterol metered aerosol can lead to serious side effects. Do not use more albuterol than your doctor recommends.
* Bronchospasm is a sudden narrowing of your airways that can make it hard for you to breathe.
Overdose symptoms
Symptoms of an overdose of albuterol metered aerosol can include:
- chest pain
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- fatigue (lack of energy)
- headache
- heart problems such as fast heart rate, high or low blood pressure, and abnormal heart rhythm
- insomnia (trouble falling or staying asleep)
- low potassium levels in your blood
- malaise (feeling tired or uncomfortable for no apparent reason)
- nausea
- nervousness
- seizures
- shakiness
What to do in case of overdose
If you think you’ve used too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use their online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
When you get albuterol metered aerosol from the pharmacy, the pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on the packaging. This date is typically one year from the date they dispensed the medication.
The expiration date helps guarantee that the medication is effective during this time. The
Storage
How long a medication remains good can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication.
Albuterol metered aerosol should be stored at a room temperature of 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). You should keep the inhaler in a tightly sealed container away from light. Avoid storing this medication in areas where it could get damp or wet, such as bathrooms.
Disposal
If you no longer need to use albuterol metered aerosol and have leftover medication, it’s important to dispose of it safely. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment.
This article provides several useful tips on medication disposal. You can also ask your pharmacist for information about how to dispose of your medication.
You should use albuterol metered aerosol according to the instructions your doctor or other healthcare professional gives you.
Albuterol metered aerosol is an inhaler. It’s taken as puffs from the device.
You should shake the inhaler device before each puff. After each puff, you’ll hold your breath for about 10 seconds to make sure the drug reaches your lungs.
Before using an inhaler device for the first time, you’ll need to prepare (or “prime”) the inhaler. To prime it, you should spray the inhaler away from your face three times. Make sure to shake the device before each spray. You should also prime the inhaler if you drop the device or if you haven’t used it for at least 2 weeks.
For step-by-step instructions on how to prime and use albuterol metered aerosol, see the drug’s prescribing information.
When to use
To treat a bronchospasm* attack, albuterol metered aerosol should be used when you feel symptoms of bronchospasm. For this use, your doctor will work with you to decide on a treatment plan. They’ll tell you how many puffs to use and how long to continue using the inhaler after the attack.
To prevent bronchospasm related to conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you’ll typically take the drug every 4 to 6 hours.
If you use albuterol to help prevent bronchospasm that’s triggered by exercise, you’ll use it 15 to 30 minutes before exercise.
* Bronchospasm is a sudden narrowing of your airways that can make it hard for you to breathe.
How often to use
Depending on the condition you’re using albuterol metered aerosol for, you may use the inhaler as often as every 4 to 6 hours, or only as needed. Your doctor will tell you how often to use albuterol metered aerosol.
As with all medications, the cost of albuterol metered aerosol can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.
Keep in mind that you may be able to get a 90-day supply of albuterol metered aerosol. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor or your insurance company.
Before approving coverage for albuterol metered aerosol, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide if the drug will be covered.
If you’re not sure if you’ll need to get prior authorization for albuterol metered aerosol, contact your insurance company.
Financial and insurance assistance
Financial assistance to help you pay for albuterol metered aerosol may be available.
Medicine Assistance Tool and NeedyMeds are two websites offering resources that may help decrease the price you pay for albuterol metered aerosol. They also offer tools to help you find low-cost healthcare, as well as educational resources. To learn more, visit their sites.
Mail-order pharmacies
Albuterol metered aerosol may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to get your medication without leaving home.
If recommended by your doctor, you may be able to receive a 90-day supply of albuterol metered aerosol, so there’s less concern about running out of the medication. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor and your insurance company. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications.
If you don’t have insurance, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist about online pharmacy options.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.