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Overview: Inhaled albuterol is a medicine that is used for people who have a hard time breathing. It works by relaxing the muscles in your lungs. Common side effects include cough, throat irritation, or sinus headache. Inhaled albuterol comes as an inhaler and as a nebulized solution. Before using inhaled albuterol, make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you take.

Uses

What is inhaled albuterol used for?

Inhaled albuterol is commonly used in people who have a hard time breathing due to certain lung conditions, such as asthma. It is also used to prevent breathing problems caused by exercise, such as asthma attacks.

Inhaled albuterol may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does inhaled albuterol work (mechanism of action)?

Inhaled albuterol works to relax the muscles in your lungs, making it easier to breathe. 

How is inhaled albuterol supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • AccuNeb
  • ProAir HFA
  • ProAir Digihaler
  • ProAir RespiClick
  • Proventil HFA
  • Ventolin HFA

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 90 mcg/actuation aerosol metered-dose inhaler
  • 90 mcg/actuation powder metered-dose inhaler
  • 2.5 mg/3 mL, 1.25 mg/3 mL, 0.63 mg/3 mL, 2.5 mg/0.5 mL nebulizer solution

See also: Albuterol

How should I store inhaled albuterol?

Inhaled Powder or Spray. Albuterol inhaler should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep the cap on the inhaler when it is not being used.

Nebulizer Solution. Albuterol nebulizer solution should be stored between 36 F to 77 F (2 C to 25 C). Protect from light. Store the albuterol vials in the foil pouch when not in use. Once the vial has been removed from the foil pouch, keep the vial for no more than two weeks. Protect from heat.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of inhaled albuterol?

The most common side effects of inhaled albuterol are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Throat irritation or pain
  • Inflammation or infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms
  • Cough
  • Muscle, joint, or back pain
  • Stomach flu
  • Sinus headache
  • Kidney or bladder infection
  • Vomiting
  • Ear infection
  • Breathing problems (see below)
  • Shakiness or nervousness
  • Dizziness
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Chest pain

There may be other side effects of inhaled albuterol that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of inhaled albuterol?

While less common, the most serious side effects of inhaled albuterol are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Inhaled albuterol may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using inhaled albuterol and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Breathing Problems. Inhaled albuterol may cause the muscles around the airways to tighten (bronchospasm) instead of relaxing, which can be serious. Stop using inhaled albuterol and contact your healthcare provider right away if you have trouble breathing.

Heart Effects. Inhaled albuterol may increase your risk of certain effects on the heart, such as raising your heart rate or blood pressure. If you measure your blood pressure and the top number (systolic) is 180 mm Hg or higher or the bottom number (diastolic) is 120 mm Hg or higher, get medical attention right away. Also call your healthcare provider or get medical attention right away if you have chest pain, a fast or irregular heartbeat, or if you feel your heartbeat more than usual.

Low Potassium Levels (Hypokalemia). Inhaled albuterol can cause a low potassium level, which can be serious and may lead to death. Your healthcare provider may check your potassium levels, especially if you take certain other medicines. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of a low potassium level.

  • Weakness
  • Unusual tiredness
  • Muscle cramps or twitching
  • Constipation

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use inhaled albuterol?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use inhaled albuterol.

  • Albuterol
  • AccuNeb
  • ProAir HFA
  • ProAir Digihaler
  • ProAir RespiClick
  • Proventil HFA
  • Salbutamol
  • Ventolin HFA
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific inhaled albuterol products they stock.

What should I know about inhaled albuterol before using it?

Do not use inhaled albuterol unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share inhaled albuterol with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep inhaled albuterol out of the reach of children.

Talk to your healthcare provider about how to clean your albuterol inhaler. The way you clean your inhaler may depend on the type of inhaler you have. 

If you are using a special breathing machine, called a nebulizer, for your inhaled albuterol, talk to your healthcare provider about how to clean the machine and follow the instructions that come with your machine. 

This medicine is inhaled into your mouth. Make sure that you or a caregiver understand how to properly use inhaled albuterol. If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider. 

Tell your healthcare provider if your breathing problems have gotten worse or if you need to use inhaled albuterol more often than before. Your healthcare provider may give you another medicine to help. 

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using inhaled albuterol?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if inhaled albuterol is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Heart problems
  • High blood pressure
  • Seizures
  • Thyroid problems
  • Diabetes 
  • Low potassium levels

Other Medicines and Supplements. Inhaled albuterol may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using inhaled albuterol, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how inhaled albuterol could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if inhaled albuterol passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use inhaled albuterol while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does inhaled albuterol interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between inhaled albuterol and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between inhaled albuterol and alcohol.

Does inhaled albuterol interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using inhaled albuterol.

  • A beta-blocker, such as metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL, and others), atenolol (Tenormin), or propranolol (Inderal LA, Innopran XL), which is a medicine that may be used for certain heart conditions or to lower blood pressure
  • A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
  • Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure
  • A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past two weeks, which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease
  • A tricyclic antidepressant within the past two weeks, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or protriptyline, even if it is not used for depression
  • Any other inhaled medicine

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with inhaled albuterol. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much inhaled albuterol?

If you or someone else has used too much inhaled albuterol, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of inhaled albuterol?

If you use inhaled albuterol on a regular schedule and you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. If you use inhaled albuterol only when needed, use it as your healthcare provider recommends. Do not use double or extra doses. 

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