What is Albuterol? A prescription asthma medication, Albuterol belongs to the family of inhaled Albuterol corticosteroids called bronchodilators. The term ‘albuterol’ comes from the brand name ‘Aral’, which is Greek for ‘lung’.
Albuterol belongs to the class of inhaled corticosteroids which includes two types – ie; nebulizers and ultra-short-acting nebulizers. Nebulizers are used for delivering medication directly into the airways where it acts on the lining of the bronchial tubes and thus reducing inflammation and narrowing of the airways. Ultrasound pressure-relieving (USPR) devices are used for immediate relief of asthma symptoms while ultrasonic devices are ideal for long-lasting relief. Albuterol belongs to the second type of inhalable corticosteroid.
Albuterol can be used to ease difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath (which are also symptoms of COPD), caused by lung infections such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder ( COPD ) and asthma. It is not recommended to use albuterol for patients with asthma or COPD as it can worsen these conditions. To relieve difficulty breathing and reduce wheezing in asthmatic patients, physicians often prescribe long-acting beta agonists such as flexeril, quercetrisol, selenium sulfate, and haloperidol. These medications are usually administered intravenously. Long-acting albuterol, on the other hand, works best when administered orally.
Patients with severe COPD and patients with an acute allergic reaction to butane, need to get medical help right away if they cannot breathe normally on their own. However, prolonged use of these drugs may result in a respiratory depression that can worsen the patient’s condition. Bronchospasm is the most common side effect of long-acting beta agonists. When taking this medication, it is best to ask your doctor for advice on the best course of use to avoid this serious side effect.
Taking albuterol metered aerosol can be risky for older people as well. Some long-acting beta agonists have been known to cause sleep apnea among older people. This is due to the slow release of the drug into the bloodstream during sleep. Because the airways are closed at night, the elderly may not be able to take in enough oxygen, which can cause them to stop breathing for a few moments, while they wake up again. If this happens to a senior with COPD, chances are that the person will stop breathing on their own, which can result in brain death.
The most common side effects of using albuterol metered aerosol are headache, nausea, increased blood pressure, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash, rashes, blurred vision, drowsiness, tremors and possible fever. Although these are all fairly mild side effects, they are still considered emergencies because they can cause you to cease your breathing and cause brain damage or death. If you experience any of these symptoms after taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately. You should also avoid driving or doing anything that requires alertness after the medication has been applied. If you experience chest pain or trouble breathing after using albuterol metered aerosol, contact your doctor immediately.