Additional Information

Why is this medication prescribed

Albuterol is used to prevent and treat wheezing, shortness of breath, and troubled breathing caused by asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other lung diseases. Albuterol inhalation also is used to prevent breathing difficulties (bronchospasm) during exercise. Albuterol is in a class of medications called beta-agonists. It works by relaxing and opening air passages in the lungs, making it easier to breathe.

Other uses for this medicine

Inhaled albuterol also is used sometimes to treat or improve muscle paralysis in patients with a condition that causes occasional paralysis and to treat high potassium levels in patients with kidney failure. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What other information should I know

Call your doctor if you find that albuterol becomes less effective at relieving your symptoms, your symptoms become worse, or you need to take albuterol more often. These may be signs that your asthma is getting worse.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

To relieve dry mouth or throat irritation caused by albuterol inhalation, rinse your mouth with water, chew gum, or suck sugarless hard candy after using albuterol.

Inhalation devices require regular cleaning. Once a week, remove the medication container from the plastic mouthpiece, wash the mouthpiece with warm tap water, and dry it thoroughly.

The extended-release tablet does not dissolve in the stomach after swallowing. It slowly releases the medicine as it passes through your digestive system. You may notice the tablet coating in your stool.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

In case of emergency overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• seizures
• chest pain
• rapid heartbeat
• irregular heartbeat
• nervousness
• headache
• tremor
• dry mouth
• upset stomach
• dizziness
• excessive tiredness
• lack of energy
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• seizures
• chest pain
• rapid heartbeat
• irregular heartbeat
• nervousness
• headache
• tremor
• dry mouth
• upset stomach
• dizziness
• excessive tiredness
• lack of energy
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep