GENERIC NAME: albuterol
BRAND NAMES: Ventolin HFA, Proventil-HFA, Vospire ER, ProAir HFA
DISCONTINUED BRANDS: Ventolin, Proventil, AccuNeb, ProAir
DRUG CLASS: Albuterol dilates the airways of the lung and is used for treating asthma and other conditions of the lung. Asthma is a breathing problem due to widespread narrowing of the airways (bronchial tubes). Airways are the breathing passages that allow air to move in and out of the lungs. These airways can be narrowed due to the accumulation of mucus, spasm of the muscles that surround these airways (bronchospasm), or swelling of the lining of the airways. Airway narrowing leads to shortness of breath, wheezing, cough, and congestion. Albuterol dilates bronchial airways by relaxing the muscles that surround the airways. Albuterol also can be helpful in patients with emphysema and chronic bronchitis when symptoms are partially related to spasm of the airways’ muscles. The FDA approved albuterol in May 1982.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Albuterol is used for relief and prevention of airway obstruction (bronchospasm) in patients with asthma or exercise-induced asthma. Albuterol is also used for treating patients with emphysema or chronic bronchitis when their symptoms are related to reversible airway obstruction. The inhaled form of albuterol starts working within 15 minutes and can last up to 6 hours.
Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 1/27/2015
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albuterol, Ventolin HFA, Proventil-HFA, Vospire ER, ProAir HFAPharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99. Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. |