Albuterol (albuterol)
My medication guide
Fairview Pharmacy. Call 601-544-4871.
My prescribed doseYour pharmacist or doctor fills this in.
Important warning
- Get emergency help for severe breathing trouble, blue lips or inability to speak normally. Do not keep taking extra puffs while delaying care.
What is albuterol for?
- It opens narrowed airways to help relieve wheezing and breathing trouble. Use it according to your prescribed breathing plan.
Is it a steroid?
- Albuterol itself is a bronchodilator, not an inhaled steroid. Keep other prescribed asthma medicines unless your clinician changes the plan.
What if I need it more often?
- Contact your care team promptly if it is less effective or you need it more often than usual. Your treatment may need reassessment.
How do I know I am using the inhaler correctly?
- Bring the actual device to your pharmacist. Spray inhalers, dry-powder devices and nebulizers have different instructions. Priming, cleaning and spacer use depend on the product. Follow its counter and replacement directions; a device may still spray when its medicine is used up. MedlinePlus
What if I miss a dose?
- An as-needed medicine does not have a missed daily dose. If you have a scheduled regimen, follow its missed-dose instructions or ask your pharmacist. Do not add extra inhalations to catch up. MedlinePlus
Which symptoms should I report?
- Shakiness or a faster heartbeat can occur. Seek urgent care for chest pain or severe palpitations. Stop using the product and get medical help if breathing suddenly worsens immediately after inhaling it. Ventolin HFA label, sections 5 and 6
What should my pharmacist check?
- Show your medication list, including beta blockers, water pills and other inhalers. Ask which inhaler provides relief and which medicines you use regularly. Do not substitute one device or combination product for another on your own. Ventolin HFA label, section 7
Ask a Fairview pharmacist
- Ask Fairview about inhaler technique or request a prescription transfer. Prescription care is arranged through the pharmacy, not the OTC online shop. This guide is education, not an individual treatment plan.