Albuterol 4mg Tablets

Albuterol is a selective beta2-adrenergic agonist. It acts by stimulating beta2-adrenergic receptors in the smooth muscle of the bronchial tree, leading to relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle, bronchodilation, and increased airflow. This action is mediated by activation of adenyl cyclase, which increases intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels. Increased cAMP levels lead to activation of protein kinase A, which inhibits phosphorylation of myosin and lowers intracellular ionic calcium concentrations, resulting in muscle relaxation.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of high blood pressure, including:
+ Severe headache
+ Dizziness
+ Fainting
+ Changes in vision
Signs of low potassium levels, such as:
+ Muscle pain or weakness
+ Muscle cramps
+ Abnormal heartbeat
Signs of a severe skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme), including:
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
+ Skin lesions that resemble rings
+ Red or irritated eyes
+ Sores in the mouth, throat, nose, or eyes
Chest pain or pressure
Rapid or irregular heartbeat

This medication may also cause severe breathing problems, which can be life-threatening. If you experience trouble breathing, worsening breathing, wheezing, or coughing, especially after using an inhaler or liquid for breathing in, seek medical help immediately.

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you notice any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor for advice:

Feeling nervous or excitable
Dizziness or headache
Upset stomach or vomiting
Shakiness

This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, any of its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
If you are currently taking another medication similar to this one. If you are unsure, consult your doctor or pharmacist to determine if the medications are similar.

This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications and health conditions with your doctor. Provide your doctor and pharmacist with a comprehensive list of:

All prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications you are taking
Any natural products or vitamins you are using
* Your health problems, including any medical conditions or concerns

Before starting, stopping, or changing the dose of any medication, including this one, you must consult with your doctor to ensure your safety. It is vital to verify that it is safe to take this medication with all your other medications and health conditions.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. To ensure safe use, do not exceed the prescribed dose or frequency, as overdoses have been fatal. If you experience any concerns, consult your doctor immediately.

If you find that your usual dose is not providing adequate relief, your symptoms are worsening, or you need to use this medication more frequently than prescribed, notify your doctor right away.

If you have diabetes (high blood sugar), it is crucial to closely monitor your blood sugar levels while taking this medication.

Before taking this medication, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. Your doctor will discuss the potential benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy or breast-feeding to ensure the best outcome for you and your baby.

• Non-selective beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol, carvedilol): May block the bronchodilator effect of albuterol and produce severe bronchospasm in asthmatic patients. Use is generally contraindicated.

• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) and Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs): May potentiate the cardiovascular effects of albuterol (e.g., increased heart rate, blood pressure). Use with extreme caution or avoid within 2 weeks of discontinuing MAOIs/TCAs.
• Diuretics (loop or thiazide): May potentiate the hypokalemic effect of beta-agonists, especially at high doses. Monitor potassium levels.
• Other sympathomimetic agents (e.g., epinephrine, pseudoephedrine): Concomitant use may potentiate adverse cardiovascular effects. Avoid concurrent use.

• Digoxin: Albuterol may decrease serum digoxin levels. Monitor digoxin levels.
• Other short-acting beta-agonists: Concurrent use is generally not recommended due to increased risk of adverse effects.

• Not available

• Tremor
• Nervousness
• Palpitations
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Muscle cramps
• Paradoxical bronchospasm (rare, but severe worsening of breathing)

Category C. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Studies in animals have shown adverse effects, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Oral albuterol is generally not preferred over inhaled forms during pregnancy due to higher systemic exposure.

Albuterol is excreted in human milk. While levels are generally low, caution should be exercised when albuterol is administered to a nursing mother. Monitor the infant for signs of beta-adrenergic effects (e.g., irritability, poor feeding, tremor). Inhaled albuterol is generally preferred due to lower systemic exposure.

Dosing is weight-based for younger children. Oral albuterol is generally reserved for children who cannot use inhaled forms or require systemic bronchodilation, due to higher incidence of systemic side effects (e.g., tremor, nervousness, tachycardia) compared to inhaled albuterol. Close monitoring for adverse effects is crucial.

Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of sympathomimetic amines, particularly cardiovascular effects (e.g., tachycardia, palpitations, hypertension) and CNS effects (e.g., tremor, nervousness). Start with the lowest effective dose (e.g., 2 mg three or four times a day) and titrate cautiously based on response and tolerability. Monitor for adverse effects.

• Oral albuterol tablets are less commonly used than inhaled albuterol due to a slower onset of action and a higher incidence of systemic side effects (e.g., tremor, nervousness, tachycardia) because of greater systemic absorption.
• Inhaled albuterol is the preferred route for acute bronchospasm and maintenance therapy in most patients due to its rapid onset and targeted delivery to the lungs, minimizing systemic adverse effects.
• Oral albuterol may be considered for patients who cannot effectively use inhaled formulations or for those who require a more sustained systemic bronchodilator effect, though long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) are generally preferred for maintenance.
• Patients should be advised to report any worsening of asthma or COPD symptoms, as this may indicate a need for adjustment of therapy, including the addition of anti-inflammatory agents.
• Monitor for hypokalemia, especially in patients receiving concomitant diuretics or corticosteroids, or those with underlying cardiac conditions.

• Inhaled short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) (e.g., albuterol HFA, levalbuterol HFA)
• Inhaled long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) (e.g., salmeterol, formoterol)
• Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) (e.g., fluticasone, budesonide)
• Combination ICS/LABA inhalers
• Leukotriene receptor antagonists (e.g., montelukast)
• Theophylline (less common due to narrow therapeutic index)
• Systemic corticosteroids (for acute exacerbations)

If your symptoms or health condition do not improve or worsen over time, it is essential to contact your doctor for further evaluation and guidance. To ensure your safety and the effectiveness of your treatment, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it is a good idea to consult with your pharmacist to see if this applies to your prescription. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, do not hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider for clarification and guidance. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide detailed information about the overdose, including the name of the medication taken, the amount consumed, and the time it occurred.