Albuterol Sulfate 2mg Tablets

Albuterol is a selective beta-2 adrenergic agonist. It acts by stimulating beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the smooth muscle of the bronchi, leading to activation of adenyl cyclase and an increase in intracellular cyclic-3',5'-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). The increased cAMP levels cause relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle, inhibition of the release of mediators from mast cells, and increased ciliary activity, resulting in bronchodilation.

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
+ Trouble 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 eyesight
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 reaction that resembles rings
+ Red or irritated eyes
+ Sores in the mouth, throat, nose, or eyes
Chest pain or pressure
Rapid or irregular heartbeat

This medication may 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. Many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones. If you notice any of the following side effects or any other symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor:

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

This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult 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. Please 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 existing health problems

It is vital to verify that it is safe to take this medication with all your other medications and health conditions. Do not initiate, discontinue, or modify the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.

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 have concerns or questions, consult your doctor.

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, immediately contact your doctor.

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

Before taking this medication, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Your doctor will discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication for both you and your baby, allowing you to make an informed decision.

• Non-selective beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol, carvedilol) - may block the bronchodilatory effect of albuterol and produce severe bronchospasm.

• Diuretics (thiazide or loop diuretics) - may potentiate ECG changes and/or hypokalemia associated with beta-agonists.
• Digoxin - may decrease serum digoxin levels.
• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) and Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) - may potentiate the vascular effects of albuterol, increasing risk of cardiovascular adverse effects.

• Other sympathomimetics - additive cardiovascular effects.
• Theophylline - increased risk of adverse cardiovascular effects and hypokalemia.

• Not available

• Increased shortness of breath
• Increased wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Cough
• Palpitations
• Tremor
• Nervousness
• Dizziness
• Muscle cramps

Albuterol is Pregnancy 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. Untreated asthma poses a greater risk to both mother and fetus than albuterol use.

Albuterol is excreted in human milk. However, due to its short half-life and low oral bioavailability, the amount transferred to breast milk is likely small. Generally considered compatible with breastfeeding, but monitor the infant for signs of agitation, tremor, or tachycardia.

Oral albuterol is generally not preferred for acute bronchospasm in children due to slower onset and higher systemic side effects compared to inhaled forms. Dosing must be carefully calculated by weight for younger children. Monitor closely for adverse effects, especially cardiovascular and CNS effects.

Use with caution in elderly patients, particularly those with underlying cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or diabetes. Start with lower doses and titrate slowly due to increased sensitivity to beta-adrenergic effects. Monitor for tremor, tachycardia, and hypokalemia.

• Oral albuterol is generally reserved for patients who cannot use inhaled forms or for chronic management where sustained bronchodilation is needed, but it has largely been replaced by inhaled long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) or inhaled corticosteroids (ICS)/LABA combinations for chronic control.
• It is NOT a rescue medication for acute asthma attacks due to its slower onset of action compared to inhaled albuterol.
• Patients should be educated on the difference between oral and inhaled albuterol and when to use each.
• Monitor for hypokalemia, especially in patients on diuretics or corticosteroids, as albuterol can cause a transient decrease in serum potassium.
• Advise patients to report any signs of worsening asthma or increased need for rescue inhaler use, as this may indicate inadequate disease control.

• Inhaled short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) e.g., albuterol HFA, levalbuterol (for rescue)
• Inhaled long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) e.g., salmeterol, formoterol (for maintenance)
• Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) e.g., fluticasone, budesonide (for maintenance)
• ICS/LABA combinations e.g., fluticasone/salmeterol, budesonide/formoterol (for maintenance)
• Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) e.g., montelukast
• Methylxanthines e.g., theophylline (less common due to narrow therapeutic index)
• Anticholinergics e.g., ipratropium, tiotropium

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, 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. It's also important to note that some medications may come with additional patient information leaflets, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more details. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider for 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 information about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it was taken, as this will help healthcare professionals provide the best possible care.