Albuterol Sulfate 4mg 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, which increases intracellular cyclic-3',5'-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Increased cAMP levels cause relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle, inhibition of mediator release from mast cells, and to a lesser extent, inhibition of microvascular leakage and enhancement of mucociliary clearance.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

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 medical help right away:

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
+ Passing out
+ 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
Fast or abnormal 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. 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 experience 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 symptoms you experienced.
If you are currently taking a similar medication. 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 (including prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health conditions with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help you determine if it is safe to take this medication in conjunction with your other medications and health conditions.

Remember, do not start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor to ensure your safety.

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, contact your doctor immediately.

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 breastfeeding. Your doctor will discuss the potential benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding to ensure the best outcome for you and your baby.

• Beta-blockers (e.g., Propranolol): May block the bronchodilatory effect of albuterol and produce severe bronchospasm in asthmatic patients.
• MAOIs (e.g., Phenelzine) and TCAs (e.g., Amitriptyline): May potentiate the vascular effects of albuterol, leading to severe cardiovascular effects.

• Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide): May exacerbate ECG changes and/or hypokalemia associated with beta-agonists, especially at higher doses.
• Digoxin: Albuterol may decrease serum digoxin levels.
• Other sympathomimetics: Concomitant use may potentiate cardiovascular effects.

• Increased shortness of breath
• Worsening wheezing or cough
• Chest tightness
• Increased use of rescue inhaler (if applicable)
• Palpitations
• Tremor
• Nervousness
• Muscle cramps

Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Oral albuterol is Category C. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.

It is not known whether albuterol is excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised when albuterol is administered to a nursing mother. Consider the benefits of breastfeeding, the risk of infant exposure, and the risk of untreated maternal condition.

Oral albuterol is approved for use in children 2 years of age and older. Dosing is weight-based for younger children. Monitor for systemic side effects (tremor, tachycardia, nervousness) which may be more pronounced.

Use with caution in elderly patients, as they may be more susceptible to the cardiovascular and CNS effects of beta-agonists. Start with lower doses and titrate slowly. Monitor for comorbidities like cardiovascular disease.

• Oral albuterol has a slower onset and longer duration of action compared to inhaled albuterol, and is associated with more systemic side effects (e.g., tremor, tachycardia) due to higher systemic absorption.
• It is generally less preferred for acute bronchospasm compared to inhaled formulations due to its slower onset.
• Patients should be advised not to exceed the recommended dose due to the risk of adverse cardiovascular effects.
• Monitor for hypokalemia, especially in patients on diuretics or corticosteroids.
• Oral albuterol is often used for maintenance therapy in patients who cannot use inhaled forms or require additional bronchodilation, but its use has declined with the advent of more effective and safer inhaled therapies.

• Inhaled short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) like albuterol (e.g., ProAir, Ventolin HFA, Proventil HFA)
• Inhaled long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) (e.g., Salmeterol, Formoterol)
• Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) (e.g., Fluticasone, Budesonide)
• Combination ICS/LABA inhalers (e.g., Advair, Symbicort)
• Leukotriene receptor antagonists (e.g., Montelukast)
• Anticholinergics (e.g., Ipratropium, Tiotropium)
• Theophylline (less common due to narrow therapeutic index)

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it happened.