- Albuterol relaxes the smooth muscles that surround the airways. It works by acting on receptors in these muscles called beta-receptors. When activated by albuterol, these receptors trigger a molecular chain-reaction inside the smooth muscle cells, resulting in their relaxation and opening.
The inhaled version of the drug is fast acting, working almost immediately to relieve the difficulty breathing and wheezing that are the typical symptoms of an asthma attack. - Most side effects are related to albuterol's actions on the lungs and heart. The inhaled type is the most commonly used, but it is also manufactured in tablet and liquid forms. The oral forms usually last longer in the system. All types of albuterol eventually make their way into the liver, where it is metabolized. But too much medicine can cause systemic side effects.
- Albuterol can cause paradoxical constriction of the airways, making it more difficult to breath. Also, repeated use can result in tolerance to the medicine, requiring more doses to achieve the same effect. The most common side effect of albuterol use is tachycardia. This happens because the heart also has beta-receptors, which, when activated, stimulate the heart to beat faster. Other side effects include nervousness, hyperactivity, headache and dizziness. Another dangerous side effect is that albuterol can lower the blood's potassium concentration, which can result in serious alterations of the heart's rhythm.
- Consult your health care provider if you suffer from any of these side effects. Your medical provider may suggest reducing the dose, or changing the albuterol for another drug. If anyone overdoses on this medicine, call the Poison Control Center.
- There are newer bronchodilators that reportedly have fewer side effects as albuterol, but there are no long-term studies to confirm this. Taking this medicine in the prescribed amount can reduce the incidence of side effects.
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