Albuterol, available as generic albuterol and also marketed under a variety of brand names such as Ventolin, is a medication used in the treatment of asthma. Farmington Drugs & Medical Supplies provides patients who need albuterol prescriptions, including albuterol inhalers and albuterol nebulizers, at our home pharmacy or via free local deliveries for prescription refills.
Albuterol belongs to a class of drugs known as beta 2 adrenergic receptor agonists. Albuterol can cause smooth muscle relaxation which results in dilation of the bronchial passages. This is why albuterol is also referred to as a bronchodilator medication. Albuterol is typically administered via an inhaler (metered-dose inhaler or MDI) or a nebulizer. Albuterol can be administered as an intravenous drug although it is not typically done as nebulized albuterol is more convenient to administer and as effective. Albuterol sulfate is often the active ingredient in albuterol inhalers. Beta agonist medications are classified into short-acting, long-acting and ultra-long-acting beta 2 agonists. After being inhaled, albuterol demonstrates low systemic effects. The terminal plasma half-life of albuterol after inhalation aerosol is approximately six hours. The mean duration of effect is generally three to six hours.
Generic albuterol and the branded version all can cause side effects. Common side effects that are sometimes experienced while using albuterol include a rapid heart rate, palpitations, tremulousness and stomach discomfort. Anyone who has demonstrated hypersensitivity or an allergy to albuterol should not use the medication. All questions and concerns that come up about using albuterol nebulizers or inhalers should be directed to one’s pharmacist and licensed medical provider prior to use.
Albuterol is used to treat asthma and COPD. As a prescription medication, it is not possible to buy albuterol over-the-counter (OTC). The cost of a prescription albuterol HFA inhaler typically ranges from $25 to $60 per inhaler. At times, it is possible to find an albuterol inhaler coupon from a manufacturer or other organizations. Farmington Drugs & Medical Supplies takes pride in offering the most cost efficient services and prescriptions to our patients.
Some people wonder if albuterol is a steroid medication. While albuterol is sometimes given in conjunction with a steroid medication, albuterol sulfate itself is not a steroid. Instead, albuterol is a type of beta 2 adrenergic receptor agonist. However, albuterol is often prescribed with other steroid medications such as prednisone or fluticasone.
ProAir HFA utilizes the ingredient albuterol while Xopenex HFA features levalbuterol. And so, comparing ProAir HFA versus Xopenex HFA involves comparing albuterol versus levalbuterol. Major differences include the dose in each actuation and reported side effects. Albuterol is often used with ipratropium bromide (Atrovent HFA), a complementary asthma medication that is often administered at the same time to provide additional bronchodilation during an acute asthma exacerbation independently. Albuterol is also used in the combination medications Combivent and DuoNeb.
Given the evolving nature of medicine and science, this information might not be accurate and should not be construed as medical advice or diagnosis / treatment recommendations. Please consult a licensed medical provider if you have additional questions.
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