18 million patients rely on their Albuterol inhaler to prevent and treat breathing difficulties, and often carry it as a rescue inhaler in case of emergencies. Here are some things you may want to be aware about Albuterol should you encounter a patient with this medication:
Generic Name: Albuterol Sulfate
Brand Name(s): Proventil HFA, ProAir HFA, ProAir Digihaler, ProAir Respiclick, Ventolin HFA
Pronunciation: al BYOO ter all
About this drug:
Albuterol is a bronchodilator used to prevent and treat wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness in patients with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and other lung diseases.
Albuterol is also used to prevent breathing difficulties during exercise.
Dentistry-related tidbits:
Albuterol’s oral side effects are xerostomia and a bad taste in the mouth.
Other common side effects include headache, dizziness, and lightheadedness. After a procedure, have the patient sit upright for a few minutes in the dental chair to avoid lightheadedness and a possible fall.
Common NSAIDs and steroids can increase the risk of hypertension when combined with Albuterol. Make sure to check for potential interactions before prescribing using a tool like Rx Check.
Epinephrine in local anesthetics can cause hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, QT prolongation, and tachycardia when combined with Albuterol. Make sure to take the patient’s blood pressure and heart rate.
Fun facts:
Albuterol is in the bronchodilator drug class, also known as a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA).
Albuterol is among the top 10 most commonly prescribed drugs in the U.S., coming in at #7 with nearly 62 million prescriptions for 18 million patients in 2020.
One of the notable features of Albuterol is its rapid onset of action. This is why Albuterol is often referred to as a "rescue" or "quick-relief" medication. It is commonly used to alleviate sudden and severe symptoms of asthma, providing quick relief during acute episodes.
Join us in ending smile denial™️ by signing up for the Digital Drug Handbook™️ today!
Comments