Albuterol
Where is My Inhaler, I’m Having Trouble Breathing?
Cindy
Pharmacology Lecture MEA2244 – Monday 10:00 a.m.
August 22, 2013 Where is My Inhaler, I’m Having Trouble Breathing? You are sitting watching a movie on TV and all of a sudden you feel as though you can’t get enough air into your lungs. When you breathe you make a wheezing noise and you grab at your throat and chest and start gasping for air.
There are many things that can cause breathing problems. Some people have difficulty breathing when they get a cold or exercise. Some breathing problems are chronic or long term such as chronic sinusitis, allergies, asthma and COPD, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. If you have any of these problems and they are causing you to have difficulty breathing, your doctor has probably prescribed a medication called ProAir HFA to help you breathe better.
ProAir HFA is one of the brand names given to a bronchodilator called albuterol, also known as salbutamol. The two most prescribed forms are a quick relief metered inhalation aerosol and a nebulizer solution. It is also available in extended-release tablets and syrup. Albuterol is not a cortosteroid or a scheduled drug. Albuterol is a sympathomimetic (beta agonist) bronchodilator. A bronchodilator helps to relieve bronchospasms, which causes wheezing and shortness of breath, by relaxing the muscles around your airway and allowing air to flow more freely into your lungs. (Cerner Multum, Micromedex and Wolters Kluwer Health, 2000-2013)
Albuterol (ProAir HFA) has a pregnancy risk category of C. According to the FDA, “animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.” (FDA) Women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using Albuterol should discuss the possible side effects this medication could have on their
Cindy
Pharmacology Lecture MEA2244 – Monday 10:00 a.m.
August 22, 2013 Where is My Inhaler, I’m Having Trouble Breathing? You are sitting watching a movie on TV and all of a sudden you feel as though you can’t get enough air into your lungs. When you breathe you make a wheezing noise and you grab at your throat and chest and start gasping for air.
There are many things that can cause breathing problems. Some people have difficulty breathing when they get a cold or exercise. Some breathing problems are chronic or long term such as chronic sinusitis, allergies, asthma and COPD, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. If you have any of these problems and they are causing you to have difficulty breathing, your doctor has probably prescribed a medication called ProAir HFA to help you breathe better.
ProAir HFA is one of the brand names given to a bronchodilator called albuterol, also known as salbutamol. The two most prescribed forms are a quick relief metered inhalation aerosol and a nebulizer solution. It is also available in extended-release tablets and syrup. Albuterol is not a cortosteroid or a scheduled drug. Albuterol is a sympathomimetic (beta agonist) bronchodilator. A bronchodilator helps to relieve bronchospasms, which causes wheezing and shortness of breath, by relaxing the muscles around your airway and allowing air to flow more freely into your lungs. (Cerner Multum, Micromedex and Wolters Kluwer Health, 2000-2013)
Albuterol (ProAir HFA) has a pregnancy risk category of C. According to the FDA, “animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.” (FDA) Women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using Albuterol should discuss the possible side effects this medication could have on their