albuterol(ProAir HFA, Ventolin HFA, Proventil HFA)
Short-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist (SABA)
Pronunciation
/ælˈbjuːtərɒl/ Mechanism of action Selectively activates β2-adrenergic receptors on bronchial smooth muscle, increasing intracellular cAMP, which relaxes smooth muscle and produces bronchodilation. Onset within 5--15 minutes; duration 4--6 hours. Also inhibits release of mediators from mast cells. At higher systemic doses, β2 selectivity diminishes and β1 effects (tachycardia) emerge \\[1\\]. Standard dosing -/
International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). Say it aloud once — you will remember it forever.
At a glance
- Generic name
- albuterol
- Brand names
- ProAir HFA, Ventolin HFA, Proventil HFA, ProAir RespiClick (dry powder), ProAir Digihaler
- Therapeutic class
- Short-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist (SABA)
- Mechanism (summary)
- Selectively activates β2-adrenergic receptors on bronchial smooth muscle, increasing intracellular cAMP, which relaxes smooth muscle and produces bronchodilation. Onset within 5--15 minutes; duration 4--6 hours. Also inhibits release of mediators from mast cells. At higher sys...
Clinical pearls
- This is your RESCUE inhaler. Use it for sudden breathing trouble,
- wheeze, or chest tightness. It is NOT a daily controller. If you
- need it more than 2 days a week (other than to prevent
- exercise-induced symptoms), tell your prescriber --- your asthma may
- not be controlled.
Sources
See how albuterol appears in NAPLEX-style questions
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