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Albuterol

Brand names: ProAir, Ventolin, Proventil

Albuterol is a quick-relief inhaler that opens the airways within minutes during asthma or COPD flare-ups.

Brand namesProAir, Ventolin, Proventil
Type of medicineRescue inhaler (short-acting bronchodilator)
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It relaxes the muscles around the airways. It's called a rescue or reliever inhaler.

It doesn't treat the swelling inside the airways. If you need it often, your asthma may not be well controlled.

What it's used for

  • Quick relief of wheezing and shortness of breath in asthma or COPD
  • Preventing breathing problems from exercise

How to take it

  • Shake the inhaler and breathe out before each puff.
  • A spacer helps more medicine reach the lungs, especially for children.
  • Wait about a minute between puffs if you need more than one.
  • Keep it with you at all times.
  • Clean the mouthpiece as the instructions say, and track how many puffs are left.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Shakiness
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Nervousness
  • Headache
Call 911Breathing gets worse right after using it, or it isn't helping during an attack
Call 911Lips or fingernails turning blue or gray, or trouble talking
Call 911Chest pain or a very fast or irregular heartbeat

Warnings

  • Needing it more than 2 days a week (not counting exercise) is a sign to see your provider.
  • Tell your provider about heart problems, high blood pressure, seizures, overactive thyroid, or diabetes.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Beta blockers like propranolol can block its effect.
  • Some antidepressants (MAOIs, tricyclics) can increase heart side effects.
  • Some water pills can lower potassium further.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Albuterol is commonly used in pregnancy. Uncontrolled asthma is a bigger risk to the baby than the inhaler.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Albuterol is used when needed for symptoms. If your provider has you take it on a schedule, take it when you remember and don't double up.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.