Albuterol is a bronchodilator, which means that it helps expand the airway tubes. It works by relaxing the muscles around the airways. Albuterol is most commonly given in the form of an inhaler (albuterol MDI). It can be used to treat reversible bronchospasm, which is the reflex that is responsible for the symptoms of asthma. As a result, patients who are feeling the effects of asthma commonly use albuterol MDI to relieve symptoms during an attack.
Step 1
Shake your inhaler vigorously for approximately 15 seconds before use. This will ensure that the medication within the inhaler is fully dispersed.
Step 2
Remove the mouthpiece's cap.
Step 3
Exhale completely. It is easiest to do this using your mouth. Empty your lungs completely and then place your lips around the mouthpiece, making as tight a seal as possible.
Step 4
Press down on the top off the canister (causing it to spray a nebulized dose of albuterol) while inhaling as completely and as deeply as possible through your mouth.
Step 5
Hold your breath as long as you can. During this time you should take the mouthpiece out of your mouth and put down the inhaler. Slowly exhale through your mouth.
Step 6
Wait 1 minute before taking another dose. Shake the inhaler again, repeating the above steps for each dose.
