Albuterol is a prescription bronchodilator used to alleviate chest tightness and breathing difficulties, particularly in patients with asthma. The contraindications for albuterol are limited, but patients should always discuss their medical history and medication use with a doctor before beginning treatment with a new medication. Patients who have questions or concerns regarding the contraindications for albuterol should seek guidance from a medical professional.
Hypersensitivity
Patients who are hypersensitive to albuterol sulfate or any of the components of this medication should not use albuterol, DailyMed warns. Use of this medication by a hypersensitive patient can induce a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Immediate allergic reaction symptoms can include breathing difficulties, facial swelling or itchy skin.
Heart Rate Abnormalities
Patients with preexisting heart rate abnormalities should not use albuterol, Temple College advises, unless otherwise instructed by a doctor. Heart abnormalities increase a patient's risk of experiencing cardiac complications following treatment with albuterol.
Warnings and Precautions
Patients should only take albuterol as prescribed by a doctor as improper or excessive use of this medication can be fatal, the pharmaceutical information website RxList reports. After taking a dose of albuterol, certain patients can experience bronchospasms or worsening of asthma symptoms. These potential effects of treatment should be discussed with a physician as soon as possible.
Certain types of drugs, such as beta-blockers, tricyclic antidepressants or drugs similar to albuterol, should not be used in conjunction with this medication, PDRHealth explains. Patients should make sure a doctor is aware of all current medications before beginning treatment with albuterol.
