Albuterol HFA is an inhaler used to quickly relieve wheezing from asthma. It is also known as Ventolin inhaler. The medication, contained in a small canister, is delivered in metered, or premeasured doses. It can be used beginning at age 4 to treat reversible airway disease. Albuterol HFA can relief asthma symptoms caused by spasms of the bronchial tubes (bronchospasm). The medication is also marketed for relief of exercise-induced asthma, and can be easily carried in your pocket.
Contraindications to Albuterol HFA
Bronchospasm that worsens when albuterol HFA is used is a contraindication for using it again. The medication should not be used a second time. The response is called a paradoxical reaction, meaning that rather than relaxing the airways, the bronchial tubes become more narrow, or constricted, making breathing more difficult. The situation can become dangerous, and could require emergency treatment.
How Albuterol Relaxes the Airways
Albuterol HFA is a bronchodilator. The main ingredient, albuterol, stimulates beta 2-adrenergic receptor cells in the airways. Beta 2-adrenergic agonist is another term to describe the specificity of the effect. Albuterol-type drugs are also used to relax uterine contractions in preterm labor.
Albuterol Side Effects
Side effects of albuterol HFA include GERD. Because the medication can relax pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter that normally prevents food and fluids from backing up into the esophagus, reflux might occur. Fast heart rate, sore throat, dizziness and headache are reported. Albuterol HFA stimulates the central nervous system and could cause heart-related chest pain (angina), high blood pressure and dry mouth. Irregular rapid heart rate is possible, and allergic reactions can occur. A study published in the journal Chest revealed the effectiveness of the medication declined after 1 year of use. Tremors and shaking are transient and usually related to the stimulating effect of albuterol HFA.
