An albuterol inhaler (brand names Accuneb, ProAir HFA, Proventil, Proventil HFA and Ventolin HFA) is a medication used to treat the symptoms of an asthma attack. The Mayo Clinic defines an asthma attack as the inflammation and constriction of bronchial tubes (air tubes). This can cause symptoms from minor wheezing to a severe difficulty in breathing. According to Drugs.com, albuterol works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the airway, which allows air to move to the lungs more easily. While albuterol is an effective medication in treating asthma, you should be aware of its ingredients and their effects.
Albuterol
Albuterol is the active ingredient in an albuterol inhaler, according to Drugs.com. This ingredient works by blocking receptors that are responsible for the severe bronchial muscle constriction that occurs during an asthma attack. Drugs.com states that the positive effects of this ingredient are noticed in five minutes. In addition, when given 15 minutes before exercise, asthma attacks were prevented in a majority of patients. Common side effects include tremor, nausea, irregular heartbeat, nervousness, increase in blood pressure, dizziness and heartburn. Albuterol is an effective ingredient in treating asthma; however, alert your doctor if you are experiencing side effects or are not noticing improvements in your asthma symptoms.
Inactive Ingredients
Inactive ingredients, or excipients, are used in medications to help with ease of use and to preserve the active ingredient. They do not have direct effects on symptoms. The excipients in an albuterol inhaler include trichloromonoflueormethane, dichlorofluoromethane and oleic acid, according to Drugs.com. Alert your doctor if you have an allergy to any of these excipients before using an albuterol inhaler.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions between albuterol and other medications may alter the effectiveness of albuterol or other medications that you are taking. In addition, drug interactions may increase the risk of side effects. Drugs.com states that monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), tricyclic antidepressants, beta-blockers, diuretics and digoxin interact with albuterol.
