Albuterol, also known as Salbutamol, is a bronchiodilator medication that works by relaxing the air passages to the lungs, allowing you to breathe easier. Albuterol is classified as a beta-adrenergic receptor agonist, or beta agonist for short, because it stimulates the beta receptors, which are receptors on the cells that mediate dilation and relaxation, according to the University of Washington School of Medicine.
Also available as a tablet or syrup, Albuterol is most commonly prescribed as an inhaler or a solution used in a nebulizer (a device that transforms a liquid medication into small droplets to be inhaled). Albuterol is often prescribed to treat bronchospasm caused by asthma or COPD but may also be used to treat hyperkalemia and beta-blocker overdose.
Bronchospasm
A bronchospasm occurs when the muscles surrounding the airways in the lungs tighten, resulting in constriction of the airways. This commonly occurs during an asthma attack or in patients suffering other respiratory problems, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis or emphysema. If left untreated, a bronchospasm can cause permanent organ damage because of the decreased level of oxygen in the body.
Albuterol is effective in treating bronchospasm because once it is inhaled, it stimulates the beta receptors on the muscles around the airway, relaxing them and resulting in dilation of the air passages.
Hyperkalemia
Hyperkalemia is a condition of elevated serum (blood) potassium levels. Although potassium is required for life, too much in the blood can cause muscle weakness, flaccid paralysis, reduced reflexes and bradycardia (decreased heart rate). Most of the potassium in the body is found inside of cells, where it works to regulate the balance of water, send signals to and from nerves and generate muscle contractions.
Potassium is ingested through foods such as meats, beans, fruits and potatoes, and once ingested it is absorbed through the intestines into the bloodstream where it easily moves across cell membranes and into the cells with the assistance of insulin (a hormone produced in the pancreas). To treat hyperkalemia albuterol is often administered because it increases insulin production, and with more insulin present, more potassium can be absorbed by the cells resulting in a lowered serum level.
Beta-Blocker Overdose
Beta-blockers are medications that are used to treat high blood pressure, angina (chest pain) and irregular heart rhythms. These medications work by blocking the hormone epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) from binding to receptors in the body, thereby reducing the exertion on the heart. In the case of overdose, the blood pressure can drop dangerously low and heart failure can result. Albuterol counteracts the effects of the beta-blockers by stimulating the receptors that were being blocked.
