What is "albuterol"?

What is "albuterol"?

William Berger (Allergist and Immunologist) gives expert video advice on: How is asthma treated?; How important is it to identify my asthma triggers?; What side effects should I expect from my asthma medication? and more...

Albuterol is the most commonly prescribed of the beta-agonists that we use in treating patients with quick reliever medications. Albuterol comes in many different formulations. The most common formulations are in the metered dose inhalers. Albuterol is a drug that is prescribed to all asthmatics, whether they have intermittent asthma or mild, moderate or severe persistent asthma. It is the most common rescue medication used. It is also available in nebulized form, so we also give it to infants. The important thing to understand with albuterol and other beta-agonists is they need to be used properly. They can be used not only as a rescue medication, but very often are effective when given 15 to 20 minutes prior to exercise to prevent exercise-induced asthma.