Proventil (Albuterol)

General information:

Albuterol
is used to fight breathing problems (asthma, pulmonary disease) such as
shortness of breath and wheezing. Just like other bronchodilators, it relaxes
bronchial muscles and opens breathing passages.This medication is intended for
long term treatment, it takes some time for you to see the benefits from this
drug. The drug is not suitable for preventing sudden asthma attacks, thus it
shouldn’t be used for this purpose.

Pharmacokinetics:

Albuterol
relaxes all muscles surrounding airways, from trachea up to terminal
bronchioles. Irrespective of the spasmogen involved, Albuterol plays a role of
functional antagonist to calm and relax the airway, thus guarding from all
other bronchoconstrictor problems. Once inhaled, albuterol activates beta2-adrenergic receptors
located on smooth muscles surrounding the airway. This in turn leads to an
increase in intracellular cyclic AMP (adenosine monophosphate) and to the
activation of adenylyl cyclase. High concentration of cyclic AMP activates
kinase A, a protein which lowers ionic calcium concentrations inside the cell
and inhibits the phosphorylation of myosin, resulting in relaxation of muscles.

Dosage and indications:

The usual
dosage for Proventil (inhaler) is two inhalations every 4-6 hours. To prevent
exercise-induced bronchospasm, use 2 inhalations 30 minutes before exercising.
Give at least 1 minute break between each inhalation.

When using
the inhaler for the first time, you need to prime it: spray 3-4 times into the
air, avoiding spraying into the eyes. Also, if you haven’t used the inhaler for
more than 2 weeks or have accidentally dropped the inhaler, prime it before
use. Shake well before spraying.

If taking
the tablet, the dosage is individual and should be consulted with your doctor.
For adults, the maximum dosage is 32 mg per day; for children younger than 12
and older than 6 years, the maximum dosage is 24 mg per day.

Side effects:

●     
Tremor

●     
Headache

●     
Nervousness

●     
Dizziness

●     
Chest pain

●     
Irregular heartbeat

●     
Dry mouth

●      Dysphonia

Precautions:

●     
It is important that your doctor knows your medical history
before prescribing the drug, especially if you have had any heart diseases,
seizures, hypertension, diabetes

●     
Keep the plastic mouthpiece of inhaler clean to prevent
medication build-up and blockage

●     
The inhaler should be washed, thoroughly shaken to dry off and
air dried at least once a week

●     
It is unclear if the drug passes into breast milk, further
consult your doctor for risks if you are breastfeeding a child

●      During pregnancy, use
the medication only if there are no other alternatives to it