Albuterol Inhalation Solution 0.5%

Generic Name: Albuterol

  • What is this medication and its most common uses?

    Albuterol inhalation solution 0.5% is a medicine used to treat airway narrowing associated with certain breathing problems (such as asthma).


    How does this medication work?

    Albuterol inhalation solution 0.5% works by relaxing the muscles in your airways.


    What: Albuterol inhalation solution 0.5% has been shown to improve your lung function and may help you breathe better.

    When: Albuterol inhalation solution 0.5% may start working within 5 minutes, and symptom relief may last up to 6 hours or longer.

    How do I know it is working?

    You may feel an improvement in your breathing once you begin using albuterol inhalation solution 0.5%. Your healthcare provider may perform tests to check your lung function and ask you questions to assess how well your symptoms are controlled.

  • What are the possible side effects of this medication?


    More common side effects may include: shaking.

    Less common side effects may include:


    Heart problems, including faster heart rate and higher blood pressure.


    Albuterol inhalation solution 0.5% may also cause low blood potassium levels.

  • Who should not take this medication?

    Do not use albuterol inhalation solution 0.5% if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients.


    Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with albuterol inhalation solution 0.5%. Also, talk to your healthcare provider about your complete medical history, especially if you have heart or thyroid problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, or seizures.

  • What is the usual dosage?


    Adults and children >12 years: The usual dose is 2.5 milligrams three to four times a day via a nebulizer.


  • How should I take this medication?

    Use albuterol inhalation solution 0.5% exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not use it more often or stop using it without first talking to your healthcare provider.

    Please review the instructions that came with your prescription on how to properly use your nebulizer.

  • What should I avoid while taking this medication?

    Do not allow the tip of the bottle to touch any surface, as this can contaminate albuterol inhalation solution 0.5%.

    Do not use albuterol inhalation solution 0.5% if it changes color or becomes cloudy.


    If albuterol inhalation solution 0.5% is used with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your healthcare provider before combining albuterol inhalation solution 0.5% with the following: blood pressure/heart medications known as beta-blockers (such as metoprolol or propranolol), certain antidepressant medications (such as amitriptyline or phenelzine), digoxin, epinephrine, other similar medicines (such as pirbuterol), or water pills (such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide).


    The effects of albuterol inhalation solution 0.5% during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Do not breastfeed while you are using albuterol inhalation solution 0.5%. Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.


    If you miss a dose of albuterol inhalation solution 0.5%, use it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not inhale two doses at once.

  • How should I store this medication?

    Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator.