Albuterol, also known as salbutamol, is used to prevent and treat shortness of breath, breathing difficulties, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness caused by lung diseases such as bronchiectasis.

It is a bronchodilator that makes breathing easier by relaxing and opening airways to the lungs.

Albuterol may be recommended right before chest physical therapy so that mucus from the lungs can be coughed up easier and eliminated.

How does albuterol for bronchiectasis work?

Albuterol is a selective beta2-adrenergic receptor agonist. These receptors are present on the smooth muscle of the bronchi and, when stimulated, relax the muscle and bronchodilate the airways. Beta2-adrenergic receptor agonists also increase the flow of calcium and potassium ions through the walls of the bronchi muscle cells, which causes an imbalance of charges and relaxation of the muscle.

Indications and side effects

Albuterol comes as an inhaler, in a syrup form, or tablets. This medicine will help control the symptoms of bronchiectasis but will not cure it. Common albuterol side effects may include back pain, body aches, headache, dizziness, nervousness, gastric disorders, sore throat, sinus pain, and runny nose.

Brand names for albuterol include Proventil, AccuNeb, Ventolin, Proair, and Vospire.

 

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