Albuterol

Bronchodilator

Brand names:

ProAir RespiClick, Ventolin HFA®

Often used for:

Asthma, bronchospasm

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What is albuterol?

Albuterol is a bronchodilator. It is used to treat or prevent chest tightness, coughing, wheezing, or trouble breathing caused by asthma or narrowed airways. It works by opening the airways in the lungs to make breathing easier.

Brain

May be given by inhaler or nebulizer

 
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Possible side effects

  • Shakiness or tremors  
  • Feeling anxious, nervous, or excited 
  • Nose or throat irritation or dryness 
  • Fast heart rate or irregular heartbeat 
  • Headache 
  • Cough 
  • Runny nose 
  • Dizziness 
  • Change in taste  
  • Nausea or vomiting 

Call your care team right away if your child has symptoms of an allergic reaction. These may include: rash, hives, itching, runny nose, fever, chills, headache, muscle ache, shortness of breath, coughing, tightness in the throat, swelling of the face or neck, dizziness, low blood pressure, or pain in the chest, side, or back. 

Not all patients who take albuterol will have these side effects. Common side effects are in bold, but there may be others. Report any symptoms or side effects to your health care provider or pharmacist. 

Find more information on side effects.

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Tips for patients and families

Be sure to discuss all questions and instructions with your health care provider or pharmacist.  

  • This medicine may make your child dizzy or shaky. Do not let your child do anything that could be dangerous until you see how this medicine affects them. 
  • It is important that patients tell the care team if they are sexually active, pregnant, or breastfeeding.  

Giving albuterol at home

Follow all instructions that come with the medicine and your specific device. 

Inhaler:  

  • If instructed, use a spacer device with the inhaler to make sure the whole dose is given.  
  • When you get a new inhaler, you may have to prime it before the first use.  To prime the inhaler, remove the cap and press down on the canister 1-2 times into the air. If you see medicine exit the device, it is now primed. 
  • Remove the cap from the mouthpiece and shake the inhaler well.  
  • Hold the inhaler upright, between the thumb and first 2 fingers.  
  • Breathe out fully through the mouth.  
  • Put the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips around it.  
  • Slowly breathe in through your mouth while pressing down on the canister to give the medicine.  
  • Hold your breath for about 10 seconds and then breathe out slowly.  
  • If more than 1 inhalation makes up the dose, wait 1 minute between each inhalation. 
  •  Replace the cap. 

Nebulizer (liquid to inhale): 

  • Add the prescribed dose of liquid medicine solution to the nebulizer medicine cup.  
  • Connect the cup to the mouthpiece or mask and to the tubing or air source.  
  • Sit upright and place the mouthpiece in the mouth with lips closed around it (or place the mask over the nose and mouth).  
  • Turn on the nebulizer machine. Breathe normally until the mist stops.  
  • Turn off the machine, then rinse your mouth if instructed.  
  • Clean and let the parts air-dry after each use. 

General instructions 

  • In case of a missed dose, give the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is near the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not give 2 doses at the same time. 
  • Store at room temperature. Protect inhaler products from cold and heat. 
  • For inhaler products, check the dose counter for the number of doses remaining. 

Learn more about albuterol

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Always check the medication label. Many medicines look the same. Do not take any new medicine, including over-the counter medicines or supplements, without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to do in the case of a missed dose, allergic reaction, or medical emergency. 

This information is not intended to be a complete guide and is not a substitute for talking with your provider. Medicine names, appearance, formulas, or availability may vary by clinic location. Always follow the instructions given by your care team.

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Reviewed: October 2026