How Does It Work?

Normally, air moves easily into and out of the lungs through a network of airways. However, during an asthma attack, the muscles around these airways tighten. This narrows the airways and makes it harder to breathe. This is called a bronchospasm.
 
Albuterol is part of a class of drugs called beta-adrenergic receptor agonists, or beta agonists for short.  Beta agonists stimulate beta receptors in the body, including those on the smooth muscle cells surrounding the airways. This stimulation causes the muscles to relax, which opens up the airways and allows more air to get into and through the lungs.
 
Albuterol also has some effects on decreasing the activity of mast cells in the lungs, which play an important role in inflammation and allergic reactions.

When and How to Take Albuterol

Some general considerations for when and how to take albuterol include the following:
 

• Some people take the medication on a regular schedule to prevent asthma attacks, while others take it only when they need it.  
• In general, albuterol should not be taken more often then every four hours. Let your healthcare provider know if you need to use it more frequently than prescribed, as this may be a sign that your asthma is worsening.  
• Make sure you know exactly how to take albuterol. Inhalers and nebulizers may be difficult to use at first.  
• For albuterol to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed.