Salbutamol

Other Names: Albuterol, Accuneb, Proventil HFA, Proair, Ventolin HFA.

Commonly Prescribed For: Salbutamol is generally prescribed for preventing and treating wheezing, chest tightness, and trouble breathing caused due to lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (diseases that generally affects lungs and air passages) and asthma. This medication can also be used for preventing breathing difficulties that occurs during exercise.

How to Take it: Salbutamol is available in the form of a solution to be inhaled via mouth through a nedulizer, an aerosol to be inhaled via mouth through an inhaler. This medication is used for every four to six hours. Use this medication as prescribed.

How it Works: Salbutamol belongs to a group of drugs known as bronchodilators. This medication works to relax and open the air passages towards the lungs in order to make breathing easier.

Some Side Effects: Common side effects include nervousness, back pain, headache, throat irritation, nausea, and cough. Some serious side effects include fast or irregular heartbeat, hoarseness, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, rash, increased difficulty breathing, hives, and inflammation of the face, lips, hands or lower legs, and itching.