Albuterol (also known as salbutamol) is a prescription drug which is It is used to treat asthma, including asthma attacks, exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

It is marketed under Brand Names ProAir, Ventolin, Proventil, or Aluberol HFA. Asthma is a long-term disease of lungs which causes inflammation and narrowing of airways that makes breathing difficult.

Albuterol belongs to a class of drugs known as bronchodilators. It works in the airways by opening breathing passages and relaxing muscles, allowing more air to flow into the lungs.

It is also known as a short-acting beta agonist (SABA) as the medication quickly relieves the patient of asthma symptoms by opening the airways.

Albuterol inhalers are preferred because:

• They have fast onset of action
• It opens bronchial tubes better than the pill form
• Causes fewer side effects

Albuterol starts its action within minutes after inhalation and is often prescribed  before exercise to prevent exercise-induced asthma. Albuterol can also be used in a nebulizer in the form of a liquid to treat an acute asthma attack at home.

The medication may cause side effects such as headache, nausea, and anxiety but usually the benefits of the medication outweigh the risk of side effects. Follow-up care is important for best treatment outcomes, so make sure to go to all appointments and call your doctor if you have a problem.

The inhaled form of albuterol comes as a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) and liquid for compressor-driven nebulizers.