Why is albuterol prescription only

Smooth muscle spasms will cause wheezing as a person with asthma tries to push the air out of their lungs past these obstructions.

The lungs will also produce copious amounts of mucus, which will lead to clogging and swelling along the air passages. Another common lung disease that an albuterol treatment is used to medicate is COPD.

COPD is a condition most commonly caused by exposure to tobacco and other environmental pollutants. Exposure to pollutants and tobacco smoke causes inflammation of the airways. Inflamed airways produce excessive mucus and cause spasms of the smooth muscle lining the airways. Chronic inflammation, over time, can cause scarring which permanently alters the tubes leading into the lungs.

Prolonged exposure to tobacco smoke and pollution eventually causes extreme difficulty in breathing. Albuterol targets the bronchial smooth muscles of COPD sufferers, inducing relaxation of the smooth muscle which alleviates your symptoms. No, albuterol does not contain any steroids. It is a sympathomimetic bronchodilator and works to relax the muscles in the airway that tighten during an asthma attack.

Inhaled corticosteroids are another type of inhaler that contain steroids and are often used as a preventative treatment. Treatment of asthma and COPD can be complex and require using several medications in combination.

Breathing problems not only result in the loss of time from essential activities such as school, work, and exercise, but are also uncomfortable and can lead to medical complications. Medications like albuterol provide relief to those with lung problems, and the ease of ordering prescriptions and refills online makes getting relief fast and straightforward. Albuterol is delivered through an inhaler administered through the mouth. The process requires wrapping the lips around the device with your lips closed.

Deep breaths are steadily taken with each prescribed puff. The breath is held for 10 seconds to allow the medicine to work. Patients should feel relief immediately. Michele noted in her online column. It may seem strange to shake and spray the inhaler into the air each time before using it. Michele wrote. But the product has certain cautions. Making sure that patients can understand and apply the instructions for use was a critical consideration for the FDA.

The new product is only appropriate for those with a diagnosis of mild, intermittent asthma. Patients with more severe asthma should not rely on it. Instead, they should be working with their health care provider to ensure an appropriate treatment plan for their condition.

Before this approval, Amphastar had unsuccessfully brought the reformulated Primatene before FDA several times.

A quick Internet or Facebook search brings up dozens of stories from patients who say they effectively managed their mild to moderate asthma for years with Primatene.

Doctors are worried that people will stop using prescription inhalers to buy the cheaper Primatene product. Bradley Chipps. But it can cause sometimes dangerous side-effects, including fast heartbeat and raised blood pressure.

Patients with more severe asthma should not rely on it. Common side effects that are sometimes experienced while using albuterol include a rapid heart rate, palpitations, tremulousness and stomach discomfort. Anyone who has demonstrated hypersensitivity or an allergy to albuterol prescription medication should not use the medication. All questions and concerns that come up about using albuterol nebulizers or inhalers should be directed to one's pharmacist and licensed medical provider prior to use.

Albuterol - Medline. Last updated September 27, Please consult a licensed medical provider if you have additional questions. Please call immediately or go to the nearest emergency room if you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency. Log In. Albuterol Prescription Online Request albuterol online prescription Same day prescriptions available Convenient care from home Request Now ».