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Albuterol Coupon - Albuterol 3ml of 1.25mg/3ml vial

albuterol

Generic Accuneb
Used for Asthma, COPD
Used for Asthma, COPD

Albuterol nebulized solution is a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA). It treats sudden episodes of difficulty breathing in adults and children with breathing problems like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Albuterol nebulized solution is placed into a nebulizer, which is a machine that turns the solution into a mist that you can breathe in. Typically, the medication is used every 6 hours as needed to help with breathing. Side effects include shakiness, shortness of breath, and dizziness.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on April 11, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
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What is Albuterol nebulized solution?

What is Albuterol nebulized solution used for?

  • Rescue treatment of shortness of breath in adults and children with breathing problems (e.g., asthma, COPD)

How Albuterol nebulized solution works

Albuterol nebulized solution is a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA). It works by relaxing the muscles in your lungs to open up your airways. This makes it easier to breathe.

Are you looking for information on albuterol inhaler (ProAir, Ventolin, Proventil) or albuterol oral tablets or liquid instead?
When does Albuterol nebulized solution start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsAccuneb (brand name no longer available)
Drug ClassShort-acting beta-agonist (SABA)
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Albuterol nebulized solution?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

For the 2.5 mg/3 mL dosage strength:
  • Shakiness (20%)
  • Shortness of breath (bronchospasm, 8%)
  • Dizziness (7%)
  • Cough (4%)
  • Nausea (4%)
  • Nervousness (4%)
  • Headache (3%)

Other Side Effects

  • Fast heartbeat
  • High blood pressure
  • Trouble sleeping

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Allergic reaction: hives, swelling of your face or tongue, difficulty breathing
  • Sudden narrowing of your airways: difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest pain or tightness, cough
  • Heart problem: dizziness, fatigue, weakness, tremor, irregular heartbeat, worsening symptoms of heart problem you already have
When do Albuterol nebulized solution possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Shakiness or tremors
Nervousness
Risk for shortness of breath (bronchospasm)
Seek immediate medical care if you experience this side effect.
If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse

shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet

trembling or shaking of the hands or feet

Less common

Bladder pain

bloody or cloudy urine

chest discomfort or pain

chills

cough

cough producing mucus

diarrhea

difficult or labored breathing

difficulty with swallowing

dizziness

feeling of warmth

fever

frequent urge to urinate

hives, itching, or skin rash

hoarseness

loss of appetite

lower back or side pain

nausea

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest

runny nose

sore throat

stomach pain

swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin

tightness in the chest

unusual tiredness or weakness

Rare

Hives or welts

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals

noisy breathing

swelling of the mouth or throat

Incidence not known

Agitation

arm, back, or jaw pain

chest tightness or heaviness

confusion

decreased urine

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

drowsiness

dry mouth

extra heartbeat

fainting

flushed, dry skin

fruit-like breath odor

headache

increased hunger

increased thirst

increased urination

irritability

lightheadedness

muscle pain or cramps

nervousness

nightmares

numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips

pounding in the ears

rapid, deep breathing

restlessness

seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there

seizures

slow or fast heartbeat

stomach cramps

sweating

unexplained weight loss

unusual feeling of excitement

vomiting

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Body aches or pain

congestion

voice changes

Less common

Difficult, burning, or painful urination

earache

headache, severe and throbbing

muscle or bone pain

pain

redness or swelling in the ear

redness, swelling, or soreness of the tongue

sneezing

stuffy nose

swelling

tenderness

trouble in holding or releasing urine

trouble sleeping

Rare

Sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

Incidence not known

Bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste

change in taste

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

gagging

rough, scratchy sound to voice

sensation of spinning

tightness in the throat

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Albuterol nebulized solution

thumbs-up

Pros

Works well for relieving wheezing or shortness of breath

Can use for children as young as 2 years old (for the 0.63 mg/3 mL and 1.25 mg/3 mL strengths)

Generally safe to use while pregnant and breastfeeding

thumbs-down

Cons

Takes about 5 to 15 minutes to take the whole dose

Need to use with a nebulizer machine (portable, but needs to be plugged in to a power source); might not be ideal for someone who's on the go

Shouldn't be used often to manage breathing problems

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Albuterol nebulized solution

pharmacist

  • Albuterol nebulized solution is available in different dosage strengths: 0.63 mg/3 mL, 1.25 mg/3 mL, 2.5 mg/3 mL, and 2.5 mg/0.5 mL. Make sure you know which strength you have and what your dose is. Ask your pulmonologist or pharmacist if you're not sure.

    • Call your pulmonologist if your breathing gets worse or if it doesn't improve after you use albuterol nebulized solution. Also contact your pulmonologist if you're using the medication more often than usual. These could be signs that you need a change in your treatment plan to better manage your breathing problem.

      • Don't start any new medications while you're taking albuterol nebulized solution without asking your pulmonologist or pharmacist first. Your care team can help check that all your medications are safe to take together. Albuterol can interact with other medications, like beta blockers and certain water pills (diuretics). These interactions can either make your medications work less well or raise your risk for harmful side effects.

        Tips on how to use albuterol nebulized solution:

        • Carefully read the instructions on how to use albuterol nebulized solution with a nebulizer machine. Ask your pulmonologist or pharmacist if you have any questions about using the medication.

          • Keep the vials of albuterol nebulized solution in the original foil pouch and store at room temperature. After opening the pouch, keep any unused vials in the foil pouch to protect them from light.

            • Before you use a vial of albuterol nebulized solution, check the solution to make sure it's clear, colorless to light yellow. If it's discolored, throw the vial away and use a new one to be sure it's safe for you to use.

              • Sit upright in a comfortable position during your breathing treatment. Breathe as calmly, deeply, and evenly as possible through your mouth using the mouthpiece or face mask until there's no more mist coming out of the nebulizer.

                • Clean your nebulizer after each time you use it. This helps prevent lung infections that can happen if you use a nebulizer machine that isn't cleaned well.

                  faqs

                  Frequently asked questions about Albuterol nebulized solution

                  How long does it take albuterol nebulized solution to start working?
                  Albuterol nebulized solution starts to open up your airways and help you breathe easier within minutes after a dose. But the maximum effect of the medication can take up to 1 hour.
                  How long does albuterol nebulized solution last?
                  In clinical studies, albuterol nebulized solution helped most people breathe easier for about 3 to 4 hours. For some people, the effects of the medication lasted for up to 6 hours.
                  How long does an albuterol nebulized solution treatment last?
                  A typical treatment with albuterol nebulized solution lasts about 5 to 15 minutes. The treatment is complete when there isn't any more mist that comes out of the nebulizer.
                  Is albuterol nebulized solution a steroid?
                  No, albuterol nebulized solution isn't a steroid; it's a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA). Steroids and SABAs work differently to help you breathe easier. Steroids lessen inflammation and swelling in the lungs over time. On the other hand, SABAs work quickly to relax the muscles in your lungs and open up the airways. Your pulmonologist might prescribe an inhaled steroid for you to use along with albuterol nebulized solution. The inhaled steroid is typically used every day to help keep your airways open in the long-run, and albuterol nebulized solution is only used as a rescue medication to treat sudden trouble breathing.
                  Does albuterol nebulized solution help with cough?
                  Albuterol nebulized solution can help with a cough that's a symptom of a breathing problem like asthma or COPD. But albuterol nebulized solution won't help with a cough from other causes, like the common cold or a respiratory infection. Ask your primary care provider about available treatment options if you don't have asthma or COPD and you have a cough.
                  How long do albuterol nebulized solution side effects last?
                  Most side effects of albuterol nebulized solution go away with time. These side effects include tremor (or shakiness), dizziness, and nervousness. Talk with your pulmonologist if these side effects don't seem to go away as you continue to use the medication. But contact your pulmonologist right away if your breathing gets worse or if you have chest tightness or shortness of breath after you use albuterol nebulized solution. You might need a different medication in this case. Talk with your pulmonologist if you have questions about a particular side effect of albuterol nebulized solution.
                  Does albuterol nebulized solution raise blood pressure?
                  It's possible for albuterol nebulized solution to raise your heart rate. Some people have also reported that albuterol nebulized solution caused changes to their blood pressure (either went up or went down). Because albuterol nebulized solution is inhaled, the medication isn't expected to raise your heart rate or change your blood pressure by a lot. But to be safe, it's always best to let your pulmonologist know if you have medical conditions like high blood pressure or heart rate problems (e.g., atrial fibrillation or AFib) before you start albuterol nebulized solution.
                  Is albuterol nebulized solution safe during pregnancy?
                  Yes, albuterol nebulized solution is considered safe to use during pregnancy. Your dose doesn't need to be adjusted while pregnant. Remember that it's not recommended to use albuterol nebulized solution more than what's prescribed because this raises your risk that more medication gets absorbed into your body. This can then raise your risk for side effects, which might affect your baby's health.
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                  What are the risks and warnings for Albuterol nebulized solution?

                  Albuterol nebulized solution can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                  risk-warning

                  Sudden difficulty breathing (bronchospasm)

                  Although rare, albuterol nebulized solution can sometimes cause a muscle spasm in your lungs. This is called bronchospasm. It can lead to difficulty breathing, wheezing, cough, and chest discomfort. Get medical help right away if you become short of breath after you use albuterol nebulized solution.

                  risk-warning

                  Heart problems

                  • Risk factors: High blood pressure | Heart failure | Heart rate or rhythm problems | Using more albuterol nebulized solution than recommended

                    Albuterol nebulized solution can cause changes in your blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rhythm. But these side effects are typically unlikely to happen if you're taking the recommended dose of albuterol nebulized solution. Your pulmonologist might ask you to regularly check your blood pressure and heart rate at home if you have high blood pressure or other heart problems.

                    Tell your pulmonologist if you have dizziness, fatigue, tremor, rapid heartbeat, or weakness after you use albuterol nebulized solution. These can be signs of blood pressure, heart rate, or heart rhythm changes.

                    Don't use albuterol nebulized solution more often than recommended. Let your healthcare team know if you find that you need to use albuterol nebulized solution more often. Your care team can see whether you need any changes to your treatment plan.

                    risk-warning

                    Low potassium in the blood

                    • Risk factors: Using albuterol nebulized solution too much

                      Albuterol nebulized solution can cause the potassium levels in your blood to drop too low. In most cases, this happens if you use more albuterol nebulized solution than recommended.

                      Drops in blood potassium levels are typically mild, and your levels should go back to usual with time. Sometimes, low potassium can cause tiredness, weakness, muscle cramps, a racing heart, and a "pins and needles" feeling in your hands and feet. Tell your pulmonologist if you have any of these symptoms while you're using albuterol nebulized solution.

                      In addition, let your pulmonologist know if you need to use albuterol nebulized solution more often than instructed. Your treatment plan might need to be adjusted to better control your symptoms.

                      risk-warning

                      Allergic reactions

                      Allergic reactions to albuterol nebulized solution are possible. These reactions can include facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis (closing of the throat), and they can be life-threatening. Get medical attention right away if you notice hives, rash, red skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after you use albuterol nebulized solution.

                      dosage

                      Albuterol nebulized solution dosage forms

                      Typical dosing for Albuterol nebulized solution

                      In general, the typical starting dose is 1 vial inhaled through mouth by nebulization 3 to 4 times per day as needed for wheezing or shortness of breath.

                      Each vial contains either 0.63 mg, 1.25 mg, or 2.5 mg of albuterol, depending on the dosage strength you need. Your pulmonologist will determine your dose based on your age, weight, and the severity of your breathing problem.

                      interactions

                      Interactions between Albuterol nebulized solution and other drugs

                      Albuterol nebulized solution may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Albuterol nebulized solution. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                      alternatives

                      What are alternatives to Albuterol nebulized solution?

                      There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Albuterol nebulized solution. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                      Albuterol nebulized solution
                      Used for:

                      • Rescue treatment of shortness of breath in adults and children with breathing problems (e.g., asthma, COPD)

                      $12.91 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA)
                      Used for:

                      • Treatment or prevention of wheezing or tightening of airways in people with certain types of lung problems (e.g., asthma)

                      $58.16 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      Albuterol
                      Used for:

                      • Treatment or prevention of wheezing or tightening of airways in people ages 4 years and older with certain types of lung problems (e.g., asthma)

                      • Prevention of exercise-induced asthma in people ages 4 years and older

                      $28.23 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      latest news

                      What is the latest news about Albuterol nebulized solution?

                      Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) refers to asthma symptoms that occur during or after exercise. Learn why this happens and how to treat it.

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                      Albuterol and Symbicort can both treat asthma and COPD, but they’re used slightly differently. Read on to learn more about these medications and your options for a rescue inhaler.

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                      Albuterol can be inhaled 4 to 6 times daily, as needed. Children and adults are typically prescribed similar albuterol dosages.

                      Albuterol Dosages for Kids and Adults: Your GoodRx Guide

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                      images

                      Albuterol nebulized solution images

                      This medicine is Colorless Vial.
                      This medicine is Colorless Vial.
                      This medicine is Colorless Vial.
                      colorless - Albuterol Sulfate 1.25mg / 3ml Solution for Inhalation
                      This medicine is Colorless Vial.colorless - Albuterol Sulfate 1.25mg / 3ml Solution for Inhalation
                      This medicine is Colorless Vial.
                      This medicine is Colorless Vial.

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                      References

                      Best studies we found

                      Alvarez, D. (2023). Albuterol: Safe use, expiration, and side effects. Poison Control: National Capital Poison Center.

                      American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. (n.d.). Bronchospasm defined.

                      American Thoracic Society. (2020). Nebulizer breathing treatments at home.

                      View All References (4)

                      Chartwell RX, LLC. (2024). Albuterol sulfate solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

                      Chartwell RX, LLC. (2024). Albuterol sulfate solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

                      Chartwell RX, LLC. (2024). Albuterol sulfate solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

                      Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). (2023). Albuterol. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

                      GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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