What is Albuterol? What are its uses?
Albuterol is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as bronchodilators. More specifically, It is a selective beta2-agonist, which means it works by stimulating the beta-2 adrenergic receptor on the surface of cells, causing smooth muscles, such as those in your airways, to relax [1]. This relaxation of the airway muscles helps open the passages to the lungs, making breathing easier [2].
Albuterol is widely used in the prevention and treatment of reactive airway diseases. It is primarily used to prevent and treat difficulty breathing, wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness caused by lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [ 2, 3, 4].
In addition to this, Albuterol is also used to prevent breathing difficulties during exercise [2]. It is available in various forms, including an inhalation suspension, nebulizer solution, inhalation powder, immediate-release tablet, extended-release tablet, or oral syrup [3].
Side Effects of Albuterol
Common Side Effects: Common side effects of Albuterol occur in approximately 20% of users, including tremors and nervousness [1]. Other frequently reported side effects are insomnia, nausea, sore throat, dizziness, chest pain, headache, rapid heart rate, shakiness, and runny nose [1, 4].
Less Common Side Effects: Less common side effects include fever, vomiting, cough, dry mouth, chills, throat irritation, and muscle, back, or bone pain [1].
Severe Side Effects: Severe side effects of Albuterol occur rarely. These include irregular or rapid heart rate, pounding heartbeat, chest pain, rash, hives, itching, swelling of the face, mouth, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or legs, increased breathing difficulties, problems swallowing, and a hoarse voice [1, 5].
If you experience any of these severe side effects, seeking immediate medical assistance is crucial.
Expired Albuterol for nebulizer
Using expired Albuterol for a nebulizer may still be safe, but it comes with essential warnings. Albuterol inhalers typically expire one year after issuance, but their effectiveness can extend for several months beyond this date, depending on storage conditions. [6].
However, the medication's effectiveness may decrease after the expiration date. This is because not all medicines remain effective after expiration [6].
One of the risks of using expired Albuterol is the potential for bronchoconstriction caused by the preservative benzalkonium chloride (BAC) in the solution. This effect can accumulate and persist, often exceeding the bronchoconstriction threshold with repeated nebulization. [7].
In a reported case, a 17-year-old patient experienced persistent bronchospasm after receiving 32 mg of BAC via nebulization over 3.5 days. The patient's respiratory status and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) improved dramatically once the nebulization solution was switched to a BAC-free formulation.[7].
In conclusion, while it may be safe to use expired Albuterol, it's always best to consult a healthcare provider if there's any doubt. The potential risks associated with the preservatives in the solution and the possible decrease in the effectiveness of the medication after its expiration date should be considered.