Albuterol, salbutamol, Ventolin, ProAir, Proventil, Asthalin, Aerolin and Ventorlin are all names of the same beta 2 adrenergic agonist medication. It is used to relieve bronchospasm in people suffering from asthma, chronic bronchitis or some other chronic pulmonary diseases.
How does Albuterol Work?
The most common problem these patients have is the breathing difficulty. Frequently, they also complain about the wheezing and other strange sound while breathing and some discomfort and chest tightness. Albuterol is proven to be very efficient in solving all these breathing problems in a very short amount of time, almost immediately. This medication works as the bronchodilator, widening the airways and enabling the normal flow of oxygen to the lungs. It also relaxes the muscles around the airways, preventing automatic bronchial contraction.
In What Doses is Albuterol Used
This medication is available as liquid, and in the forms of tablets, inhalers and nebulizers. The dosage of Albuterol depends on the form of the drug and also on the age of the patient needing it.
For children from 6 to 13 years, most doctors recommend the dose of 8mg per day. Usually, there are 2 tablets a day – one taken in the morning (4mg) and the other in the evening (also 4mg). Sometimes, the treatment could start with 2mg tablets, given several times a day. Serious cases might also be treated with tablets of 8mg, given twice a day. Liquid Albuterol is usually dosed as one teaspoon, 3 or 4 times per day.
Adults (and children over 13 years) are mainly treated with 8mg tablets, two times per day. The dose might be doubled, if the doctor found your condition to be very serious. Liquid doses for adults and children older than 15 years can be the same as children doses, but might also be increased up to 2 teaspoons, 3 to 4 times a day.
Albuterol Abuse
Albuterol is also used by people trying to lose some weight. This use is not advised by doctors, nor approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Still, Albuterol is proved to increase the rate of metabolism, helping people lose some extra pounds and many people use it for this purpose. Abuse of large doses of Albuterol has been the self-prescribed treatment for some trying to lose weight. These people should be aware of the potential risks, which include the hypertension, stroke and heart attack.
Albuterol abuse must be avoided, and these patients should be instructed to try some other methods for weight loss. Increased physical activity and healthy diet are much safer approach to the weight loss than abuse of medications.
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