Physician Info > Scientific Background
Albuterol is the most commonly used short-acting β2-antagonist (SABA) in the world. It has been used to treat the symptoms of asthma and COPD for more than 30 years and its efficacy has been well established in both clinical trials and clinical practice.
Albuterol works by quickly relaxing the smooth muscle of the airways, from the trachea to the terminal bronchioles. It acts as a functional antagonist, relaxing the airways and increasing air flow to the lungs. Because of the rapid relief it provides, albuterol has become an essential component of asthma therapy in concordance with national asthma guidelines. All asthma patients should have access to albuterol rescue medication. Albuterol is available in several forms. It is most commonly delivered by inhalation nebulizers or via metered-dose inhalers.
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to hydrofluoralkane-134a (HFA) albuterol. J Asthma. 1999;36(1):107-114.
Lumry W, Noveck R, Weinstein S, et al. Switching from Ventolin CFC to Ventolin HFA is well tolerated and effective in
patients with asthma. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2001;86(3):297-303.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Asthma Education and Prevention Program. Expert Panel Report 3:
Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma. 2007. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/asthma.
Accessed November 21, 2008.
ProAir HFA (albuterol sulfate) Inhalation Aerosol [package insert]. Horsham, PA: Teva Specialty Pharmaceuticals; 2008.
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