Albuterol (Molecule of the Month for May 2003)
Ventolin, Proventil
Albuterol effect against asthma, which is a breathing problem involving widespread narrowing of the bronchial passages. Bronchial passages are the air ways that allow air to move in and out of the lungs. They can be restricted by mucus, by spasms in the surrounding muscles or by swelling of the passage lining. This narrowing leads to shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing and congestion.
Albuterol dilates the bronchial airways by relaxing the surrounding muscles. As well as treating asthma, albuterol is used for emphysema and chronic bronchitis when the symptoms are caused by airway obstruction.
Albuterol is available on prescription in the form of canisters of gas, or as syrup or tablets. When inhaled, Albuterol starts to work within 15 minutes and lasts for up to 6 hours
Formal Chemical Name (IUPAC)
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Albuterol structure
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Update by Karl Harrison
(Molecule of the Month for
May 2003
)
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