Last reviewed 2026-04-23 · How we verify

Albuterol HFA-BOI

Albuterol is a beta-2 adrenergic agonist that stimulates beta-2 receptors on airway smooth muscle to cause bronchodilation and improve airflow.

Albuterol is a beta-2 adrenergic agonist that stimulates beta-2 receptors on airway smooth muscle to cause bronchodilation and improve airflow. Used for Asthma (acute bronchospasm relief and maintenance), Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (acute bronchospasm relief).

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Albuterol binds to and activates beta-2 adrenergic receptors on the smooth muscle of airways, triggering a cascade that increases intracellular cAMP and leads to smooth muscle relaxation and bronchodilation. The HFA (hydrofluoroalkane) formulation is a propellant-based metered-dose inhaler (MDI) delivery system. This mechanism provides rapid relief of bronchoconstriction and improved breathing in obstructive airway diseases.

Approved indications

• Asthma (acute bronchospasm relief and maintenance)
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (acute bronchospasm relief)

Common side effects

• Tremor
• Headache
• Nervousness/anxiety
• Palpitations
• Muscle cramps
• Tachycardia

Key clinical trials

• Comparative Effectiveness of a Breath-operated Albuterol Inhaler in Asthma Patients With Poor Inhaler Technique (PHASE2)
• Comparison of Two Bronchodilator Inhalers in Adolescents and Adults With Exercise-Induced Asthma (PHASE3)

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

• Albuterol HFA-BOI CI brief — competitive landscape report
• Albuterol HFA-BOI updates RSS · CI watch RSS
• Teva Branded Pharmaceutical Products R&D, Inc. portfolio CI