Last reviewed · How we verify
albuterol inhalation powder
Albuterol is a beta-2 adrenergic agonist that binds to beta-2 receptors on airway smooth muscle, causing relaxation and bronchodilation.
Albuterol is a beta-2 adrenergic agonist that binds to beta-2 receptors on airway smooth muscle, causing relaxation and bronchodilation. Used for Acute bronchospasm relief in asthma, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) maintenance and acute symptom relief.
At a glance
| Generic name | albuterol inhalation powder |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Ventolin, RS-albuterol |
| Sponsor | Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. |
| Drug class | Beta-2 adrenergic agonist (short-acting bronchodilator) |
| Target | Beta-2 adrenergic receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Respiratory |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Albuterol activates beta-2 adrenergic receptors on bronchial smooth muscle cells, triggering a cascade that increases intracellular cAMP levels. This leads to smooth muscle relaxation and airway dilation, rapidly relieving bronchoconstriction. The inhalation powder formulation delivers the drug directly to the lungs for quick onset of action.
Approved indications
- Acute bronchospasm relief in asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) maintenance and acute symptom relief
Common side effects
- Tremor
- Headache
- Nervousness
- Palpitations
- Muscle cramps
- Tachycardia
Key clinical trials
- A Study to Test if a Fixed-Dose Combination of Fluticasone Propionate/Albuterol Sulfate is Effective in Preventing Asthma Exacerbations (PHASE3)
- A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial on Efficacy and Safety of Fluticasone Propionate/Albuterol Sulfate Combination in Participants 12 Years and Older With Asthma (PHASE3)
- A 12-Week Treatment Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Albuterol Multidose Dry Powder Inhaler With Integrated Electronic Module Digital System (eMDPI DS) in Participants13 Years or Older With Asthma (PHASE4)
- Anti-Inflammatory Reliever South Africa (PHASE3)
- ED-Initiated School-based Asthma Medication Supervision (PHASE4)
- Efficacy and Safety of Inhaled AZD1402 Administered for Four Weeks in Adults With Asthma on Medium-to-High Dose Inhaled Corticosteroids (PHASE2)
- Pharmacokinetic Profile and Safety of Fluticasone Propionate and Albuterol Sulfate in Combination When Compared to Fluticasone Propionate Multidose Dry Powder Inhaler (Fp MDPI) in Children Aged 4 to 11 Years Old (PHASE1)
- Treating Exacerbations of Asthma With Oral Montelukast in Children (PHASE2)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- albuterol inhalation powder CI brief — competitive landscape report
- albuterol inhalation powder updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. portfolio CI