Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist that is commonly used to treat bronchospasm and COPD. It acts on beta 2 adrenergic receptors in the smooth muscles of bronchioles and causes their relaxation. Plus, it inhibits the release of hypersensitivity mediators from mast cells and has very little effect on beta-1 adrenergic receptors.

Albuterol was first synthesized by the British Pharmaceutical Company, Allen and Henburys in the 1960s. In 1982, FDA approved it for the treatment of asthma in the United States. Albuterol also has an off-label use in adjuvant treatment of hyperkalemia. At Element Sarms, the option to purchase liquid albuterol is restricted to research and educational purposes.

From Pubchem

IUPAC Name:4-[2-(tert-butylamino)-1-hydroxyethyl]-2-(hydroxymethyl)phenol
Synonyms: Salbutamol, Proventil, Ventoline
Molecular Formula: C13H21NO3
Molecular Weight: 239.31 g/mol
CAS Number: 18559-94-9
PubChem CID: 2083

1. Albuterol and Bronchospasm

Albuterol is an approved medication for the treatment of bronchospasm induced by any cause, including allergy, asthma and exercise. It has a short duration of action and is used as a bronchodilator to alleviate asthma attacks. A recent study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of albuterol spray on hypoxia and bronchospasm in COPD patients under anaesthesia. Subjects were randomized to inhale two puffs of albuterol spray or two puffs of placebo spray 20 minutes before they were anesthetized, after the completion of surgery and before extubation. The result found that recurrent coughing and whopping was lower in the subjects who received albuterol compared to the control group after anaesthesia induction and extubation. Plus, there was a statistically significant difference in mean arterial oxygen saturation between the treatment and placebo group [1].

Furthermore, studies show that albuterol preparations containing benzalkonium (preservative) induce bronchospasm and are associated with poor outcomes. However, a cohort study of 266 pediatric subjects found that benzalkonium-containing albuterol is safe for nebulization in critically ill patients and is not associated with any poor outcomes [2].

2. Albuterol and Cystic Fibrosis

Albuterol is commonly used in the management of cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic disorder that primarily affects the respiratory system. In CF, there is increased production of mucus in the airways, which can obstruct the airway and lead to lung infections. Albuterol acts as a bronchodilator and relaxes smooth muscles in the bronchioles, causing the opening of airways and making it easier for patients with CF to breathe.

In a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized study, 24 hospitalized patients were treated with either albuterol inhalation aerosol or placebo aerosol along with chest physiotherapy. The researchers found that the percentage change in lung function across the day was higher in patients treated with albuterol compared to the placebo. Plus, a greater than 8% change in FEV1 was observed in 75% of the treatment group compared to only 24% in the control group [3].

3. Albuterol and Transient Tachypnea

Transient tachypnea (TTN), characterized by rapid and shallow breathing, is a common respiratory condition that affects newborn babies within the first few hours after birth. It develops as a result of delayed clearance of fluid present in fetal lungs. Research shows that beta 2 agonists can accelerate the clearance of fluid from alveoli and might prove beneficial in the management of transient tachypnea.

A study was conducted to check the efficacy and safety of salbutamol in transient tachypnea. 100 infants with TTN were randomized to receive either inhaled albuterol or an equal volume of normal saline. The researchers found that albuterol reduced the duration of respiratory support and hospital stay. Plus, the respiratory rate, FiO2 and TTN score were significantly lower in the treatment group as compared to the control group [4]. However, we need more studies to establish its safety and efficacy in TTN.

4. Albuterol and Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a group of inherited neuromuscular disorders characterized by the degeneration of motor neurons (nerve cells) in the spinal cord and brainstem. SMA is caused by mutations in the SMN1 gene that codes for a protein called survival motor neuron. This protein is important for regulating neuron function and survival.

Research shows that albuterol can enhance the expression of SMN transcript levels in patients with SMA [5]. Furthermore, its long-term use has been shown to increase the strength of inspiratory muscles and motor function in children with SMA [6].

5. Summary

Albuterol is a short-acting beta2 adrenergic agonist that is approved for the treatment of bronchospasm caused by exercise, asthma or any other cause. It has also been used off-label for lowering blood potassium levels. Research shows that it might be beneficial for the management of spinal muscular atrophy and tachypnea. However, we need more studies to confirm these results. At Element Sarms, albuterol for sale is restricted to research and educational institutions. Only buy liquid albuterol if you are a qualified researcher.

1. Maddah, S.A. and A. Barzegari, The Effect of Albuterol Spray on Hypoxia and Bronchospasm in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) under General Anesthesia: A bouble-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial. Ethiop J Health Sci, 2023. 33(3): p. 491-498.
2. Al-Subu, A.M., et al., Effectiveness and Safety of Albuterol Solutions With and Without Benzalkonium Chloride. Respiratory Care, 2023. 68(6): p. 734-739.
3. Hordvik, N.L., et al., The effects of albuterol on the lung function of hospitalized patients with cystic fibrosis. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 1996. 154(1): p. 156-160.
4. Talaat, A.A., et al., Evaluation of inhaled beta-2 agonist in management of transient tachypnea of the newborn. Bulletin of the National Research Centre, 2020. 44(1): p. 12.
5. Tiziano, F.D., et al., Salbutamol increases survival motor neuron (SMN) transcript levels in leucocytes of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patients: relevance for clinical trial design. J Med Genet, 2010. 47(12): p. 856-8.
6. Khirani, S., et al., Effect of Salbutamol on Respiratory Muscle Strength in Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Pediatr Neurol, 2017. 73: p. 78-87.e1.