albuterol
Albuterol is used to prevent and treat wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and coughing caused by lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; a group of diseases that affect the lungs and airways). Albuterol is in a class of medications called bronchodilators. It works by relaxing and opening the air passages to the lungs to make breathing easier.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking albuterol affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
According to the MotherToBaby fact sheet, it is not known whether albuterol can make it harder to get pregnant in humans. Animal studies have shown no effect on fertility. Any concerns about fertility and your medications are best discussed with your healthcare provider.
Does taking albuterol increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons, and the fact sheet states it is not known whether albuterol increases the chance for miscarriage. If you have questions about your individual situation, it is best to speak with your healthcare provider.
Does taking albuterol increase the risk of birth defects?
Every pregnancy begins with a 3–5% background chance of a birth defect. The fact sheet notes that, while data are limited, most studies do not suggest an increased chance of birth defects with inhaled albuterol; one study suggested a possible link with certain defects but could not rule out the influence of asthma itself. Because untreated asthma also carries risks, decisions about treatment should be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking albuterol during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
The fact sheet notes that high oral doses of albuterol (used to try to prevent preterm delivery) have been associated with temporary increases in maternal and fetal heart rate and a drop in maternal blood pressure, but these effects have not been shown with inhaled albuterol at prescribed doses. Frequent use of a rescue inhaler (more than two days per week) may signal that asthma is not well controlled, which is worth discussing with your healthcare provider.
Can taking albuterol during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
According to the fact sheet, it is not known whether albuterol can cause behavior or learning issues in the child. Any questions about long-term child development and your medications can be reviewed with your healthcare provider.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking albuterol?
The fact sheet states there have not been studies of people taking albuterol while breastfeeding, but inhaled albuterol is not thought to reach high enough levels in the bloodstream to pass into breast milk in large amounts. Inhaled bronchodilators are generally considered acceptable during breastfeeding, though individual questions should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Source: MotherToBaby Fact Sheet
albuterol