albuterol

noun

al·​bu·​te·​rol al-ˈbyü-tə-ˌrȯl How to pronounce albuterol (audio)
-ˌrōl
: a drug C13H21NO3 used to treat asthma as an aerosol or as the sulfate in tablet form

Examples of albuterol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An example is albuterol (sold under brand names like ProAir and Ventolin).12 Long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs): These drugs help reduce or prevent airway inflammation for up to 12 hours. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 10 July 2025 The overuse of asthma medication like albuterol can result in a higher frequency, severity and impact of symptoms, according to a study from the National Library of Medicine. Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Mar. 2025 The list covers common prescriptions like penicillin, metformin, lithium and albuterol asthma inhalers. Maya Goldman, Axios, 9 Oct. 2024 Worsening bronchospasm when first using albuterol Low blood potassium level Serious heart problems Serious allergic reaction Albuterol and Pregnancy There aren't enough studies of albuterol use during pregnancy to determine whether taking albuterol while pregnant is safe. Rosanna Sutherby, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 4 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for albuterol

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from salicyl (radical of salicylic acid) + but(yl) + ter(tiary) entry 1 + -ol entry 1

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of albuterol was in 1972

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Cite this Entry

“Albuterol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/albuterol. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

albuterol

noun
al·​bu·​te·​rol al-ˈbyü-tə-ˌrȯl, -ˌrōl How to pronounce albuterol (audio)
: a beta-agonist bronchodilator that is administered in the form of its sulfate (C13H21NO3)2·H2SO4 as an inhalational aerosol or as a tablet to treat bronchospasm associated especially with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

called also salbutamol

see combivent, proventil, ventolin

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