albuterol

noun

al·​bu·​te·​rol al-ˈbyü-tə-ˌrȯl 

-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

Ethan received ibuprofen, steroids (prednisolone) and a breathing treatment with albuterol. —Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025

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

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

Medical Definition

albuterol

noun

al·​bu·​te·​rol al-ˈbyü-tə-ˌrȯl, -ˌrōl 

: 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