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

Demand for albuterol and heparin is likely to rise across most or all age groups, while demand for donepezil will rise among adults ages 55 and older. — Adriel Bettelheim, Axios, 8 Oct. 2024

Inhalers often contain albuterol, a bronchodilator that relaxes the muscles and opens up the airway. — Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 22 Apr. 2026

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

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