Does Albuterol help prevent or clean tar build-up on lungs?

[Dave Byrd]

Yeah Exactly! Albuterol is a steroid. There seems to be a common misconception that everything that comes in an inhaler is something like benzadrene (spelling is probably wrong but fuck it i'm lazy). You don't wanna fuck with Albuterol.

Not sure where you got your facts. Albuterol is not a steroid. Not by a long shot. It's a short-acting β2-adrenergic receptor agonist. It widens the airways by relaxing the muscles that cause bronchospasms.

True, it's not to be used lightly, but albuterol/salbutamol is great stuff for the people who need it for asthma or COPD. Don't get the idea that all people need to steer clear of albuterol. Millions of people need some form of that med to be able to breathe, as our inhalation therapist friend above can confirm.

Your recommendation for potssium iodide (SSKI) as an expectorant/decongestant is also inaccurate. SSKI is used for thyroid condiitons or prep for thyroid surgery. There are lots more effective medicines for mucus clearance.

[IanCurtisWishlist]

I stand corrected. The drug ending -ol confused me. Sorry I'm studying pre-pharmacy I'm definitely not as knowledgeable as you!

If I were a doctor I'd be sued for malpractice!

*takes a bow*

[IanCurtisWishlist]

As far as what you said about SSKI, a pharmacist friend of mine recommended this to me for clearing out mucous. I'm sure there are better things out there. see SSKI Drops facts and comparsions at Drugs.com

for further information

[Dave Byrd]

Your pharmacist friend probably knows SSKI's no longer a drug of choice for an expectorant anymore by now himself. Just because it isn't doesn't mean there aren't docs and resp techs still using it these days. Naturopaths and other loonies without any sense love to push the stuff, which people can get without a script at compounding pharmacies. That just confirms they don't read or stay up with the latest info. SSKI's risky for patients with heart conditions. Anyone who has a chest full of mucus is essentially putting some strain on his heart to begin with. It also has tons of other medicine interactions and troubling potential side effects. Now it's best left to the thyroid folks. To people who've got radiation exposure. To those who have a better reason to load themselves with potassium and iodine than crud in the lungs.
SSKI - Drugs & Vitamins - Drug Library - DrugDigest