Albuterol

Question 1

What class is Albuterol?

Answer 1

Bronchodilator

(Sympathomimetic)

Question 2

What is albuterol’s action?

Answer 2

• Relaxes bronchial smooth muscles by stimulating beta-2 adregenic receptors.
• Produced bronchodilation, relieves bronchospasms, and reduces airway resistance.

Question 3

Albuterols onset, peak, and duration is what? Huh? Come on punk. Step it up. What’s your answer, dweeb?

Answer 3

Onset = 5 min
Peak = 1 hour
Duration = up to 5 hours

Question 4

What are the indications for albuterol?
Include appropriate dosage of medication.

Answer 4

Respiratory distress
- non cardiac (adult)
- with bronchospasm (pediatric)

Allergic Reaction/ Anaphylaxis
- anaphylaxis in airway

Burn patients
- Respiratory involvement/ distress with bronchospasm

Dose:

Adult- 6ml via nebulizer SO /MR SO
Pediatric - PDC via Nebulizer SO/ MR SO
_____________________________________

Hemodialysis Patient
-suspected hyperkalemia

Dose:
6 ml via Nebulizer continuously SO

Question 5

What are the contraindications of albuterol?

Answer 5

Adults:
None

Pediatric:
Avoid for croup/ Stridor (use Nebulized saline/ epi instead)

Question 6

What are the adverse effects (side effects) of albuterol?

Answer 6

• tachycardia
• dizziness
• headache
• tremors
• nervousness/ anxiety

Question 7

Albuterol packaging…

Answer 7

2.5 mg/ 3 ml unit dose
Concentration of 0.083%
Optional MDI (metered dose inhaler)

Question 8

Albuterol administration…

Answer 8

4-6 liters oxygen for handheld mouthpiece

6-10 liters oxygen for mask, CPAP, or ET Tube

Question 9

Cautions and considerations for Albuterol?

Answer 9

Use MDI if concerned for aerolized infection exposure

Consider HEPA filter with aerosol procedures for inline nebulizer

Question 10

Special info for Albuterol…

Answer 10

Use continuous nebulizer for hyperkalemia and respiratory distress

Ipratropium (atrovent) NOT used in hyperkalemia or burn patients

Decreases hyperkalemia with dialysis by facilitating potassium movement back in to cells