Albuterol

Question 1

Brand names

Answer 1

Proair HFA, Proventil HFA, Salbutamol, Ventolin HFA

Question 2

Class

Answer 2

Bronchodilator, adrenegic

Question 3

Action

Answer 3

Binds to B2 adrenergic receptors in airway smooth muscle, activating adenyl cyclase, increasing cAMP, activating kinase, which inhibit phosphorylation of myosin & decreasing intracellular Ca+, relaxing smooth muscle in airways

Question 4

Therapeutic effect

Answer 4

Bronchodilation

Question 5

Adverse Reactions/SE

Answer 5

Chest pain, palpitations, nervousness, restlessness, tremors, paradox bronchospasm (excessive use)

Question 6

Contradictions/Precautions

Answer 6

Hypersensitivity, Cardiac disease, HTN, Hypothyroidism, DM, Glaucoma, Seizure disorder

Question 7

Route/Dosage

Answer 7

PO: 2-4 mg 3 to 4 times daily, not to exceed 32mg/day

Inhaln: (DPI/MDI) 2 inhalations every 4 to 6 hours

Inhaln: (nebulized) for acute exacerbation of asthma 2.5 - 5 mg every 20 minutes for 3 doses then 2.5 - 10 mg every 1 to 4 hours prn

Question 8

Nursing implementations

Answer 8

Assess pulse, blood pressure, and lung sounds before administration and during peak of medication, Monitor pulmonary function test before therapy, observe for paradoxical bronchospasm (withhold and notify MD)

Question 9

Interactions

Answer 9

Concurrent use with other adrenergic agents will increase SE, Use with MAO inhibitors may cause a hypertensive crisis, beta-blockers may negate the therapeutic effect, may decrease digoxin levels, tricycle antidepressants can increase cardiovascular effects, K+ losing diuretics can lead to hypokalemia

Question 10

Evaluation and Desired outcome

Answer 10

Prevention or relief of bronchospasm

Question 11

Patient/Family Teaching

Answer 11

• Take as directed, take missed dos3 ASAP, do not double dose
• Teach on use of inhaler and to prime before 1st use
• Use albuterol before any other inhaled meds and wait 5 minutes to elapse
• Notify MD if no response or if SOB not relived