Albuterol

Question 0

Albuterol action

Answer 0

• Relaxes bronchial smooth muscles by stimulating beta-2 adrenergic receptors.
• produces bronchodilation, relieves bronchospasm, and reduces airway resistance.
• onset = 5 minutes,
• Peak = 1 hour
• duration = up to 5 hours

Question 1

Albuterol

Class

Answer 1

(Proventil, ventolin)

Class
Bronchodilator: sympathomimetic (beta-2 specific)

Question 2

Albuterol indications

Answer 2

• Respiratory distress (s-136, s-167)
- ? Non cardiac

• allergic reaction / anaphylaxis (s-122, s-162)
- acute allergic reactions or anaphylaxis

• burns (s-123, s-170)
- respiratory distress with bronchospasm

• hemodialysis patient (s-131)
- symptomatic, ? Hyperkalemia if >= 72 hours since last dialysis

Question 3

Albuterol contraindications

Answer 3

• none in adults

* croup in pediatric patients

Question 4

Albuterol side effects

Answer 4

• tachycardia / palpations
• dizziness, headaches
• tremors, nervousness

Question 5

albuterol special information

Answer 5

• use with 4-6 liters of O2 for handheld mouthpiece
• use with 6-10 liters of O2 for aerosol mask, CPAP and ET tubes routes of administration
• do not add atrovent to albuterol in respiratory burn patients and ? Hyperkalemia patients
• atrovent is added to first dose of albuterol in patients with respiratory distress of non-cardiac origin and dyspnea from allergic (severe) reactions/anaphylaxis.
• continuous nebulized albuterol is the goal for hyperkalemia and patients in respiratory distress.
• for suspected hyperkalemia patients: a 12 lead EKG should be obtained.
• decreases hyperkalemia associated with dialysis patients by facilitating the movement of potassium back into cells
• beta- blockers may reduce effectiveness.

Question 6

Albuterol dosage / route

Answer 6

Respiratory distress, allergic reaction, burns

Adult:
6ml (0.083%) via nebulizer MR
PEDS:
PDC via nebulizer MR

Hemodialysis
Adult:
Continuous 6ml (0.083%) via nebulizer MR