Albuterol

Question 1

Action

Answer 1

• Relaxes bronchial smooth muscle by stimulating beta-2 adrenergic receptors.
• Produces bronchodilation, relieves bronchospasm, and reduces airway resistance.

Question 2

Onset

Answer 2

5 min

Question 3

Peak

Answer 3

1 hour

Question 4

Duration

Answer 4

Up to 5 hours

Question 5

Indications

Answer 5

Respiratory Distress (S-136, S-167)
-suspected Non Cardiac

Allergic Reaction/ Anaphylaxis (S-122, S-162)
-acute allergic reactions or anaphylaxis

Burns (S-124, S-170)
-respiratory distress with bronchospasm

Hemodialysis Patients (S-131)
-symptomatic, suspected hyperkalemia if >/= 72 hrs since last dialysis

Question 6

Dosage/Route

Answer 6

ADULT:
6ml (0.083%) via nebulizer, MR

PEDS:
PDC via nebulizer, MR

(Dialysis) ADULT:
-continuous 6ml (0.083%) via nebulizer, MR

Question 7

Contraindications

Answer 7

• None in ADULTS

* PEDS: for croup/ stridor (nebulized saline/ epinephrine is indicated)

Question 8

Side Effects

Answer 8

• Tachycardia/ palpitations
• Dizziness, headache
• Tremors, nervousness

Question 9

Special Information

Answer 9

(Concentration: 2.5mg/3ml or 0.083%)

1. Use with 4-6 lpm O2 for handheld mouthpiece
2. Use with 6-10 lpm O2 for aerosol mask, CPAP and ET tube routes of administration
3. Do NOT add Atrovent to Albuterol in respiratory burn patients or suspected hyperkalemia patients
4. Atrovent IS added to first dose of Albuterol in patients with respiratory distress of Non Cardiac origin and dyspnea from allergic reactions/ anaphylaxis
5. Continuous nebulized Albuterol is the goal of hyperkalmia and patients in respiratory distress
6. Decreases hyperkalemia associated with dialysis patients by facilitation the movement of potassium back into cells
7. Consider anaphylaxis if wheezing in the patient with pediatric distress, especially if no history of asthma

Question 10

Class

Answer 10

Brochodilator: Sympathomimetic (beta-2 specific)