Albuterol

Question 1

Drug Classification

Answer 1

Sympathomimetic / Sympathetic agonist (β2selective)

Question 2

Mechanism of Action

Answer 2

• Bronchospasm* β2agonist →promotes sympathetic stimulation of bronchial smooth muscle cells, reducing interaction between actin and myosin causing smooth muscle relaxation →bronchodilation
• Hyperkalemia* →potentiates sodium/potassium pump →promotes extracellular potassium uptake into cells

Question 3

Pharmacokinetics

Answer 3

Onset of Action = 5-15 minutes
Peak Effects = 1.0-1.5 hours
Duration of Effect = 3-6 hours
Half-Life < 3 hours

Question 4

Indications/Field Use

Answer 4

Asthma/COPD/RAD
Allergic reaction/Anaphylaxis
Moderate/Severe Hyperkalemia

Question 5

Contraindications

Answer 5

Symptomatic tachycardia

Question 6

Side effects/adverse reactions

Answer 6

Tachycardia, palpitations, dysrhythmias, chest pain, hypertension, sweating, dizziness, headache, nervousness, anxiety, tremor, nausea & vomiting

Question 7

Dose

Answer 7

Asthma/COPD/RADA/Anaphylaxis
A: 2.5mg nebulized with oxygen 8LPM q 5 min
P: same

Hyperkalemia
A: 2.5mg nebulized w/ oxygen 8LPM repeated continuously to max dose 20mg

P: not recommended

Question 8

Precautions

Answer 8

First 3 doses of albuterol should be given concurrently with ipratropium bromide for the treatment of asthma/COPD/RAD

May worsen cardiac asthma and precipitate dysrhythmias

Moderate/Severe hyperkalemia is characterized by wide QRS on ECG

In some preparations of albuterol, 2.5mg albuterol must be mixed with 2.5ml NS

Question 9

Drug Interactions

Answer 9

Side effects may increase with other sympathetic agonists

β blockers may blunt effects of this drug