Albuterol (Proventil)

Question 1

Class

Answer 1

Sympathomimetic, bronchodilator, beta-2 agonist

Question 2

Mechanism of action

Answer 2

Relaxes smooth muscles of the bronchiole tree and peripheral vasculature by stimulating adrenergic receptors of the sympathetic nervous system.

Question 3

Onset and duration

Answer 3

Onset: 5-8 minutes after inhalation
Duration: 2-6 hours after inhalation

Question 4

Indications

Answer 4

Relief of bronchospasm in patients with reversible obstructive airway disease
Prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm
Anaphylaxis
Hyperkalemia

Question 5

Contraindications

Answer 5

Prior hypersensitivity reaction to albuterol or levalbuterol

Cardiac dysrhythmias associated with tachycardia (precaution)

Question 6

Adverse reactions

Answer 6

Usually dose related
Restlessness, apprehension 
Dizziness 
Palpitations, tachycardia 
Dysrhythmias
Tremors

Question 7

Drug interactions

Answer 7

Other sympathomimetics may exacerbate adverse cardiovascular effects.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors and TCA’s may potentiate effects on vasculature
Beta blockers may agonize albuterol
Albuterol may potentiate diuretic-induced hypokalemia

Question 8

How supplied

Answer 8

Metered-dose inhaler (MDI): 90mcg/ metered spray

Solution for aerosolization: 0.5% (5mg/ml); 0.083% (2.5 mg) in 3 ml unit dose/nebulizer

Question 9

Dosage and administration-Adult

Answer 9

Solution: 2.5 -5mg (0.5-1ml of 0.5% solution) diluted to 3 ml with 0.9% NS (0.083% solution)/ administer over 5-15 minutes
MDI: 1-2 inhalations q 4-6 hours (wait 5 minutes between inhalation’s)

Question 10

Dosage and administration-pediatric

Answer 10

Solution: 0.1-0.2 mg/kg per dose diluted in 2ml 0.9% NS; may be repeated q 20 minutes
Nebulized: <44 pounds(20 kg): 2.5 mg/dose; >44 pounds 5 mg/dose
MDI: 4-8 puffs prn, with spacer if not intubated

Question 11

Special considerations

Answer 11

Pregnancy safety category C
Albuterol may precipitate angina pectoris and dysrhythmias.
Albuterol should be used with caution in patients with Diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, prostatic hypertrophy, seizure disorders, or cardiovascular disorders