Albuterol (Proventil®, Ventolin®)

Question 1

Albuterol - Class

Answer 1

Bronchodilator (Beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonist)

Question 2

Albuterol - Actions

Answer 2

Relaxes smooth muscles of the bronchial tree (relieves bronchospasm & decreases airway resistance)

Question 3

Albuterol - Indications

Answer 3

• Respiratory distress with bronchospasm (suspected asthma/COPD)
• Near drowning with bronchospasm (wheezing)
• Respiratory burns (for wheezing)
• Smoke, gas &/or toxic substance inhalation with bronchospasm (wheezing)
• Anaphylaxis in extremis (if wheezing persists after epi)
• Hyperkalemia
• Hyperkalemia secondary to rhabdomyolysis

Question 4

Albuterol - Dosage/Route

Answer 4

• 2.5 mg in 3 ml of NS via nebulized aerosol
• Administer 5 mg for severe distress
• May repeat or administer continuously prn

Question 5

Albuterol - Side Effects

Answer 5

• Tachycardia
• Hypertension
• Tremors, dizziness, headache
• Anxiety

Question 6

Albuterol - Contraindications

Answer 6

Known hypersensitivity to the drug

Question 7

Albuterol - Special Information

Answer 7

• Use with caution with hx cardiac/hypertensive pts
• Monitor the ECG during admin - causes minimal heart stimulation
• Unstable at temps > 77 degrees F
• Re-evaluate pt, including lung sounds & respiratory rate, to determine effectiveness
• O2 should be set at 6 liters min
• Can use aerosol mask
• Keep nebulizer upright to avoid spilling

Question 8

Albuterol - Pediatric Note

Answer 8

• Refer to Pediatric Drug Guide
• Respiratory Distress with bronchospasm:
  
  • For child weighing 20 kg or greater in severe distress; give albuterol 5 mg