Albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin) Respiratory Medication

Question 1

Classification:

Answer 1

• Bronchodilator
• Beta agonist

Question 2

Action:

Answer 2

• Binds and stimulates beta2 receptors, resulting in relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle

Question 3

Indications:

Answer 3

• Asthma
• Bronchitis w/ bronchospasm
• COPD

Question 4

Adverse Effects:

Answer 4

• Hyperglycemia
• Hypokalemia
• Palpitations
• Sinus tachycardia
• Anxiety
• Nausea/ vomiting
• HTN
• Dyspepsia
• Headache
  -Epistaxis
• Paradoxical bronchospasm

Question 5

Contraindications:

Answer 5

• Angioedema
• Sensitivity to albuterol/ levalbuterol
• Use w/ caution in lactating Pts, cardiovascular disorders, cardiac arrhythmias

Question 6

Dosage Acute Bronchospasm (Adult):

Answer 6

• MDI: 4-8 puffs every 1 to 4 hours may be required
• Nebulizer: 2.5 to 5 mg every 20 mins for max of three doses. After initial three doses, escalate the dose or start continuous nebulization at 10-15 mg/hr

Question 7

Dosage Acute Bronchospasm (Pediatric)
MDI:

Answer 7

• MDI (4 years or older): 2 inhalations every 4-6 hours; in some Pts, 1 inhalation every 4 hours is sufficient
• MDI (Younger than 4 years): Administer by nebulization

Question 8

Dosage Acute Bronchospasm (Pediatric)
Nebulizer:

Answer 8

• Nebulizer Older than 12 years: Dose for continuous nebulization is 0.5 mg/kg/hr
• Nebulizer younger than 12 years: 0.63-2.5 mg every 20 mins for max of three doses.

Question 9

Dosage Asthma in Pregnancy:

Answer 9

• MDI: Two inhalations every 4 hours. In acute exacerbation, start with 2-4 puffs every 20 mins