Albuterol (Salbutamol)

Question 1

Albuterol (Salbutamol) Class

Answer 1

Short-acting beta-2 agonist; bronchodilator

Question 2

Albuterol (Salbutamol) MOA

Answer 2

Binds to beta-2 adrenergic receptors which cause stimulators G protein to activate cAMP. cAMP causes smooth muscle relaxation (thought to be d/t decrease in Ca release & alterations in membrane potentials)

Question 3

Albuterol (Salbutamol) dosage

Answer 3

MDI: 100mcg/puff; 2 puffs over 1-5 min apart q 4-6 hrs
MAX: 16-20 puffs

Nebulizer: 2.5-5mg q 15 min for 3-4 doses

Intubation inhaled: 4 puffs (blunts tracheal responses of tracheal intubation in asthmatic pts)

Question 4

Albuterol (Salbutamol) characteristics

Answer 4

O: within minutes

P: 30-60 min

D: 4 hrs

Question 5

Albuterol (Salbutamol) E/M

Answer 5

Liver

Question 6

Albuterol (Salbutamol) considerations

Answer 6

Leads to tachycardia & tremors

Can cause hypokalemia, hyperglycemia, lactic acidosis, & hypomagnesemia w/ large doses

Tolerance: Downregulation of B2 receptors, decreased tremors & tachycardia
Withdrawal: transient bronchial hyperresponsiveness