Albuterol Sulfate Flashcards
Drug classification
Bronchodilator
Trade name (2)
Proventil, ventolin
Actions (2)
- relaxes bronchial smooth muscle by stimulating beta-2 receptors resulting in bronchodilation
- reduces airway resistance by bronchodilation
Indication (2)
1. bronchospasm caused by (6) Acute asthma COPD/Chronic Bronchitis Toxic gas inhalation Near drowning Drug overdose Pulmonary edema
- Crush syndrome
Suspected hyperkalemia
Crush/entrapment more than 4 hours
Contraindications
Not significant in INDICATION listed above
Adverse effects - cardiovascular (2)
Tachycardia
Hypertension
Adverse effects - gastrointestinal
Nausea
Adverse effects - neurological (4)
Tremors
Nervousness
Headache
Dizziness
Adverse effects - respiratory (2)
Cough
Wheezing
Administration - bronchospasm
5mg inhalation by hand-held nebulizer
Over 5-15 min
May repeat as many times as needed
Administration - crush syndrome
5mg inhalation - continuous by hand-held nebulizer
Pediatrics - 0-1yr.
2.5 mg inhalation by hand-held nebulizer over 5-15 min
May repeat as many times as needed
Pediatrics - over 1 yr.
Same as adult (respiratory or crush syndrome)
Onset
Within 5 minutes
Duration
4 - 6 hours
Precautions
Administer supplemental oxygen and monitor ECG rhythm, LOC, breath sounds and tidal volume
Rationale
May cause cardiac dysrhythmias especially in hypoxia patients - oxygen is administered with albuterol
Precaution
Do not use restraining straps on face mask
Rationale
Patient may retain CO2
Monitoring patient’s LOC and tidal volume may be impaired
Note
Use with caution in patients with heart disease, hypertension and tachy dysrhythmias
Signs of hyperkalemia in crush syndrome = peaked T waves, possibly absent P waves or widened QRS complexes
How supplied
2.5mg/3mL bottles or “bullets”
Reference #806
Bronchospasms/wheezing 5mg by HHN.
May repeat x 1 prn
Pediatric bronchospasm/wheezing
< 1 = 2.5
1 and > = 5mg
May repeat x 1 prn
