Rescue Inhalers: Short Acting Beta-2 Agonists Flashcards
What do inhaled short acting β2 agonists do?
Increase cAMP and antagonize bronchoconstriction, leading to smooth muscle relaxation to reverse and improve airflow
What are the four brand names for albuterol HFA?
- ProAir
- ProAir Respiclick
- Ventolin
- Proventil
ProAir, Ventolin, and Proventil are what type of inhaler?
Metered dose inhaler (MDI)
ProAir Respiclick is what type of inhaler?
Aerosol powder inhaler
What age populations can albuterol be used in?
Children and adults
What adverse effects are associated with all albuterol inhalers?
- Tachycardia
- Tremor
- Hypokalemia
- Irritability
Chronic use (>2 times per day) of an albuterol inhaler indicates what?
Poor asthma control
Give two clinical pearls for albuterol.
- You may mix albuterol nebulizer solution with cromolyn sodium, budesonide inhalant suspension, or ipratropium solution.
- In mild to moderate exacerbations, MDI with a valved holding chamber is as effective as nebulized therapy with appropriate administration technique and coaching.
Standard (non-HFA) albuterol is available in what form?
Nebulizer solution
What is the brand name for levalbuterol HFA?
Xopenex
Xopenex is what type of inhaler?
Metered dose inhaler (MDI)
What populations can levalbuterol be used in?
Children and adults
What adverse effects are associated with levalbuterol?
- Tachycardia
- Tremor
- Hypokalemia
- Irritability
Levalbuterol is reserved for what patient population?
Those who do not respond to albuterol for quick relief
Give three clinical pearls for levalbuterol.
- Nebulizer solution is compatible with budesonide inhalant suspension
- Levalbuterol administered in half the mg dose of albuterol provides comparable efficacy and safety
- Levalbuterol has NOT been evaluated by continuous nebulization
