Albuterol (Proventil)

Question 1

Class

Answer 1

Sympathomimetic

Bronchodilator

Beta-2 agonist

Question 2

Description

Answer 2

Sympathomimetic that is beta-2 adrenergic receptors selective

Relaxes smooth muscles
(stimulates adrenergic receptors of the sympathetic nervous system)

Question 3

Onset & Duration

Answer 3

Onset: 5-8 minutes after inhalation

Duration: 2-6 hours after inhalation

Question 4

Indications

Answer 4

Bronchospasm relief in PTs w/ reversible obstructive airway disease

Exercise-induced Bronchospasm prevention

Anaphylaxis

Hyperkalemia

Question 5

Contraindications

Answer 5

Prior hypersensitivity reaction to Albuterol or lev-Albuterol

Cardiac dysthymias associated w/ tachycardia (precaution)

Question 6

Adverse Reactions

Answer 6

Usually dose-relate

Restlessness, apprehension

Dizziness

Palpitations, tachycardia

Dysthymias

Tremors

Question 7

Drug Interactions

Answer 7

Other Sympathomimetics may exacerbate adverse cardiovascular effects

Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors & tricyclic antidepressants may potentiate effects on the vasculature (vasodilation)

Beta blockers may antagonize

May potentiate diuretic-induced hypokalemia

Question 8

How supplied

Answer 8

Metered-dose inhaler (MDI): 90 mcg/metered spray (17-g canister w/ 200 inhalations)

Solution for aerosolization:
0.5% (5mg/mL); 0.083% (2.5 mg) in 3-mL unit dose/nebulizer

Question 9

Dosage & Administration (Adult)

Answer 9

Bronchial asthma/allergy-induced Bronchospasm/hyperkalemia

Solution: 2.5-5 mg (0.5-1 mL of 0.5% solution) diluted to 3ml w/ 0.9% NS (0.083% solution); administer over 5-15 minutes; 3-4x /d by nebulizer

MDI: 1-2 inhalations (90-180 mcg) q 4-6 hours (wait 5 minutes between inhalations); max 12 inhalations/d

Note: In settings of severe asthma exacerbation, 6 inhalations or 5 mg in 2.5-3 mL is indicated

Question 10

Dosage & Administration (Pediatric)

Answer 10

Solution: 0.1-0.2 mg/kg per dose diluted in 2 mL of 0.9% NS; may be repeated q 20 minutes.

Nebulized: <44 lbs (20 kg): 2.5 mg/dose (inhalation)
>44 lbs (20 kg): 5 mg/dose (inhalation)

MDI: 4-8 puffs (inhalation) prn, w/ spacer if not intubated

Note: use of MDIs w/out a spacer is essentially ineffective

Question 11

Special Considerations

Answer 11

Pregnancy safety: Category C

Albuterol may precipitate angina pectoris & dysthymias

Albuterol should be used w/ caution in pts w/ diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, prostatic hypertrophy, seizure disorder, or cardiovascular disorder