Albuterol Sulfate

Question 1

Albuterol- Name

Answer 1

Proventil

Ventolin

Question 2

Albuterol- Class

Answer 2

Sympathomimetic bronchodilator

Question 3

Albuterol- MoA

Answer 3

Relaxes the smooth muscles of the respiratory tract dilating the bronchioles to decrease airway resistance.

Reduces mucus secretion and inhibits histamine release from mast cells

Question 4

Albuterol- Indication

Answer 4

Bronchospasms/bronchoconstriction caused by:

ACT NAP

Acute Asthma

COPD

Toxic Gas Inhalation/OD

Near Drowning

Allergic reaction

Pulmonary Edema

Question 5

Albuterol- Contra

Answer 5

No absolute contraindications

Question 6

Albuterol- S/E

Answer 6

Cardiovascular: tachycardia, hypertension, palpitations

Respiratory: coughing, reflexive bronchospasm

CNS: tremors, anxiety, dizziness, headache

Question 7

Albuterol- Routes

Answer 7

Nebulized and inhaled: Handheld Nebulizer (HHN), Mask

Question 8

Albuterol- A. Doses

Answer 8

2.5 mg in 3.0 ml NS over 3-5 minutes

May repeat as needed

Question 9

Albuterol- P. Doses

Answer 9

2.5 mg in 3.0 ml NS over 3-5 minutes

May repeat as needed

Question 10

Albuterol- EXTRAs

Answer 10

Precautions: May not be appropriate for pulmonary edema caused by CHF due to the aggressive cardiovascular side effects adding additional stress to a heart that is already failing

Must monitor ECG rhythm throughout treatment due to cardiovascular side effects

Provide patient with oxygen prior to, during and after administration

Interactions: Use caution with patients taking MAO inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants as the cardiovascular effects may be potentiated.

Beta-Blocker medications and albuterol inhibit each other

Onset within 5 minutes and may last 4-6 hours

Albuterol lowers serum potassium levels.