Inhaled Short Acting B2 Agonists

Question 1

Mechanism of action

Answer 1

Increased cAMP, antagonizes bronchoconstriction –> smooth muscle relaxation (reverse obstruction and improve air flow)

Question 2

Albuterol HFA brand names

Answer 2

ProAir
Ventolin
Proventil
ProAir Respiclick

Question 3

ProAir, Ventolin, and Proventil dosage form

Answer 3

MDI

Question 4

ProAir Respiclick dosage form

Answer 4

Aerosol Powder Inhaler

Question 5

Albuterol HFA age range

Answer 5

All ages

Question 6

Albuterol HFA AE and Clinical Pearls

Answer 6

AE: Tachycardia, tremor, hypokalemia, irritability
Chronic use (>2 times per day) indicates poor asthma control
May mix nebulizer solution with cromolyn solution, budesonide inhalant suspension, or ipratropium solution
In mild to moderate exacerbations, MDI plus valved holding chamber is as effective as nebulized therapy with appropriate administration technique and coaching by trained personnel

Question 7

Albuterol dosage form

Answer 7

Nebulizer solution

Question 8

Albuterol age range

Answer 8

all ages

Question 9

Levalbuterol HFA brand name

Answer 9

Xopenex

Question 10

Levalbuterol HFA dosage form

Answer 10

MDI

Question 11

Levalbuterol HFA age range

Answer 11

All ages

Question 12

Levalbuterol HFA AE and Clinical Pearls

Answer 12

AE: Tachycardia, tremor, hypokalemia, irritability
Reserved for patients who do not respond to albuterol for quick relief
Nebulizer solution compatible with budesonide inhalant suspension
Levalbuterol administered in 1/2 the mg dose of albuterol provides comparable efficacy and safety
Has not been evaluated by continuous nebulization

Question 13

Levalbuterol dosage form

Answer 13

Nebulizer solution

Question 14

Levalbuterol age range

Answer 14

All ages