| Question |
Answer |
| GENERIC NAME |
Albuterol |
| BRAND NAME |
Proventil, ventolin |
| CLASS |
Sympathomimetic, bronchodilator |
| MECHANISM OF ACTION |
Selective beta 2 agonist that stimulates adrenergic receptors of the Sympathomimetic nervous system resulting in smooth muscle relaxation in the bronchial tree and peripheral vasculature. |
| INDICATIONS |
Treatment of bronchospasm in patients with reversible obstructive airway disease (COPD, Asthma). Prevention of exercise induced bronchospasm. |
| CONTRAINDICATIONS |
Known prior hypersensitivity reactions. Tachycardia, arrhythmias especially those caused by digitalis. Synergistic with other sympathomimetics. |
| ADVERSE REACTIONS |
Often dose related and include restlessness, tremors, dizziness, palpitations, tachycardia, nervousness, peripheral vasodilation, nausea, vomiting, hyperglycemia, increased BP, and paradoxical bronchospasm. |
| NOTES ON ADMINISTRATION |
Pregnancy safety category C. antagonized by beta blockers. May precipitate angina and arrhythmias. Should only be administered via inhalation in prehospital setting. |
| INCOMPATABILITIES/DRUG INTERACTIONS |
Tricyclic antidepressants may potentiate vasculature effects. Beta blockers are antagonistic. May potentiate Hypokalemia caused by diuretics. |
| DOSE/ROUTE Adult |
2.5mg. Over 10-15 minutes. MDI 1-2 inhalations with 5 minutes in between. |
| DOSE/ROUTE Pediatric |
administer solution of 0.05-0.15 mg/kg/dose. May repeat every 20 min. up to 3 doses. |
| ONSET OF ACTION |
5-15min. |
| PEAK EFFECTS |
30min-2hours |
| DURATION OF ACTION |
3-4 hours. |
| AZ DRUG BOX SUPPLY RANGE |
10mg |