NATIONAL
CALIFORNIA
VENTURA
category
mechanism
  • Relaxes bronchial smooth muscle by action on beta-2 receptors with little effect on heart rate.
  • Stimulates the Na+/K+ pump, leading to transport of potassium from the extracellular space into the cell.
indications
  • Bronchospasm: Treatment or prevention of bronchospasm in patients with reversible obstructive airway disease (eg, asthma).
  • Hyperkalemia: Treatment of hyperkalemia by shifting potassium into the intracellular space.
  • Crush Injury: Treatment of potential hyperkalemia due to crush injury from cellular damage causing release of intracellular potassium.
contraindications
  • Use with caution in patients with cardiac disease, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, glaucoma, and seizure disorder.
dosing

Adult

Nebulized: 5 mg

Inhaler: 4 inhalations (360 mcg)

Pediatrics

Nebulized: 2.5 mg

Inhaler: 2 inhalations (180 mcg)

administration
Nebulizer: adjust nebulizer flow to deliver dosage over 5 to 15 minutes; use a mask device if patient unable to hold mouthpiece in mouth for administration. Compatible with Atrovent in nebulizer.
Inhalers: Shake well before use; prime prior to first use, and whenever inhaler has not been used for > 2 weeks or when it has been dropped, by releasing 3 to 4 test sprays into the air.
onset

≤5 minutes

duration

3 to 6 hours

notes
  • Adrenergic Medications: Concurrent use with other adrenergic medications will result in increased adrenergic side effects (e.g. methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA, pseudoephedrine, Ritalin)
  • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors: Use with MAOIs may lead to hypertensive crisis (isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and selegiline)
  • Beta-blockers: Beta-blocking agents inhibit the effects of albuterol
dosage form
Nebulization Solution: 1.25 mg/3 mL (3 mL)
0.083% [2.5 mg/3 mL] (3 mL)
Inhalation: 90 mcg/actuation
brand name
ProAir, Proventil, Ventolin
adverse reactions
  • Respiratory
    • Paradoxical bronchospasm with an incidence in the literature ~ 4%
  • Cardiovascular
    • Mild tachycardia
    • Cardiac arrhythmias
  • Central Nervous System
    • Excitement
    • Nervousness
    • Tremor
    • Anxiety
    • Hyperactive behavior
    • Insomnia
structure
albuterol.svg molecular structure