albuterol (Ventolin®, Proventil®)
Sympathomimetic, bronchodilator
Primarily beta 2 -selective sympathomimetic. Relaxes smooth muscle of the bronchial tree and peripheral vasculature.
Activates cAMP via a non-beta receptor mechanism. For this reason, it is sometimes used in beta-blocker overdoses. It also activates the Na-K pump by the same mechanism which is useful in treating hyperkalemia.
5-15 minutes after inhalation
3-4 hours after inhalation
Relief of bronchospasm
Beta-blocker overdose
Hyperkalemia
Prior hypersensitivity reaction to albuterol
Cardiac dyshythmias associated with tachycardia
Usually dose related, restlessness, apprehension, dizziness, palpitations, increase in BP, dysrhythmia
As with all sympathomimetics, may exacerbate adverse cardiovascular effects.
Antidepressants may potentiate the effects on the vasculature.
Beta-blockers may antagonize albuterol.
Albuterol may potentiate diuretic-induced hypokalemia.
MDI: 90 mcg/metered spray (17g /200 inhalations)
Solutions for aerosolization: 0.5% (5mg/ml)
2.5 mg (0.5 ml of 0.5% solution) diluted to 3 ml with 0.9% saline solution. Administer over 5-15 minutes by nebulizer.
0.01 - 0.03 ml (0.05 - 0.15 mg)/kg/dose to maximum of 0.50 ml/dose diluted in 2 ml of 0.9% saline solution adminstered by nebulizer. May be repeated q 20 minutes X 3
May precipitate angina pectoris and dysthythmias. Should be used with caution in patients with diabetes, hyperthyroidism, prostatic hypertrophy or seizure disorder.
Should be administerd only by nebulizer in the field.