Albuterol

General

  • Type: Beta-2 agonist
  • Dosage Forms: aerosol inhaler, liquid nebulized form, PO
  • Common Trade Names: ProAir HFA, Proventil, Ventolin HFA, ReliOn Ventolin HFA, Accuneb

Adult Dosing

  • Mild Asthma/COPD - 90mcg/inh via inhalation aerosol q4hrs PRN wheezing
  • Mod/Severe Asthma/COPD exacerbation - 5mg Nebulized q15mins
  • Hyperkalemia (not-FDA approved) - 15-20mg Nebulized

Pediatric Dosing

  • Mild asthma exacerbation - 1-2 puffs of 90mcg/inh via inhaled aerosol q4hrs PRN wheezing
  • Mod/Severe asthma exacerbation - 2.5mg nebulized q20mins
  • Wheezing - 2.5mg nebulized q20mins

Special Populations

Contraindications

  • Allergy to class/drug
  • caution if ischemic heart disease
  • caution if hypertension
  • caution if arrhythmias
  • caution if hypokalemia
  • caution if diabetes mellitus
  • caution if seizure disorder
  • caution if hyperthyroidism
  • caution if pheochromocytoma
  • caution if pregnancy
  • caution if elderly patients

Adverse Reactions

Serious

  • hypersensitivity reactions
  • bronchospasm, paradoxical
  • hypertension
  • angina
  • MI
  • hypokalemia
  • arrhythmias

Common

  • tremor
  • nervousness
  • headache
  • nausea
  • tachycardia
  • muscle cramps
  • palpitations
  • insomnia
  • dizziness

Pharmacology

  • Half-life: 2.7-6h
  • Metabolism: liver, CYP450
  • Excretion: urine primarily, feces
  • Mechanism of Action: stimulates beta-2 adrenergic receptors, relaxing airway smooth muscle

See Also

References