Home Drug Guide Albuterol

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Albuterol

Brand Names Proventil, Ventolin

Classification

Therapeutic: Bronchodilator

Pharmacological: Beta-2 adrenergic agonist

FDA Approved Indications

  • Prevention and treatment of bronchospasm in conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Mechanism of Action

Albuterol stimulates beta-2 adrenergic receptors in airway smooth muscle, leading to relaxation of bronchial muscles and bronchodilation.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Inhalation aerosol: 90-180 mcg every 4-6 hours as needed.

Pediatric: Same as adult, dose adjusted based on age and severity of condition.

Geriatric: Similar to adult dosing, with consideration for comorbidities and functional status.

Renal Impairment: Use with caution; no specific dosage adjustment recommended.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; no specific dosage adjustment recommended.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Rapid absorption via inhalation.

Distribution: Distributed widely in the body, minimal serum protein binding.

Metabolism: Primarily hepatic via conjugation and oxidation.

Excretion: Renally excreted as metabolites.

Half Life: Approximately 3.8-6 hours.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to albuterol or other sympathomimetic agents.

Precautions

  • Use cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disorders, hypertension, or hyperthyroidism. Use during pregnancy and lactation only if clearly needed.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Tremor (Common)
  • Nervousness (Common)
  • Throat irritation (Common)
  • Cough (Common)
  • Palpitations (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Tachycardia (Uncommon)
  • Arrhythmias (Uncommon)
  • Hypokalemia (Uncommon)
  • Paradoxical bronchospasm (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • MAO inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants (may increase side effects)

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor respiratory status, lung sounds, and vital signs before and after use.

Diagnoses:

  • Ineffective airway clearance

Implementation: Administer via inhaler as prescribed, use spacer if recommended, educate patient on proper inhaler technique.

Evaluation: Assess improvement in respiratory symptoms and lung function.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Use inhaler as directed, do not overuse.
  • Rinse mouth after inhalation to reduce irritation.
  • Report side effects such as palpitations, tremors, or worsening symptoms.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • None specific to albuterol.

Genetic Factors: No known impact.

Lab Test Interference: May affect serum potassium levels, causing hypokalemia.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Severe tachycardia, hypokalemia, chest pain, tremors, agitation.

Treatment: Discontinue medication, provide supportive care, monitor cardiac status, administer potassium if hypokalemic.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F), away from heat and moisture.

Stability: Stable through expiration when stored properly.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.