Shared Flashcard Set

Details

Albuterol
paramedic
11
Pharmacology
Professional
01/10/2013

Additional Pharmacology Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
Class
Definition
Sympathomimetic, bronchodilator, beta-2 agonist
Term
Mechanism of action
Definition
Selective beta-2 agonist that stimulates the adrenergic receptors of the sympathomimetic nervous system causing relaxation of the smooth muscle tissue in the bronchial tree and peripheral vasculature
Term
Indications
Definition
Treatment of bronchospasms in patients with reversible COPD and asthma.  Also used in prevention of bronchospasms in patients with exercise-induced asthma.
Term
Contraindications
Definition
Known history of hypersensitivity.  Tachycardia, dysrythmias especially when caused by digitalis.  Synergistic with other sympathomimetic medications.
Term
Adverse reactions/Side effects
Definition
Often dose-related and include headache, fatigue, lightheadedness, irritability, restlessness, aggressive behavior, pulmonary edema, hoarseness, nasal congestion, increased sputum, hypertension, tachycardia, dysrhythmias, angina pectoris, palpitations, nausea/vomiting, dry mouth, epigastric pain, and tremors.
Term
Drug interactions
Definition
Tricyclic antidepressants may potentiate vasculature effects.  Beta blockers are antagonistic and may block pulmonary effects.  May potentiate hypokalemia caused by diuretics.
Term
How supplied
Definition
Metered-dose inhaler:  90 ug/metered spray.  Solution for aerosolization:  0.5% (5mg/mL), 0.083% (2.5 mg) in 3-mL unit dose nebulizer. 
Term

Dosage and administration

Adult

 

Definition
Administer 2.5 mg.  Dilute in 0.5 mL of 0.5% solution for inhalation with 2.5 mL normal saline in nebulizer and aminister over 10-15 minutes.  Metered-dose inhaler:  1-2 inhalations (90-180 ug); wait 5 minutes between inhalations
Term

Dose and administration

Pediatrics

Definition
~20kg;  1.25 mg/dose via hand-held nebulizer or mask over 20 minutes.  Over 20 kg:  2.5 mg/dose via hand-held nebulizer or mask over 20 minutes.  Repeat once in 20 minutes.
Term
Duration of action
Definition

Onset:  5-15 minutes

Peak:  30 minutes to 2 hours

Duration:  3-4 hours

Term

Special considerations

 

Definition
Pregnancy safety:  Category C.  May precipitate angina pectoris and dysrythmias.  In prehospital emergency care, albuterol should be administered only via inhalation. 
Supporting users have an ad free experience!