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Class
Sympathomimetic, bronchodilator
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Mechanism of Action
Selective beta-2 agonist that stimulates adrenergic receptors of the sympathomimetic nervous system resulting in smooth muscle relaxation in the bronchial tree and peripheral vasculature.
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Indications
Treatment of bronchospasm in patients with reversible obstructive airway disease (COPD,asthma). Prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm.
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Contraindications
Known prior hypersensitivity reactions to albuterol. Tachycardia arrhythmias, especially those caused by digitalis. Synergistic with other sympathomimetics.
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Adverse Reactions
Often dose-related and include restlessness, tremors, dizziness, palpitations, tachycardia, nervousness, peripheral vasodilation, nausea, vomiting, hyperglycemia, increased blood pressure, and paradoxical bronchospasm.
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Drug interactions
Tricyclic antidepressants may potentiate vasculature effects. Beta blockers are antagonistic. May potentiate hypokalemia caused by diuretics.
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How supplied
- Solution for aerosolization: 0.5% (5mg/ml).
- Metered dose inhaler: 90 mcg/metered spray (17-g canister with 200 inhalations).
- Syrup: 2 mg/5ml.
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Dosage and Administration
- Adult: Administer 2.5 mg. Dilute 0.5 ml of 0.5% solution for inhalation with 2.5 ml normal saline in nebulizer and administer over 10-15 minutes. MDI: 1-2 inhalations (90-180 mcg). Five minutes between inhalations.
- Pediatric: Administer solution of 0.01-0.03 ml (0.05-0.15 mg/kg/dose diluted in 2 ml of 0.09% normal saline. May repeat every 20 minutes three times.
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Duration of action
- Onset: in 5-15 minutes with
- Peak effect: in 30 minutes to 2 hours and
- Duration: of 3-4 hours.
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Special considerations
Pregnancy safety: Category C. Antagonized by beta blockers (eg, Inderal, Lopressor). May precipitate angina pectoris and arrhythmias. Should only be administered by inhalation methodology in prehospital management.
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