Name of

Drug
Generic
(Brand)

Albuterol
Salbutamol
Ventolin,

Classificati
on

Available
Forms

Autonomic
NS Agent,
Beta2
-selective
adrenergic
agonist
(Sympathomimetic),
Bronchodilat
or, Antiasthmatic.

Tablets:
2, 4 mg;
Extended
-release
Tablets:
4mg, 8mg;
Syrup:
2mg/5mL
Capsules
for
Inhalatio
n:
200mcg;
Sol. for
Inhalatio
n: 0.83%,
0.5%,
0.63mg/m
L,
1.25mg/3
mL

Mechanism
of Action

Specific
Indication

Binds to beta2adrenergic
receptors in
airway smooth
muscle, leading
to activation of
adenylcyclase &
increased levels
of cyclic-3', 5'adenosine
monophosphate
(cAMP).

Relief &
prevention of
bronchospasm
in patients w/
reversible
obstructive
airway disease
(chronic
asthma,
bronchitis)

Increases in
cAMP activate
kinases, w/c
inhibit the
phosphorylation
of myosin &
decrease
intracellular
calcium.
Decreased
intracellular
calcium relaxes
smooth muscle
airways.
Relaxation of
airway smooth
muscle w/
subsequent
bronchodilation

Inhalation:
Treatment of
acute attacks
of
bronchospasm
Prevention of
exerciseinduced
bronchospasm
Unlabeled
use: Adjunct
in treating
serious
hyperkalemia
in dialysis
patients;
seems to lower
potassium
concns when
inhaled by
patients on
hemodialysis.

Side
Effects/Adverse
Effects

CNS: Restlessness,
apprehension,
anxiety, fear, CNS
stimulation, tremor,
hyperkinesia,
insomnia,
drowsiness,
irritability,
weakness, vertigo,
headache,
nervousness,
convulsions,
hallucinations.
CV: Cardiac
arrhythmias, reflex
tachy/bradycardia,
palpitation, PVCs
(rare), anginal pain,
HPN, hypotension.
Derm: Sweating,
pallor, flushing.
GI: N&V, heartburn,
unusual or bad taste
in mouth
GU: Increased
incidence of
leiomyomas of uterus
when given in higher
than human doses in
preclinical studies.
Respi: Respi
difficulties, pulmonary
edema, cough,
bronchospasm,
paradoxical airway
resistance w/
repeated, excessive
use of inhalation
preparations.

Contraindication
s

Contraindicated w/
hypersensitivity to
albuterol; tachyarrhythmias,
tachycardia caused
by digitalis
intoxication; general
anesthesia w/
halogenated
hydrocarbons/
cyclopropane
(sensitize the
myocardium to
catecholamines);
unstable vasomotor
system disorders;
HPN; coronary
insufficiency, CAD;
Hx of CVA; COPD pts
w/ DHD.
Use cautiously w/
DM (large IV doses
can aggravate
diabetes &
ketoacidosis);
hyperthyroidism; Hx
of seizure disorders;
psychoneurotic
individuals; labor &
delivery (oral use
has delayed 2nd
stage of labor;
parenteral use can
accelerate fetal
heart beat & cause
hypoglycemia,
hypokalemia,
pulmonary edema in
the mother & hypoglycemia in the
neonate); lactation
the elderly (more
sensitive to CNS
effects).

Nursing Implications

BEFORE:
Assess lung sounds,
pulse, & BP before
administration & during
peak of medication.
Note amt, color, &
character of sputum
produced.
Monitor pulmonary
function tests before
initiating therapy &
periodically throughout
course to determine
effectiveness of
medication.
DURING:
Observe for paradoxical
bronchospasm
(wheezing). If condition
occurs, withhold
medication and notify
physician or other
health care professional
immediately.
Instruct mother to take
missed dose as soon as
remembered, spacing
remaining doses at
regular intervals. Do not
double doses or
increase the frequency
of doses.
AFTER:
Inform the mother not to
smoke near the child &
to avoid respiratory
irritants.
Advise the mother to
rinse the childs mouth
w/ water after each
inhalation dose to
minimize dry mouth.