Class Sympathomimetic, bronchodilator

Description

ALBUTEROL is a sympathomimetic that is selective for beta2-adrenergic receptors. It relaxes smooth muscles of the bronchial tree and peripheral vasculature by stimulating adrenergic receptors of the sympathetic nervous system.

Onset & Duration

Onset: 5-15 min after inhalation; 30 min PO Duration: 3-4 hr after inhalation; 4-6 hr PO

Indications

Relief of bronchospasm in patients with reversible obstructive airway disease.

Prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm

Contraindications

Prior hypersensitivity reaction to ALBUTEROL. Cardiac dysrhythmias associated with tachycardia caused by digitalis intoxication.

Adverse Reactions

Usually dose related Restlessness, apprehension Dizziness. Palpitations. Increase in blood pressure. Dysrhythmias. Increased hypoxemia

Drug Interactions

Sympathomimetics may exacerbate adverse cardio-vascular effects. Antidepressants may potentiate the effects on the vasculature. Beta blockers may antagonize ALBUTEROL may potentiate diuretic- induced hypokalemia.

How Supplied

Syrup (as sulfate): 2 mg/5 ml Tablet (as sulfate): 2 and 4 mg Tablet/extended release (as sulfate): 4 mg MDI: 90 mcg/metered spray (17-g canister with 200 inhalations) Solution for aerosolization: 0.5% (5 mg/ml)

Dosage and Administration

Bronchial asthma Adult: TABLET: 2-4 mg tid-qid as tab (maximum dose 8 mg qid) or 4-8mg q 12 hr extended release (maximum dose 16mg bid) MDI: 1-2 inhalations (90-180 mcg) q 4-6 hr (wait 5 min between inhalations) SOLUTION: 2.5 mg (0.5 ml of 0.5% solution) diluted to 3 ml with 0.9% NaCI (0.083% solution). Administer over 5-15min

Pediatric: SYRUP: 6-14 years - 2 mg, three to four times daily (maximum dose 24 mg/day) 2-6years - 0.1 mg/kg, three times daily (maximum dose 4 mg, three times a day)

SOLUTION: 0.01-0.03 ml (0.05-0.15 mg) /kg/dose to maximum of 0.50 ml/dose diluted in 2 ml of 0.9 NS; may be repeated q 20 min three times

Exercise-induced bronchospasm Adult: MDI: Two inhalations 15 minutes before exercise

Pediatric: Safety not documented

Special Considerations

Pregnancy safety: Category C. May precipitate angina pectoris and dysrhythmias. Should be used with caution in patients with diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, prostatic hypertrophy, or seizure disorder. In prehospital emergency care, ALBUTEROL should only be administered via inhalation