Generic Name: Albuterol

Brand Name: Salbutamol, Proventil, Ventolin, Accuneb, airet, Novo-Salbutamol,

Proventil HFA, Gen-salbutamol, Ventodisk, Ventolin HFA, Volmax, VoSpira ER

Classification: Bronchodilator (therapeutic); adrenergics (pharmacologic)

Indications

1. To control and prevent reversible airway obstruction caused by asthma or

chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)

2. Quick relief for bronchospasm

3. For the prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm

4. Long-term control agent for patients with chronic or persistent bronchospasm

Mechanism of Action

It relieves nasal congestion and reversible bronchospasm by relaxing the smooth

muscles of the bronchioles. The relief from nasal congestion and bronchospasm is
made possible by the following mechanism that takes place when Salbutamol is
administered.

1. First, it binds to the beta2-adrenergic receptors in the airway of the smooth

muscle which then leads to the activation of the adenyl cyclase and increased levels
of cyclic- 3’5’-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP).

2. When cAMP increases, kinases are activated.

3. Kinases inhibit the phosphorylation of myosin and decrease intracellular

calcium.

4. Decreased in intracellular calcium will result to the relaxation of the smooth

muscle airways.
Contraindications

1. Hypersensitivity to adrenergic amines

2. Hypersensitivity to fluorocarbons

Precaution

1. Cardiac disease including coronary insufficiency, a history of stroke, coronary

artery disease and cardiac arrhythmias

2. Hypertension

3. Hyperthyroidism

4. Diabetes

5. Glaucoma

6. Geriatric patients – older individuals are at higher risk for adverse reactions and
may require lower dosage

7. Pregnancy especially near term

8. Lactation

9. Children less than 2 years of age because safety of its use has not been
established

10. Excess inhaler use which may lead to tolerance and paradoxical bronchospasm

Side Effects and Adverse Reactions

1. Nervousness

2. Restlessness

3. Tremor
 4. Headache

5. Insomnia

6. Chest pain

7. Palpitations

8. Angina

9. Arrhythmias

10. Hypertension

11. Nausea and vomiting

12. Hyperglycemia

13. Hypokalemia

Route and Dosage

PO (Adults and Children more than 12 years): 2-4 mg 3-4 times a day or 4-8 mg of
extended dose tablets twice a day.

PO (Geriatric Patients): initial dose should not exceed 2 mg 3-4 times a day and may
be increased carefully up to 32 mg/day

PO (Children 6-12 years old): 2 mg 3-4 times a day or 4 mg as extended-release

tablets twice a day; may be carefully increased as needed but not to exceed 24
mg/day

PO (Children 2-6 years old): 0.1 mg/kg 3 times a day

Inhalation (Adults and children more than 4 years of age): 2 inhalations every 4-6
hours
Inhalation (Children 2-12 years old): 0.1-0.15 mg/kg/dose 3-4 times a day

Nursing Interventions

1. Assess lung sounds, PR and BP before drug administration and during peak of
medication.

2. Observe fore paradoxical spasm and withhold medication and notify physician if
condition occurs.

3. Administer PO medications with meals to minimize gastric irritation.

4. Extended-release tablet should be swallowed-whole. It should not be crushed or

chewed.

5. If administering medication through inhalation, allow at least 1 minute between

inhalation of aerosol medication.

6. Advise the patient to rinse mouth with water after each inhalation to minimize
dry mouth.

7. Inform the patient that Albuterol may cause an unusual or bad taste.