Page 100 - 2026 SMOG

ALBUTEROL (PROVENTIL/VENTOLIN)
Class/Mechanism of Action
• Beta Agonist (Bronchodilator)
2
Synthetic sympathomimetic that relaxes bronchial smooth muscle, causing bronchodilation, with little
cardiac impact.
˚ Onset of action: 2–15min
Indications
• Labeled Indications
˚ Treatment or prevention of bronchospasm in patients with reversible obstructive airway disease;
prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm
˚ Asthma
˚ Reactive airway/bronchospasm
˚
COPD
• Off-Label Indications
˚ May also be used in crush syndrome (hyperkalemia)
Contraindications
• Hypersensitivity to albuterol or any component of the formulation
• Hypersensitivity to milk protein (dry powder inhalers)
Adverse Reactions/Precautions
• May cause CNS effects such as headache, dizziness, flushing, diaphoresis, tremors, weakness
• May cause mild tachycardia, chest pain, cardiac arrhythmias, QTc interval changes, and more severe
cases of cardiac ischemia, heart failure, and cardiomyopathy
• Dyspnea, paradoxical bronchospasm due to airway hyperresponsiveness
• Pregnancy: Category C
• Lactation: Yes
Dose/Administration
PEDIATRIC
ADULT
(Always reference Broselow Tape)
Bronchospasm; Anaphylaxis (adjunct to By Metered Dose Inhaler
epinephrine) (MDI; 90mcg/actuation)
• Metered-dose inhaler (90mcg/actuation) • 4–8 inhalations q20min prn for 3 doses, then
˚ 2–3 inhalations prn q1–4hr or as clinically indicated
• Nebulization solution By Nebulizer (Intermittent)
˚ 2.5–5mg; repeat prn • Children <20kg
Severe Exacerbation of Asthma ˚ 2.5mg q20min prn
• Metered-dose inhaler • Children >20kg
˚ 2–4 inhalations q20min prn for 3 doses, ˚ 5mg q20min prn
then taper as tolerated
• Nebulization solution By Nebulizer (Continuous)
• 0.5mg/kg/hr and titrate prn, max 20mg/hr
˚ 2.5–5mg q20min for 3 doses, then taper as
tolerated
Hyperkalemia
• Nebulization solution
˚ 10mg over 10min

92 • MEDICATIONS