Albuterol (Ventolin)
Indications
Pharmacology
- Short-Acting β2-Adrenergic Receptor Agonist (SABA) (see β2-Adrenergic Receptor Agonists, [[β2-Adrenergic Receptor Agonists]])
- Albuterol is a racemic mixture of (S)-albuterol and (R)-albuterol
Administration
- INH: 2 puffs q4 hrs PRN with spacer
Dose Adjustment
Adverse Effects
Cardiovascular Adverse Effects
- QT Prolongation without Definite Association with Torsade (see Torsade, [[Torsade]])
- Sinus Tachycardia (see Sinus Tachycardia, [[Sinus Tachycardia]])
Neurologic Adverse Effects
- Tremor (see Tremor, [[Tremor]])
Pulmonary Adverse Effects
Renal Adverse Effects
- Hypokalemia (see Hypokalemia, [[Hypokalemia]]): albuterol shifts potassium intracellularly
Other Adverse Effects
References
- Paradoxical bronchospasm: a potentially life threatening adverse effect of albuterol. South Med J. 2006 Mar;99(3):288-9 [MEDLINE]