SALBUTAMOL
(Ventolin, Albuterol)Standard Prescription
salbutamol __puffs inh Q__H {PRN}
salbutamol __mg nebulized Q__H {PRN}
salbutamol __mg nebulized Q__H {PRN}
Dosages
Asthma Exacerbation (see Emergency Dept. protocol):
Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI): 5 - 10 puffs/dose Q20 minutes x 3 doses in first hour then Q1-6H PRN.
Respiratory Solution: 2.5 - 5 mg Q20 minutes x 3 doses then Q1-6H PRN.
Chronic Management:
Metered Dose Inhaler: 2-4 puffs/dose inhaled Q4-6H as needed.
Respiratory Solution: 1.25-5 mg/dose inhaled Q4-6H as needed.
Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI): 5 - 10 puffs/dose Q20 minutes x 3 doses in first hour then Q1-6H PRN.
Respiratory Solution: 2.5 - 5 mg Q20 minutes x 3 doses then Q1-6H PRN.
Chronic Management:
Metered Dose Inhaler: 2-4 puffs/dose inhaled Q4-6H as needed.
Respiratory Solution: 1.25-5 mg/dose inhaled Q4-6H as needed.
Mechanism of Action
Beta-2-adrenergic receptor agonist.
Forms Supplied
MDI inhaler: 100 mcg/puff.
nebulizer solution (10 mL multidose bottle): 5 mg/mL.
unit dose nebules: 2.5 mg/2.5 mL; 1.25 mg/2.5 mL.
nebulizer solution (10 mL multidose bottle): 5 mg/mL.
unit dose nebules: 2.5 mg/2.5 mL; 1.25 mg/2.5 mL.
Comments
Onset of action: 5-15 minutes.
Duration of effect: 3-6 hours.
MDI use with valved holding chamber (e.g. Aerochamber) recommended.
Document number of puffs used with each dose and contact pharmacy for refill when almost empty (200 puffs/canister).
5 mg of nebulized salbutamol is approximately equivalent to 8-10 puffs of a metered dose inhaler. (Conversion from nebulizer to MDI is controversial.)
Dilute respiratory solution with NS to a total volume of 4 mL and administer via nebulizer at 68 L/min over 10 minutes.
Note: different salbutamol nebulizer solutions have different concentrations. Always order by milligram, not milliliters.
Side effects: tachycardia, tremor, nervousness, hypokalemia, GI symptoms and headaches.
Duration of effect: 3-6 hours.
MDI use with valved holding chamber (e.g. Aerochamber) recommended.
Document number of puffs used with each dose and contact pharmacy for refill when almost empty (200 puffs/canister).
5 mg of nebulized salbutamol is approximately equivalent to 8-10 puffs of a metered dose inhaler. (Conversion from nebulizer to MDI is controversial.)
Dilute respiratory solution with NS to a total volume of 4 mL and administer via nebulizer at 68 L/min over 10 minutes.
Note: different salbutamol nebulizer solutions have different concentrations. Always order by milligram, not milliliters.
Side effects: tachycardia, tremor, nervousness, hypokalemia, GI symptoms and headaches.
References
44, 127, 272, 273
Last Edited
2019-08-26 04:55:19