Alternate Name(s):
VENTOLIN®, ALBUTEROL
Classification:
Bronchodilator; B2-Adrenergic agonist
Original Date:
August 2005
Revised Date:
June 2022
Indications:
- For the relief of severe bronchospasm in acute asthma
- Treatment of status asthmaticus
Reconstitution and Stability:
- Available as a 1 mg/mL (1000 mcg/mL) solution - 5 mL ampoules
- Protect from light
- Stable at room temperature
- Diluted solutions stable 24 hours at room temperature
Compatibility:
- Solutions Compatible: D5W, 0.9% NS, dextrose-saline combinations, Sterile Water for Injection
- Y-site Compatible: morphine
- NO INFORMATION on compatibility with KCl or TPN
Administration:
(For approved routes of administration by nursing personnel, refer to Policy for the Administration of Intravenous Medications.)
| SC | NO |
| IM | NO |
| IV Direct |
NO |
| IV Intermittent Infusion | NO |
| IV Continuous Infusion |
YES, NOT recommended except in PICU |
Click here to access SDC Drug Infusion Sheet
Dosage:
(For neonatal dosages, refer to Neonatal IV Drug Manual.)
Pediatric:
- 1 mcg/kg/minute; increase by 1 mcg/kg/minute Q 10-20 minutes PRN
- Maximum: 10 mcg/kg/minute
Adult:
- continuous IV infusion: 5 mcg/minute initially, increase if required to 10 mcg/minute and 20 mcg/minute at 15 - 30 minutes interval.
- Maximum: 50 mcg/minute; doses as high as 80 mcg may be required
Potential hazards of parenteral administration:
- May cause tremor, nervousness, headache, nausea, dizziness, increased sweating, warmth, tachycardia, mild hypotension
- Hypokalemia, hyperglycemia
Notes:
- Monitor heart rate, respiratory rate, serum potassium, serum glucose
- Signs of overdose include: severe tachycardia, arrhythmias, hypertension