GENERIC NAME

ALBUTEROL SULFATE

BRAND NAME
CLASSIFICATION

Salbutamol
Bronchodilator, Antasthmatic

MODE OF ACTION

Salbutamol is a beta(2)-adrenergic agonist and thus it

stimulates beta(2)-adrenergic receptors. Binding of
albuterol to beta(2)-receptors in the lungs results in
relaxation of bronchial smooth muscles. It is believed
that salbutamol increases cAMP production by
activating adenylatecyclase, and the actions of
salbutamol are mediated by cAMP. Increased
intracellular cyclic AMP increases the activity of cAMPdependent protein kinase A, which inhibits the
phosphorylation of myosin and lowers intracellular
calcium concentrations. A lowered intracellular calcium
concentration leads to a smooth muscle relaxation and
bronchodilation. In addition to bronchodilation,
salbutamol inhibits the release of bronchoconstricting
agents from mast cells, inhibits microvascular leakage,
and enhances mucociliary clearance.
07/20/13 (Post-operative)
1 neb q6h

DATE ORDERED
DOSAGE
INDICATION

CONTRAINDICATIONS
ADVERSE EFFECTS

Inhalation: Treatment
bronchospasm

of

acute

attacks

of

Contraindicated with hypersensitivity to albuterol

CNS: Restlessness, apprehension, anxiety, fear, CNS
stimulation,
hyperkinesia,
insomnia,
tremor,
drowsiness, irritability, weakness, vertigo, headache
CV: Cardiac arrhythmias, tachycardia, palpitations,
PVCs (rare), anginal pain
Dermatologic: Sweating, pallor, flushing
GI: Nausea, vomiting, heartburn, unusual or bad taste
in mouth
GU: Increased incidence of leiomyomas of uterus
when given in higher than human doses in preclinical
studies Respiratory: Respiratory difficulties, pulmonary
edema, coughing, bronchospasm, paradoxical airway

resistance with repeated, excessive use of inhalation

preparations
NURSING
RESPONSIBILITIES

Do not exceed recommended dosage; adverse

effects or loss of effectiveness may result. Read
the instructions that come with respiratory
inhalant.

You may experience these side effects:

Dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, headache (use
caution if driving or performing tasks that require
alertness); nausea, vomiting, change in taste
(eat frequent small meals); rapid heart rate,
anxiety, sweating, flushing, insomnia.

Report chest pain, dizziness, insomnia,

weakness, tremors or irregular heart beat,
difficulty breathing, productive cough, failure to
respond to usual dosage.