Indications:
Bronchospasm associated with:
- Asthma (including status asthmaticus)
- COPD
- Chemical toxins: nerve agents, cyanide, blistering agents, choking agents
- Allergic reaction unresponsive to epinephrine and diphenhydramine
Congestive heart failure - BIOTEL AUTHORIZATION ONLY
Contraindications:
Pregnancy, except in life-threatening situations
Precautions:
Known heart disease
Side Effects:
- Restlessness
- Hypertension
- Tachycardia - palpitations
Adult Dose:
- 2.5 mg given via nebulizer over 5-15 minutes – standing order
- If no improvement after the first dose:
- Personnel may administer up to two additional doses
- Combine 2nd and 3rd doses with Ipratropium (Atrovent®) 0.5 mg. - standing order.
- For status asthmaticus, paramedics may administer the albuterol and ipratropium combination at each of the three doses
BioTel must authorize additional doses beyond three
Pediatric Dose:
- 2.5 mg administered via nebulizer over 5-15 minutes – standing order:
- If no improvement after the first dose:
- Personnel may administer up to two additional doses
- Combine 2nd and 3rd doses with Ipratropium (Atrovent®) 0.5 mg. - standing order
- For status asthmaticus, paramedics may administer the albuterol and ipratropium bromide combination for each of the three doses
BioTel must authorize additional doses beyond three (same as adult).
Do not administer to a pediatric patient with barking cough and/or stridor.
Route: Inhalation (via nebulizer)
Drug Action: Bronchodilation (Beta-2 adrenergic agonist)
Class: Bronchodilator
Onset: 1 minute
Duration: 3 – 4 hours after inhalation