Episode #16: albuterol (ProAir) | Podcast Show Notes
albuterol (al BYOO ter ole)
Below will be links for the full Podcast and the Drug Card for albuterol along with a brief summary of various points on albuterol.Â
QUESTIONS:Â Â
- Select all that apply. ProAir works by:
- A). Bronchodilating smooth muscle
- B). Targeting the Beta-1 receptor
- C). Targeting the Alpha-2 receptor
- D). Decreasing tissue inflammation in lung tissue
- T or F:Â Renal impairment affects albuterol clearance
- T or F:Â Beta-2 antagonism enhances hypokalemic effects of loop diuretics
- T or F:Â Albuterol is highly protein bound
- Select all that apply. Which of the following inhalers are a concern in lactose intolerance?
- A). ProAir HFA
- B). ProAir Digihaler
- C). ProAir RespiClick
- D). All of the above
SUMMARY:Â Â
Albuterol is a bronchodialating beta-2 adrenergic agonist. Common brand names are ProAir, Ventolin, and Proventil. The most common use is for treating and preventing brochospasms in patients with obstructive airway diseases. There are several dosage forms with the most common being metered dose inhalers (MDI) and dry powdered inhalers (DPI). Albuterol is generally considered a quick relief or rescue inhaler with dosing being 2 puffs by mouth every 4-6 hours as needed. Since albuterol specifically targets the beta-2 adrenergic receptor in bronchial smooth muscle there is little to no effect on heart rate. Although the drug is targeted it is still wise to monitor patients with heart issues. Common monitoring parameters are FEV1, peak flow, blood pressure, and heart rate.
ANSWERS:Â Â
- Only A is correct. The Beta-2 receptor is targeted. Albuterol opens airways and does not directly decrease inflamed lung tissue.Â
- True. There is a 67% decline in albuterol clearance in patients with renal impairment.
- False. Beta-2 agonism, not antagonism.Â
- False. Albuterol is 10% protein bound.Â
- Only B and C are correct. ProAir Digihaler contains lactose. ProAir RespiClick contains milk proteins.
PDF of Drug Card: albuterol
