Albuterol Pediatric Drug Card

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NURSING 260 PEDIATRIC DRUG CARD

Medication:

Dose: Weighing 15
Route:
Frequency:
kg or less: 0.63 mg or Inhalation by Given over 5 to 15 minutes
Albuterol (AccuNeb, Proventil,
1.25 mg. Weighing
nebulizer.
t.i.d. or q.i.d. with
VoSpire)
more than 15 kg: 2.5
subsequent doses adjusted
mg
to response.
Recommended Pediatric Dosages: Weighing 15 kg or less: 0.63 mg or 1.25 mg. (this child weighs 6.7 kg).
Weighing 15 kg > ; 2.5 mg (May be given t.i.d. or q.i.d. in either instance)
Minimum/dose:
Maximum/dose:
For a child weighing 6.7 kg, the minimum dose is 0.63 For a child weighing 6.7 kg, the maximum dose is 1.25
mg given t.i.d. or q.i.d.
mg given t.i.d. or q.i.d.
For a teenager weighting 45 kg, the dose is fixed at 2.5 For a teenager weighting 45 kg, the dose is fixed at 2.5
mg given t.i.d. or q.i.d.
mg given t.i.d. or q.i.d.
Minimum/day:
0.63 mg x t.i.d. = 1.26 mg per day
0.63 mg x q.i.d. = 1.89 mg per day
2.5 mg x t.i.d. = 5 mg per day
2.5 mg x q.i.d. = 7.5 mg per day

(infant)
(infant)
(teenager)
(teenager)

Maximum/day:
8.38 mg x t.i.d. = 16.76 mg per day (infant)
8.38 mg x q.i.d. = 25.14 mg per day (infant)
2.5 mg x t.i.d. = 5 mg per day
(teenager)
2.5 mg x q.i.d. = 7.5 mg per day (teenager)

Class: Include classification of drug, trade name and generic, dosage, route and
frequency

Albuterol sulfate AccuNeb Therapeutic: Bronchodilator. Pharmacologic: Adrenergic (dosage, route, frequency
= see above).
Action: Albuterol acts by selectively binding to beta2-adrenergic receptors in bronchial smooth muscle to cause
bronchodilation.
Purpose: Albuterol is a short-acting bronchodilator that is used to relieve and prevent the bronchospasm that is a
characteristic pathophysiological feature of asthma and bronchiolitis. Its rapid onset and excellent safety profile
have made inhaled albuterol a drug of choice for the termination of bronchospasms. It also facilitates mucus
drainage and can inhibit the release of inflammatory chemicals from mast cells.
Side effects: Some patients experience palpitations, headaches, throat irritations, tremor, nervousness,
restlessness, and tachycardia. Less common adverse reactions include dry mouth and insomnia. Uncommon
adverse effects include chest pain, paradoxical bronchospasm, and allergic reactions.
Nursing considerations/teaching:
* Warn patient about risk of paradoxical bronchospasm and to stop drug immediately if it occurs. * Supervise
younger children over the age of 2 to ensure appropriate use of the inhaler
* Patient should know to avoid the concurrent use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors within 14 days of beginning
therapy since it could lead to possible HTN crisis. * Clean mouthpiece at least weekly by removing the drug
canister and running warm water through the top and bottom, shaking out excess water, and allowing to air dry.
This will help to ensure there is no medication buildup with resulting improper drug delivery. * Advise patient
not to use more frequently than prescribed and not to increase dose or frequency without consulting physician. *
Drug is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to drug or its ingredients. * Use cautiously in patients with CV
disorders, hyperthyroidism, DM, and in those who are unusually responsive to adrenergics.
OVERDUE S&S: Exaggeration of adverse reactions, seizures, angina, hypotension, hypokalemia, cardiac arrest.

NURSING 260 PEDIATRIC DRUG CARD