Albuterol nursing implications & considerations John presented in the hospital with a case of wheezing and shortness of breath, the nurse on duty were swift and in no time administered Albuterol, and he was back to normal, Cassie on the other hand presented in the hospital with an exercise-induced asthma but was not administered Albuterol, puzzling, isn’t it as both cases are similar? Read on as I explain all about Albuterol, then we will see why the nurse did not administer Cassie with it.
WHAT IS ALBUTEROL (PROVENTIL)
Albuterol belongs to the class of drugs called Beta2 agonist (bronchodilators). It is used in the treatment or management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an example of this disease is asthma.
It is available in different forms- inhaler, tablet, oral syrup, nebulizer solution.
For the purpose of learning, the inhaler form will be discussed which is Proventil. It is presented as a pressurized aerosol in a canister from where it is inhaled.
Mechanism of action
How does Albuterol work? It dilates (relaxes) the muscles surrounding the bronchial airways, thus allowing room for air to move in and out of the lungs.
Albuterol Nursing Implications & Considerations
The administration of drug therapy involves special considerations to ensure that the desired therapeutic effect of the drug is achieved while putting into cognizance the safety of the patient and bringing to minimal the complications that might arise from the use of such drug.
Albuterol as the case study undergoes pharmacological considerations in relation to the history of the patients, this includes:
1. Contraindications
This is a specified situation in which a drug or any form of medication should not be used as it is likely to exacerbate an underlying condition or cause more harm to the patient. Albuterol is contraindicated in patients with the following :
- Diabetes.
- High blood pressure.
- Seizures.
- Abnormal heart rhythm.
- Low amounts of potassium in the body.
- Excess body acid.
2. Interaction with other substances
This checks the combination of drugs with other medications, food, or drinks that may alter the effect of such medication in the body, leading to a less or even more potent desired effect.
Albuterol interacts with certain drugs that can affect its mechanism of action or increase the risk of a side effect, examples of these drugs include:
- Propranolol
- Methacholine
- Midodrine
- Linezolid
Interaction with these any drugs can result in
- increased blood pressure.
- increased risk of a cardiovascular disease.
- irregular heartbeat.
3. Side effects
Albuterol being a muscle relaxant, affects other muscles of the body as well which can lead to possible side effects.
The most common side effects are: nervousness, restlessness and trembling. Other less common side effects that have been reported includes —dryness of the throat, muscle cramps, headaches, skin rash and sleep problems.
Side effects usually go away after few uses of Albuterol, but if the side effects do not go away, the dosage is changed.
4. Route of administration
Studies have shown that the most effective route of administration of Albuterol is via inhalation which is also devoid of side effects in comparison to other modes of administration—intravenous, intramuscular and oral. (This explains why Proventil is a good choice).
5. Dose dependency
The goal of the administration of drugs is to give the optimal dosage that will result in clinical cure while reducing complications. Administration of Albuterol differs across age and body weight.
These are the pharmacological considerations involved in the administration of Albuterol (Proventil). One can see why it is safe not to share one’s medication with a third party even when you think you have the same ailment.
P. S- Cassie had an underlying condition of diabetes, hence she was given another form of muscle relaxant.
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