Name: SALBUTAMOL (VentolinR) Classification: beta2 agonist, bronchodilator Dose: Inhalation: 0.25 to 0.5 mg (up to 1 mg) q 4 - 6 h Infusion: 5 mcg/min, increase by 5 mcg/min to a maximum of 20 mcg/min Administration: IV Infusion: 5 mg/500 mL dextrose 5% or sodium chloride 0.9% dextrose containing solutions may be inappropriate for patients with diabetes because of salbutamol induced exaggerated hyperglycemia Adverse Effects: more common with parenteral therapy than inhalational therapy with inhalation: headache nervousness, tremor tachycardias with intravenous therapy: hypertension or hypotension hyperglycemia hypokalemia palpitations arrhythmias Caution: in patients with cardiovascular disorders, hyperthyroidism and diabetes Drug Interactions: salbutamol + sympathomimetics = exacerbation of cardiovascular effects salbutamol + beta blockers = mutual antagonism of therapeutic effect salbutamol + general anaesthetics = decreased BP, increased HR Monitoring Therapy: Efficacy: breath sounds respiratory rate ventilatory pressures blood gases Adverse effects: continuous heart rate and rhythm blood pressure serum glucose serum potassium CCTC Protocol: May be administered IV infusion in Adult Critical Care provided that the first dose is given by an MD Must be administered via Central Venous Line Continuous infusions must be administered by infusion device and the pump library must be enabled Patient requires the placement of an arterial line for continuous blood pressure monitoring Patient requires full mechanical ventilation with continuous End Tidal CO2 monitoring Lynne Kelly, Pharmacist, CCTC Brenda Morgan, Clinical Nurse Specialist, CCTC Last Update: June 19 2023
