
Albuterol
Rapid Review
- Mechanism of Action: Beta-2 agonist; relaxes smooth airway muscle and increases intracellular potassium uptake.
- Indications: acute bronchospasm (asthma/COPD exacerbation); hyperkalemia.
- Contraindications: allergy, tachycardia, ischemic heart disease, hyperglycemia, hypokalemia
- Dosage: Asthma/COPD: 5 mg nebulized q15 minutes; hyperkalemia: 15-20 mg nebulized
- Onset: < 5 minutes
- Duration: 2-4 hours
- Adverse Reactions: hypertension, tachycardia, arrhythmias, tremors, nervousness
- Special Considerations: N/A
Pearls
Deep Dive

Ipratropium
Rapid Review
- Mechanism of Action: Anticholinergic; blocks acetylcholine at cholinergic receptors, causing dilation of bronchial smooth muscle and decreased serous/seromucous secretion.
- Indications: Asthma, COPD
- Contraindications: Allergy to drug/class
- Dosage: 0.3-0.5 mg nebulized q20 minutes (max 3 dosages)
- Onset: 20 minutes
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Adverse Reactions: Urinary retention, dry throat/cough, increased intraocular pressure
- Special Considerations: None
Pearls
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