- Class
- Bronchodilators
- Body system
- Respiratory
- Brand names
- ProAir HFA, Ventolin HFA, Proventil HFA, AccuNeb
What is Albuterol used for?
- Quick relief of bronchospasm in asthma and COPD (rescue inhaler)
- Prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm
- Hyperkalemia (nebulized, as an adjunct)
How Albuterol works
Short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA): relaxes bronchial smooth muscle within minutes.
Common side effects
- Tachycardia and palpitations
- Tremor and nervousness
- Hypokalemia
- Headache
Report right away
- Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
- Needing the rescue inhaler more often than usual (asthma is getting worse)
- Breathing that gets worse right after a dose (paradoxical bronchospasm)
Nursing considerations for Albuterol
- Assess breath sounds, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate and heart rate before and after treatment.
- When several inhalers are ordered, the bronchodilator is usually given first, a few minutes before an inhaled corticosteroid.
Patient teaching
- Shake the inhaler, breathe out fully, press as you start a slow deep breath, then hold your breath about 10 seconds. Wait about 1 minute between puffs.
- A spacer helps more medicine reach the lungs.
- Track how often you use it and tell your provider if it increases.
This card does not list doses. Use the prescriber's order, the product label and a current drug reference for dosing, and follow your facility's policies.
Bronchodilators practice questions
NCLEX-style questions on the class Albuterol belongs to.
3 questions. Choose an answer to see the rationale.
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A patient has an acute asthma attack. Which inhaler should be used?
Show answer
Answer B: Albuterol Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist that opens the airways within minutes. The others are long-term controllers.
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A patient is due for albuterol and fluticasone inhalers. In what order should they be given?
Show answer
Answer A: Albuterol first, then fluticasone after a short wait The bronchodilator opens the airways first so that the corticosteroid can reach deeper into the lungs.
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Which adverse effect is expected after albuterol?
Show answer
Answer B: Tremor and tachycardia Beta-2 stimulation causes tremor and some beta-1 stimulation raises the heart rate; it also lowers potassium.
Frequently asked questions
What is Albuterol used for?
Quick relief of bronchospasm in asthma and COPD (rescue inhaler); Prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm; Hyperkalemia (nebulized, as an adjunct).
What drug class is Albuterol?
Albuterol belongs to the class bronchodilators. Short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA): relaxes bronchial smooth muscle within minutes.
What are the nursing considerations for Albuterol?
Assess breath sounds, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate and heart rate before and after treatment. When several inhalers are ordered, the bronchodilator is usually given first, a few minutes before an inhaled corticosteroid.
What should patients report while taking Albuterol?
chest pain or irregular heartbeat; needing the rescue inhaler more often than usual (asthma is getting worse); breathing that gets worse right after a dose (paradoxical bronchospasm).