NORTH COAST EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES Policy # 5329

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Subject: Medical Direction

Albuterol Sulfate Protocol

Associated Policies: 02/05/98

  1. Class:
  1. Beta-2 specific bronchodilator.
  1. Indications:
  1. Acute bronchial asthma.
  2. Bronchospasm associated with bronchitis or emphysema.
  1. Therapeutic Effects:
  1. Decreases reversible bronchospasm.
  1. Contraindications:
  1. Absolute: Known hypersensitivity.
  2. Relative:
  1. Hypertension.
  2. Coronary artery disease.
  3. Congestive heart failure.
  4. Convulsive disorders.
  5. Hyperthyroidism.
  6. Diabetes.
  7. Pregnancy.
  8. Tricyclic antidepressant use.
  1. Adverse Effects:
  1. Most frequent adverse effects include tachycardia and tremors.
  2. Less frequent adverse effects include headache, hypertension, cough, and nausea.
  1. Dosage

For normal dose range refer to dosage chart below:

Patient Weight

Premixed unit dose bottle (0.083%)

.5% Solution

>45kg (100 lbs)

1 Bottle (3ml)

.5cc in 2cc normal saline

18kg - 45kg

_ Bottle (1.5ml)

.25cc in 1-1.5cc normal saline

<18kg

_ Bottle (.75ml)

.1cc in 0.5-1.0cc normal saline

  1. Special Information:
  1. Medication doses can be modified only by Base Order. For severe bronchospasm, undiluted medication can be considered.
  2. Treatments can be repeated as needed. Use caution with large doses, may exacerbate pre-existing diabetes and ketoacidosis.