Administration of albuterol by continuous nebulization.

Abstract

Albuterol has been proven to be a vital component in the management of severe, acute asthma in children and adults. Continuous nebulization of albuterol is a relatively new administration technique for treating patients with unresponsive asthma. This method may offer the advantages of greater penetration of drug into the lung, reduced bronchospasm, and a more rapid and sustained response. In clinical trials, continuous nebulization has been shown to be as effective as intermittent nebulization and may be associated with a reduction in the need for hospital admission, length of hospital stay, and the use of mechanical ventilation. Adverse effects observed with albuterol use, including tremor, metabolic disturbances, and cardiotoxicity, are rare and appear to be no more prevalent with the continuous method of nebulization.