Two administration methods for inhaled salbutamol in intubated patients.
OBJECTIVE
To compare serum concentrations and effects on respiratory mechanics and haemodynamics of salbutamol administered by small volume nebuliser (SVN) and metered dose inhaler (MDI) plus spacer.


METHODS
Blinded, randomised, crossover study in 12 intubated infants and children (mean age 17.8 months) receiving inhaled salbutamol therapy. Subjects received salbutamol as 0.15 mg/kg by SVN and four puffs (400 microg) by MDI plus spacer at a four hour interval in random order. Passive respiratory mechanics were measured by a single breath/single occlusion technique, and serum salbutamol concentrations by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry at 30 minutes, 1, 2, and 4 hours after each dose. Haemodynamics (heart rate and blood pressure) were recorded at each measurement time.


RESULTS
There was no difference in percentage change in respiratory mechanics or haemodynamics between the two methods of administration. Mean area under the curve (AUC(0-4)) was 5.86 for MDI plus spacer versus 4.93 ng/ml x h for SVN.


CONCLUSIONS
Serum concentrations and effects on respiratory mechanics and haemodynamics of salbutamol were comparable with the two administration methods under the conditions studied. Future studies are needed to determine the most effective and safe combination of dose and administration method of inhaled salbutamol in mechanically ventilated infants and children.
Garner
S S
SS
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, USA. garnerss@musc.edu
Wiest
D B
DB
Bradley
J W
JW
Habib
D M
DM
D000420:Albuterol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D012120:Respiration Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics / Q000187:drug effects
D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D000420:Albuterol