A nebulizer treatment is the delivery of aerosolized medication to the respiratory tract in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Brand name nebulized medications include Aerolin, Proventil, Respolin and Ventolin.
Advantages
Delivering medications by nebulizer directly to the lung requires less medication than if delivered systemically, creates fewer side-effects, has a rapid onset, targets drug delivery and is painless and convenient.
Disadvantages
There are a number of variables that affect the amount of drug being delivered, particularly with active babies and young crying children, causing difficulty in estimating the necessary dose to bring about a positive change in condition.
Nebulized Medications
Inhalation medications delivered via nebulizer include bronchodilators such as albuterol, levalbuterol, bitolterol, isoetharine, isoproterenol, metaproterenol, racemic epinephrine and epinephrine.
Adverse Reactions
Possible adverse reactions to nebulized medications include nervousness, irritability, dizziness, nausea, palpitations and tachycardia. Patients should be monitored during the first treatment of any medication, particularly a nebulizer treatment, because of the rapid onset of action when drugs are delivered directly to the respiratory tract.
Five Rs
Before administering a nebulized medication, be sure the five Rs are in place: the right patient, the right medication, the right dose, the right route and the right time. For individuals taking nebulized medication at home, the four Rs apply: the right medication, right dose, right route and right time.
References
- "Rau's Respiratory Care Pharmacology"; Douglas Gardenhire; 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center: How to Use a Nebulizer
