Albuterol & V-Tach

[kevkei]

Check jems.com to start.

The author was referencing the hypokalemia that can happen when patients self administer albuterol for an extended period. Potassium is maintained in a pretty narrow range in the body, so small changes in either direction can cause huge problems.

Before Dustdevil weighs in, -5 for posting an ALS subject in the BLS forum.

At most, continuous (keep in mind this is over 2-3 hours) albuterol has been shown to decrease serum potassium up to 0.3 - 0.5 mmol/L, or 10% of normal limits. Also remember that treatment of moderate to severe hyperkalemia is multifacited.

Also, because the lowering of potassium from albuterol use/administration is self limiting and reverses after the albuterol has been metabolized. Why? Because the potassium never leaves the body, it is only redistributed into the cell. Unless you give lasix, a potassium resin (Kaexolate) or dialysis, the potassium remains in the body and it is only temporary.