EV is a 42-year-old, 84 kg male suffering from an acute asthmatic attack.

Question

EV is a 42-year-old, 84 kg male suffering from an acute asthmatic attack. Using one-compartment model equations, compute a theophylline IV bolus loading dose (to be administered over 20 minutes) and continuous infusion to achieve a Css = 12 mg/L. Assume a V = 40 L and t1/2 = 5 h.

Answer 1

Managing an 'acute asthma attack' would RARELY include Theophylline in emergency settings today. Theophylline is an 'older' medication and infrequently ordered by physicians in the emergency department. Theophylline is not carried in prehospital settings either.

ALBUTEROL is the medication of choice for patients experiencing acute respiratory distress in bronchospastic airway disease. Albuterol is administered via nebulizer inhalant 2.5 mg in 3ml's normal saline. It may be repeated safely multiple doses and in both Adult & Pediatric populations.

Albuterol is a Beta Receptor Agonist, possessing both Beta-1 and Beta-2 receptor agonism, thus it's therapeutic effect is relaxation of the bronchi.