Agent | Dose |
---|---|
Salbutamol (albuterol) | 2.5 mg (0.5 ml) in 2.5 ml normal saline by nebulisation continuously, or every 15–20 min until a significant clinical response is achieved or serious side effects appear |
Epinephrine | 0.3–0.4 ml of a 1:1000 solution subcutaneously every 20 min for 3 doses |
Terbutaline | Preferable to epinephrine in pregnancy |
β-agonists | Intravenous administration should be considered in patients who have not responded to inhaled or subcutaneous treatment, in whom respiratory arrest is imminent |
Corticosteroids | Methylprednisolone 60–125 mg (intravenous) or prednisone 40 mg (oral) |
Anticholinergics | Ipratropium bromide 0.5 mg by nebulisation every 1–4 hours, combined with salbutamol |
Methylxanthines | Theophylline 5 mg/kg (intravenous) over 30 min – loading dose in patients not already on theophylline, followed by 0.4 mg/kg/hour intravenous maintenance dose. Serum levels should be checked within 6 hours |