Albuterol vs. Serevent

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Hey everyone.

I'm about to finish my first year of an accelerated RN program, and I'm preparing for my medication exam. I'm not very good with memorizing meds so I'm looking at every detail as I study. In my notes, I have that Albuterol is the 'rescue inhaler' and that it is short-acting. I also then have Serevent as a long-acting inhaler that is NOT to be used acutely. This sounds the same in my Davis Drug Guide as well.

I recently purchased "Mosby's Pharmacology Memory Notecards" (I'm visual), and in the Pulmonary section, it lists both Albuterol and Serevent as fast-acting.

Which am I supposed to follow? Is Serevent fast-acting AND long-acting? Is there a difference? I know this might be a stupid question but can anyone help decipher these for me?

Thanks!!

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Serevent is a long acting beta2..with chronic use (it's a daily preventative medication) it can reach peak levels within 5-10 minutes. Serevent Official FDA information, side effects and uses.

From the warnings " Do Not Use Serevent Inhalation Aerosol to Treat Acute Symptoms: An inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonist, not Serevent Inhalation Aerosol, should be used to relieve acute asthma or COPD symptoms"

Albuterol acts in seconds... the difference between 5 seconds and 5 minutes can be brain damage.

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Thank you so very much for such a detailed response!

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

No problem. Good luck on your medication exam!

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