Which condition is a contraindication to albuterol?

• A. Tachycardia or dysrhythmias
• B. Asthma
• C. Bronchitis
• D. Hypotension

Answer: (A)

The main concept is that albuterol’s beta-adrenergic effects can influence the heart as well as the lungs. While it acts to relax airway smooth muscle through beta-2 stimulation, it can still cause stimulation of the heart, leading to increased heart rate and potential rhythm disturbances, especially at higher doses or with systemic absorption. In someone who already has tachycardia or a dysrhythmia, this added sympathetic drive can worsen the fast heart rate or trigger further arrhythmias, which can be dangerous. That makes tachycardia or dysrhythmias a contraindication or a high-risk situation for using albuterol.

Asthma and bronchitis are not contraindications because albuterol is used to relieve bronchospasm in these conditions. Hypotension isn’t a standard contraindication either, though one should monitor for hemodynamic effects since beta-agonists can cause tachycardia and vasodilation.