Indications
Bambuterol is indicated for Bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema & other lung diseases where bronchospasm is a complicating factor.
Pharmacology
Bambuterol is an adrenergic β2 receptor agonist which predominantly stimulates β2 receptor, thus producing relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle, inhibition of release of endogenous spasmogens, inhibition of edema caused by endogenous mediators & increased mucocilliary clearance.
Dosage And Administration
Adult or Elderly: The recommended initial dose 10 mg. The dose may be increased to 20 mg after 1-2 weeks depending on the clinical effect.
Children 2-5 years: The recommended normal dose 10 mg (10 ml syrup).
Children 6-12 years: The recommended normal dose 10 mg (10 ml syrup). The dose may be increased to 20 mg.
Interaction
Succinylcholin, MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors), β2-blockers, corticosteroids, diuretics, muscle relaxants, sympathomimetic xanthine derivatives. Bambuterol may partly or totally inhibit the effect of β-blockers.
Contraindications
Bambuterol is contraindicated in hepatic impairment, liver cirrhosis or severely impaired liver function.
Side Effects
Common side effects are fatigue, nausea, palpitation, headache, dizziness & tremor.
Pregnancy And Lactation
Pregnant women: There is no definite evidence of ill consequence during pregnancy. Nevertheless, the drug should not be used during the first trimester of pregnancy, unless the expected benefit is thought to outweigh any possible risk to the fetus.
Lactating mother: It is excreted in breast milk. So, patients taking this drug should not breast-feed.
Precautions And Warnings
Reduce the dose in renal impairment, avoid in cirrhosis and severe hepatic impairment. Caution should be observed in patients with severe cardiovascular disorder, such as ischaemic heart disease, tachyarrhythmias or severe heart failure.
Therapeutic Class
Short-acting selective & β2-adrenoceptor stimulants
Use in special populations
Impaired renal function (GFR 50 ml/min): The recommended starting dose is 5 mg, which may be increased to 10 mg after one to two weeks, depending on the clinical effect.
Impaired hepatic function: Not recommended because of unpredictable conversion to terbutalin
Storage Conditions
Keep away from light, store in a cool and dry place. Keep out of reach of children.