Bambuterol
Encyclopedia
Bambuterol is a long acting beta-adrenoceptor agonist
(LABA) used in the treatment of asthma
; it also is a prodrug
of terbutaline
. Commercially, the AstraZeneca
pharmaceutical company produces and markets bambuterol as Bambec and Oxeol (INN
).
. It should not be used as a rescue medication for short-term relief of asthma symptoms.
. It can be used by people with renal impairment, but dose adjustments are necessary.
, and may include fatigue, nausea, palpitations, headache, dizziness and tremor.
derivatives (such as theophylline
) increases the risk of hypokalemia
(decreased levels of potassium
in the blood).
Bambuterol acts as a cholinesterase inhibitor, and can prolong the duration of action of suxamethonium (succinylcholine) and other drugs whose breakdown in the body depends on cholinesterase function. Butyrylcholinesterase activity returns to normal approximately two weeks after bambuterol is stopped. It can also enhance the effects of non-depolarizing neuromuscular blockers
, such as vecuronium bromide.
Long acting beta-adrenoceptor agonist
Long-acting beta-adrenoceptor agonists are usually prescribed for moderate to severe persistent asthma patients or patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease...
(LABA) used in the treatment of asthma
Asthma
Asthma is the common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and bronchospasm. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath...
; it also is a prodrug
Prodrug
A prodrug is a pharmacological substance administered in an inactive form. Once administered, the prodrug is metabolised in vivo into an active metabolite, a process termed bioactivation. The rationale behind the use of a prodrug is generally for absorption, distribution, metabolism, and...
of terbutaline
Terbutaline
Terbutaline is a β2-adrenergic receptor agonist.Terbutaline is currently on the World Anti-Doping Agency's list of prohibited drugs for Olympic athletes, except when administered by inhalation and a Therapeutic Use Exemption has been obtained in advance.Terbutaline is currently used to delay...
. Commercially, the AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca plc is a global pharmaceutical and biologics company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It is the world's seventh-largest pharmaceutical company measured by revenues and has operations in over 100 countries...
pharmaceutical company produces and markets bambuterol as Bambec and Oxeol (INN
International Nonproprietary Name
An International Nonproprietary Name is the official nonproprietary or generic name given to a pharmaceutical substance, as designated by the World Health Organization...
).
Indications
As other LABAs, bambuterol is used in the long-term management of persistent asthmaAsthma
Asthma is the common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and bronchospasm. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath...
. It should not be used as a rescue medication for short-term relief of asthma symptoms.
Contraindications
Bambuterol is contraindicated in pregnancy and in people with seriously impaired liver functionLiver failure
Acute liver failure is the appearance of severe complications rapidly after the first signs of liver disease , and indicates that the liver has sustained severe damage . The complications are hepatic encephalopathy and impaired protein synthesis...
. It can be used by people with renal impairment, but dose adjustments are necessary.
Adverse effects
The adverse effect profile of bambuterol is similar to that of salbutamolSalbutamol
Salbutamol or albuterol is a short-acting β2-adrenergic receptor agonist used for the relief of bronchospasm in conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is marketed as Ventolin among other brand names....
, and may include fatigue, nausea, palpitations, headache, dizziness and tremor.
Interactions
Concomitant administration of bambuterol with corticosteroids, diuretics, and xanthineXanthine
Xanthine , is a purine base found in most human body tissues and fluids and in other organisms. A number of stimulants are derived from xanthine, including caffeine and theobromine....
derivatives (such as theophylline
Theophylline
Theophylline, also known as dimethylxanthine, is a methylxanthine drug used in therapy for respiratory diseases such as COPD and asthma under a variety of brand names. Because of its numerous side-effects, the drug is now rarely administered for clinical use. As a member of the xanthine family, it...
) increases the risk of hypokalemia
Hypokalemia
Hypokalemia or hypokalaemia , also hypopotassemia or hypopotassaemia , refers to the condition in which the concentration of potassium in the blood is low...
(decreased levels of potassium
Potassium
Potassium is the chemical element with the symbol K and atomic number 19. Elemental potassium is a soft silvery-white alkali metal that oxidizes rapidly in air and is very reactive with water, generating sufficient heat to ignite the hydrogen emitted in the reaction.Potassium and sodium are...
in the blood).
Bambuterol acts as a cholinesterase inhibitor, and can prolong the duration of action of suxamethonium (succinylcholine) and other drugs whose breakdown in the body depends on cholinesterase function. Butyrylcholinesterase activity returns to normal approximately two weeks after bambuterol is stopped. It can also enhance the effects of non-depolarizing neuromuscular blockers
Neuromuscular-blocking drug
Neuromuscular-blocking drugs block neuromuscular transmission at the neuromuscular junction, causing paralysis of the affected skeletal muscles. This is accomplished either by acting presynaptically via the inhibition of acetylcholine synthesis or release or by acting postsynaptically at the...
, such as vecuronium bromide.