Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and should not be a substitute for professional medical advice. The use of Bronchoterol requires regular medical assessment, especially for patients with severe or unstable asthma. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before use.
Bronchoterol (Salbutamol) Syrup: The Complete Guide to the Bronchodilator
Manufacturer: Pharaonia Pharmaceuticals (Pharo Pharma)
Category: Short-Acting Selective Beta-2 Adrenoceptor Agonist (Bronchodilator)
Active Ingredient (per 5 ml of syrup):
- Salbutamol: 2 mg (equivalent to 2.4 mg Salbutamol Sulfate)
Summary
Bronchoterol Syrup is an oral medication manufactured by Pharaonia Pharmaceuticals. It contains Salbutamol, a fast-acting bronchodilator that provides relief for 4-6 hours. It is indicated for adults, adolescents, and children (aged 2 years and older) to manage symptoms of asthma and other conditions involving reversible airway obstruction. By relaxing the airway muscles, it effectively relieves wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. The syrup form makes it a suitable therapeutic option for individuals who are unable to use an inhaler device correctly.
Mechanism of Action: How Does Bronchoterol Work?
Salbutamol, the active ingredient in Bronchoterol, is a selective beta-2 adrenoceptor agonist. It works by specifically targeting and stimulating the beta-2 receptors located on the smooth muscle cells of the airways. This stimulation causes the muscles to relax, leading to the widening of the airways (a process called bronchodilation). This action provides rapid relief from bronchospasm with little to no effect on the beta-1 receptors of the heart at standard therapeutic doses.
Therapeutic Indications: When to Use Bronchoterol
Bronchoterol Syrup is indicated for the management of bronchospasm in the following situations:
- Bronchial Asthma: For the relief of bronchospasm in all types of asthma.
- Reversible Airways Obstruction: For any condition involving bronchospasm that can be relieved by a bronchodilator.
- Inhaler Alternative: It serves as a suitable oral therapy for children and adults who cannot use an inhaler device effectively.
Posology and Method of Administration
Important Note: The dosage or frequency of administration should only be increased on medical advice. An increasing need for the medication may be a sign of worsening asthma control.
- Adults & Children over 12 years: The minimum starting dose is 2 mg (5 ml) three times daily. This can be increased to a usual effective dose of 4 mg (10 ml) three or four times daily.
- Children (6 - 12 years): The minimum starting dose is 2 mg (5 ml) three times daily, which may be increased to four times daily if necessary.
- Children (2 - 6 years): The minimum starting dose is 1 mg (2.5 ml) three times daily. This may be increased to 2 mg (5 ml) three or four times daily.
- Elderly or Sensitive Patients: It is advisable to initiate treatment with the minimum starting dose of 2 mg (5 ml) three times daily.
Contraindications
Do not use Bronchoterol if you have a known hypersensitivity (allergy) to Salbutamol or any of the excipients. Additionally, non-intravenous formulations of Salbutamol must not be used to arrest uncomplicated premature labor or threatened abortion.
Special Warnings and Precautions for Use
- Asthma Management: Bronchodilators should not be the only or main treatment for patients with severe or unstable asthma. If you find the treatment becoming less effective, seek medical advice immediately.
- Cardiovascular Effects: Use with caution in patients with underlying severe heart disease (e.g., ischaemic heart disease, arrhythmia). Patients should be warned to seek medical advice if they experience chest pain or other symptoms of worsening heart disease.
- Metabolic Effects: Salbutamol can induce reversible metabolic changes, such as increased blood glucose levels. It may also cause potentially serious hypokalaemia (low potassium levels). Serum potassium levels should be monitored in at-risk situations.
- Drug Interactions: Bronchoterol and non-selective beta-blocking drugs, such as propranolol, should not usually be prescribed together as they have opposing effects.
Undesirable Effects (Side Effects)
Like all medicines, Bronchoterol can cause side effects. The frequency is defined as follows: Very common (≥1/10), Common (≥1/100), Rare (≥1/10,000), Very rare (<1 p="" unknown.="">
- Very Common: Tremor.
- Common: Headache, tachycardia (fast heart rate), palpitations, muscle cramps.
- Rare: Hypokalaemia, cardiac arrhythmias, peripheral vasodilatation.
- Very Rare: Hypersensitivity reactions (including angioedema, urticaria, bronchospasm, hypotension, and collapse), hyperactivity.
- Unknown: Myocardial ischaemia (spontaneously reported from post-marketing data).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is Bronchoterol Syrup a "preventer" or a "reliever"?
- Bronchoterol is a "reliever." It is designed for rapid, short-term relief of symptoms. It does not replace the need for a "preventer" medication (like inhaled corticosteroids) in patients with persistent asthma.
- What are the signs of an overdose?
- The most common signs are related to beta-agonist effects: tachycardia (fast heart rate), tremor, hyperactivity, and metabolic effects like hypokalaemia and lactic acidosis. Seek medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
- Can I use Bronchoterol during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
- Administration during pregnancy should only be considered if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the fetus. As Salbutamol is likely secreted in breast milk, its use requires careful consideration and should be discussed with your doctor.
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