Bambuterol

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Bambuterol is a therapeutic agent categorized as a long acting beta-adrenoceptor agonist (LABA) that serves as a primary treatment for asthma. Additionally, it functions as a prodrug for terbutaline. On the commercial front, the pharmaceutical titan AstraZeneca is responsible for producing and distributing bambuterol under the brand names Bambec and Oxeol, recognized internationally by the INN.

Therapeutic Indications[edit | edit source]

The primary therapeutic application of bambuterol, like other LABAs, revolves around the sustained management of chronic asthma. It's crucial to note that bambuterol isn't suitable for immediate relief during asthma episodes or attacks.

Contraindications[edit | edit source]

  • Pregnancy: Bambuterol is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
  • Liver Impairment: Individuals with severe liver dysfunction should avoid bambuterol.
  • Renal Impairment: Although bambuterol can be administered to individuals with kidney issues, dosage adjustments become imperative.

Potential Adverse Effects[edit | edit source]

Bambuterol's side effect spectrum aligns closely with that of salbutamol. Patients may encounter symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, palpitations, headaches, dizziness, and potential tremors.

Drug Interactions[edit | edit source]

  • Potassium Levels: Utilizing bambuterol alongside corticosteroids, diuretics, and xanthine derivatives (like theophylline) amplifies the chances of hypokalemia – a medical condition marked by reduced potassium concentrations in the bloodstream.
  • Cholinesterase Inhibition: Bambuterol operates as a cholinesterase inhibitor, which can extend the action duration of suxamethonium (succinylcholine) and other drugs that rely on cholinesterase for metabolism. Butyrylcholinesterase activity is generally restored to its standard state around two weeks post the cessation of bambuterol intake.
  • Neuromuscular Blocking Agents: Bambuterol can potentiate the effects of non-depolarizing neuromuscular blockers, such as the agent vecuronium bromide.

Summary[edit | edit source]

Bambuterol stands as a key therapeutic player in the realm of asthma management. As with all medications, its application should be guided by a thorough understanding of its indications, contraindications, potential side effects, and interactions with other drugs to ensure optimal patient safety and efficacy.

References[edit | edit source]

Bambuterol Resources
Doctor showing form.jpg

Translate to: East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski


Comprehensive list of medications or pharmaceutical drugs used in the United States with their NDC or national drug code, brand name, dosage, forms of administration etc. sorted alphabetically.

External links[edit source]

The following is the collection of detailed information and links to the National Institute of Health (NIH) comprehensive drug information portal and other reliable sources of information. Select the drug name below to show drug description, drug classification, other common drug names, and information on the reasons why prescribed, how medication should be used, and what possible side effects could occur.

Drug names[edit source]

A • B • C • D • E • F • G • H • I • J • K • L • M • N • O • P • Q • R • S • T • U • V • W • X • Y • Z

Search for other drug names not listed above

Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD