PHARMACOLOGY

Pharmacotherapeutic Group: β₂-adrenoreceptor agonist and Mucolytic Agents.

 Pharmacodynamic Properties:

Salbutamol is a β₂ adrenergic agonist and thus it stimulates β₂ adrenergic receptors. Binding of salbutamol to the β₂ receptors results in the relaxation of the bronchial smooth muscles. Salbutamol also inhibits the release of bronchoconstricting agents from the mast cells, inhibits the microvascular leakage and enhances the muciliary clearance.

Bromhexine acts on the mucus at the formative stages in the glands within the mucus secreting cells. It destroys the structure of the acid mucopolysaccharide fibres in the mucoid sputum and produces less viscous mucus, which is easier to expectorate.

 INDICATIONS

Asthma, Bronchitis, Emphysema, Bronchospasm, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Exercise Induced Bronchospasm

 DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION

Adult: 2-4mg (up to 8mg) three times daily.Child: 2mg three times daily.

 ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS

Fine skeletal muscle tremor especially hands, tachycardia, palpitation, muscle cramps, headache, paradoxical bronchospasm, angioedema, urticaria, hypotension and collapse.

Potentially Fatal: Potentially serious hypokalaemia after large doses.

 PRECAUTIONS

Pregnancy, mild to moderate pre-eclampsia, arrhythmias, hyperthyroidism, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, myocardial insufficiency, susceptibility to QT-interval prolongation. Monitor serum potassium levels. In women treated for premature labour, monitor hydration status, cardiac and respiratory function minimise volume of infusion fluid. Discontinue treatment if patient develops signs of pulmonary oedema.

 DRUGINTERACTIONS

Diuretics, corticosteroids and xanthines may augment hypokalaemia. Cardiovascular effects potentiated by Monoamine-oxidase inhibitors, Tricyclic antidepressants, sympathomimetics. Reduces serum levels of digoxin. Hypokalaemia induced by salbutamol increases the risk of digitalis toxicity. Blood Pressure should be closely monitored if linezolid is used concurrently with salbutamol.

 CONTRAINDICATIONS

Eclampsia and severe pre-eclampsia, intra-uterine infection, intra-uterine foetal death, antepartum haemorrhage, placenta praevia and cord compression, threatened miscarriage, cardiac disease.

 PRESENTATION

ASMAREX PLUS: Each bottle contains 100ml of syrup