Brands, Medical Use, Clinical Data
Drug Category
- Bronchodilator Agents
- Selective beta-2-adrenoreceptor agonists
Dosage Forms
- Metered dose inhaler in 16.4 grams (15mL) and a 10mL dropper bottles containing 0.2% solution for hand held nebulizer.
Brands / Synonyms
Bitolterol; Bitolterolum [INN-Latin]; Tornalate
Indications
Used to dilate air passages in the lungs that have become narrowed as a result of disease or inflammation. It is used in the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Pharmacology
Bitolterol, an adrenergic bronchodilator, is a prodrug that widens constricted airways in the lungs by relaxing the smooth muscles that surround the bronchial passages. Bitolterol probably does not affect the inflammation in the lung, such as in bronchitis. Bitolterol is unique in that it is a prodrug because it must first be metabolized by the body before it becomes active.
Mechanism of Action
Bitolterol is an adrenergic beta-2 agonist. Asthma is a breathing involving narrowing of the bronchial tubes. This narrowing is caused by muscle spasm and inflammation within the bronchial tubes. Bitolterol relaxes the smooth muscles surrounding these airway tubes, therefore, increases the diameter and ease of air flow through the tubes.
Absorption
Not Available
Toxicity
Not Available
Biotrnasformation / Drug Metabolism
Not Available
Contraindications
Contraindicated in circulatory disorder, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, or an overactive thyroid.
Drug Interactions
Use of MAO inhibitors may cause an excessive increase in blood pressure and heart stimulation. If you are also using a steroid inhaler, take bitolterol first and then wait about 15 minutes before using the steroid inhaler. This allows bitolterol to open air passages, increasing the effectiveness of the steroid.
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