Bambuterol
Bambuterol is a long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) used as maintenance therapy for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It works by relaxing the smooth muscles of the airways, making it easier to breathe. This medication is typically taken once daily and is not intended for acute symptom relief.
Bambuterol is a once-daily maintenance inhaler for asthma and COPD that relaxes airway muscles to improve breathing.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- R03CC12
- RxNorm
- 18751
- Generic
- Bambuterol
- Class
- atc-r03
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 10-20mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 5-10mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 10mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use near delivery due to potential effects on uterine activity
fetal monitoring, uterine activity monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 5not recommended
bambuterol is not recommended for children under 5 years of age
close monitoring if used off-label
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
children 5 12dose reduction may be needed
use with caution, start at lower dose
monitor for adverse effects, growth
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly over 65start with low dose
use with caution due to potential cardiovascular sensitivity
monitor heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory status
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderate renal impairmentreduce dose
dose reduction recommended in moderate to severe renal impairment
monitor renal function, drug accumulation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate hepatic impairmentreduce dose or avoid
use with caution as bambuterol is metabolized in liver
monitor liver function, drug levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedinguse with caution
avoid or discontinue breastfeeding during treatment
monitor infant for adverse effects
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism
Long-term maintenance treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults and children.
Bambuterol is a prodrug that converts to terbutaline in the body, which stimulates beta-2 receptors in the bronchial smooth muscle, causing relaxation and bronchodilation.
Not for acute bronchospasm relief. Should be used regularly as prescribed. Common side effects include tremor, headache, and palpitations. Do not stop abruptly without consulting a healthcare provider. May interact with other medications affecting heart rhythm.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy