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Berotek is available in two forms - a solution for inhalers and a metered dose aerosol. It has a pronounced bronchodilator property. Relieves spasms, relaxes smooth muscles, makes breathing easier. Prescribed for diseases of the respiratory system accompanied by suffocation and severe coughing. Used for treatment and prevention of bronchospasm when exposed to provoking factors. Produced in Germany, Italy, Austria.
Features of the action
Berotek belongs to a group of drugs that act on the smooth muscles of the bronchi and blood vessels. Once ingested, it effectively eliminates bronchospasm caused by allergens, cold air, physical activity, and increased histamine levels. To administer a solution or drops inside, use any nebulizers except steam inhalers. The action begins in 5 minutes. The maximum effect is observed after 2 hours and lasts for about 6 hours.
The aerosol according to the instructions is used for emergency administration of 1-2 doses. There are 200 of them in one can. If it is necessary to use high dosages, inhalers are used. The duration of treatment and the maximum dose of the drug per day depend on the severity, nature of the disease, and clinical picture. The active substance of Berotek is fenoterol hydrobromide.
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
The pharmaceutical drug Berotek is used topically, since clinical studies of this drug have proven that its therapeutic effect is practically independent of the serum concentration of the active components. After inhalation, about 10-30% of the main active substance reaches the lower respiratory tract. The rest of the spray settles in the upper parts of the respiratory tract, in the oral cavity, or is swallowed, entering the gastrointestinal tract. The bioavailability of fenoterol is about 18-19%.
Absorption from the surface of the lungs occurs in two stages. During the first 11 minutes after administration of the drug, 30% of a single dose is absorbed into the body, then, over the next 2 hours, the remaining 70% slowly overcomes physiological barriers, penetrating into soft tissues. The maximum plasma concentration of the drug is 45.3 pg/ml and is observed within 15 minutes after inhalation.
Fenoterol tends to be evenly distributed in the body with a volume of 1.9-2.7 l/kg body weight. This property is best described by a three-phase pharmacokinetic model with half-lives of 0.42 minutes, 14.3 minutes and 3.2 hours. In the bloodstream, the active components bind to plasma protein in an amount of 40-55% of the initial dose.
Metabolism of fenoterol hydrobromide takes place in the intestinal wall or in the liver, by conjugation (or sulfonation) to sulfates and glucuronides. After passing through all stages of metabolism and providing therapeutic effects, the active component is released through several pathways. First of all, the biological substance is excreted with bile into the lumen of the digestive tube at a rate of about 1.1-1.8 ml/min. Approximately 15% of the total average clearance is elimination of fenoterol through glomerular filtration mechanisms (approximately 0.27 L/min). Also, due to the connection of the active component with plasma proteins, the drug is released through tubular secretion.
Berotek for inhalation for children
In most cases, drops are prescribed. From 4 years of age, according to the instructions, it is possible to use an aerosol inhaler.
Using the solution
| Age | Weak severity of attack (amount of drug in ml) | Clinical picture of moderate severity | Hard case | Preventing asthma attacks |
| Over 12 years old | 0,5 | 1-1,25 | 2 | 0.5 to 4 times a day |
| 6-12 years | 0,25-0,5 | 1 | 1,5 | 0.25 up to 4 times per day |
| Up to 6 years old | 0,25 | 1 | 1 |
The indicated dose of Berotek is diluted with saline to obtain 4 ml of medicine. Inhalation is done until the medication disappears from the nebulizer chamber.
Conversion of the medicine into drops according to the instructions
- 0.5 ml – 10;
- 1 – 20;
- 1,25 – 25;
- 1,5 – 30;
- 2 – 40.
Treatment begins with small doses. If the therapeutic effect is not enough, increase the dosage. It is not recommended to do this on your own; you need to consult a specialist. Drops for inhalation are stored away from direct sunlight in a dry place. Aerosol is prescribed to children from 4 years of age, 1 dose. If necessary, the procedure is repeated again within 60 seconds.
Release form
On the shelves of pharmacy kiosks, the pharmaceutical drug Berotek can be found in the following variations:
- The solution for inhalation is a transparent and colorless medicinal liquid, free of floating particles with a barely noticeable odor. The drug is packaged in dark glass dropper bottles with a capacity of 20 ml (based on standard volume units of 1 ml = 20 drops). One bottle is placed in a cardboard package.
- Inhalation metered-dose aerosol in special stainless steel cylinders with a convenient mouthpiece (the inhaler is represented by a non-specific dosing device) of 10 ml (about 200 injections). The cardboard box contains 1 bottle of medicine.
Instructions for use for adults
To relieve mild asthma attacks, use 0.5 ml of Berotek. For a clinical picture of moderate severity, 1 ml of the drug is prescribed. In severe cases, 2 ml of medication is recommended. The administration of high doses of a bronchodilator drug is carried out under the supervision of doctors. To prevent an attack, Berotec is poured into the inhaler in an amount of 0.5 ml. Breathing procedures are done up to 4 times a day.
When using an aerosol, 1-2 doses of the drug are administered. The algorithm of action according to the instructions is as follows:
| 1 | exhale air from the lungs; |
| 2 | take the mouthpiece into your mouth and wrap your lips tightly around it; |
| 3 | press the bottom of the can while taking a deep breath; |
| 4 | repeat the procedure within 30 seconds if two doses are required. |
It is allowed to use the inhaler no more than 8 times per day. If the therapeutic effect is weak, you should consult a doctor.
The aerosol is used to prevent and eliminate asthma attacks. For bronchitis, laryngitis, COPD, inhalation through a nebulizer is prescribed.
Compound
1 ml of solution for inhalation contains the following active ingredients:
- fenoterol hydrobromide – 1 mg (medicinal liquid concentration – 0.1%);
- benzalkonium chloride;
- disodium edetate dihydrate;
- sodium chloride;
- hydrochloric acid with a molarity of 1 N;
- distilled water.
1 dose of Berotec N inhalation aerosol contains biological substances such as:
- fenoterol hydrobromide – 100 mcg;
- propellant – 1,1,1,2 – tetrafluoroethane (HFA 134a);
- citric anhydride;
- ethanol;
- distilled water.
Rules for inhalation
According to the instructions, the medication can be administered at any time during an attack. In other cases, inhalation is recommended to be done on an empty stomach . After eating, at least 30 minutes should pass. After completing the inhalation, it is not recommended to go outside in any weather or eat for 2 hours. When using a compressor nebulizer, you need to monitor the position of the chamber with the medicine. When the angle of inclination changes, the effectiveness of the product decreases, since less active substances enter the lungs.
Contraindications
According to the instructions for use, inhalation is prohibited when:
- individual intolerance to components;
- severe heart disease;
- circulatory disorders;
- pregnancy in the first trimester.
Under special supervision according to the instructions, the medicine is administered when:
- heart disease;
- diabetes mellitus;
- glaucoma;
- severe liver pathologies.
Side effects occur when overdosing, ignoring contraindications, or individual intolerance to the components. The most dangerous side effect is swelling of the larynx, severe bronchospasm .
Overdose
In case of an overdose of a pharmaceutical drug, the following symptoms are observed:
- tachycardia;
- anginal pain;
- heartbeat;
- arrhythmias;
- attacks of angina pectoris ;
- arterial hyper- or hypotension (depending on the patient’s predisposition);
- increase in pulse pressure;
- intense hyperemia of the skin of the face and upper half of the body;
- intention tremor.
As a pharmaceutical antidote for the drug Berotec, cardioselective beta-blockers , especially beta-1 receptor blockers (antagonistic action). One use of these drugs is fraught with increased bronchial obstruction, so the appropriate dose of the antidote should be selected very carefully. Symptomatic therapy is also used, involving the use of sedatives and tranquilizers. For appropriate medical indications, intensive care is used (monitoring vital signs).
Analogs
Level 4 ATX code matches:
Onbrez Breezhaler
Formoterol Easyhaler
Fenoterol
Ventolin
Foradil
Analogs of Berotec make up a small range of pharmaceuticals: Partusisten , Fenoterol and Fenoterol Hydrobromide . Also, in conservative therapy and prevention for diseases of the respiratory system, Berotek can be replaced by another similar drug called Berodual . This is a dosed aerosol for inhalation for various types of respiratory pathologies.
Which is better: Berotek or Berodual?
The answer lies in the composition of both drugs. The main active element of Berotek is fenoterol hydrobromide , the action of which in the form of an aerosol or inhalation solution is enhanced by various auxiliary components. Berodual, in turn, in addition to fenoterol, also contains ipratropium bromide , a biologically active anticholinergic substance, the therapeutic properties of which make it possible to most effectively eliminate nosological units affecting the respiratory tract. However, according to the increase in the beneficial spectrum of action, the list of side effects also lengthens.
Therefore, it is quite difficult to confidently choose any of the two pharmaceutical drugs in the conservative treatment of the respiratory system. You should listen to the medical instructions of your doctor and strictly follow all wishes. For example, the instructions for both medications quite clearly limit the permitted dosage, which means that inhalations should be carried out as carefully as possible.
Interaction
The following drugs enhance the general therapeutic effect of the pharmaceutical drug:
- beta-adrenergic agonists;
- anticholinergic substances;
- tricyclic antidepressants;
- inhibitors of the enzyme monoaminoskidase (MAO).
The combined use of the following drugs stimulates the development of side effects:
- beta-agonists;
- anticholinergic substances;
- xanthine derivatives (including Theophylline ).
Other interactions:
- beta-adrenergic blockers, when prescribed in parallel with Berotec, can lead to a serious decrease in bronchodilation;
- halogenated hydrocarbon antiseptics (for example, Halothane , trichlorethylene or Enflurane ) enhance the effects of the active components of the drug on the cardiovascular system.
Taken together with other medications
When prescribing the drug to patients, it is important to take into account the interaction of Berotek with other medications, namely:
- the effect of the study drug will increase if it is taken together with anticholinergic components, tricyclic antidepressants, as well as MAO, so it is important for the doctor to choose the right dosage for the patient;
- the use of Berotek with anticholinergic components and xathin derivatives increases the development of side effects;
- combining Berotek with β-adrenergic receptors will cause expansion of the bronchial lumen, so use the drug together with these medications with caution;
- simultaneous use with hydrocarbon antiseptics enhances the negative effect on the cardiovascular system.
Judging by the reviews of patients, all pills that a patient needs to take for health reasons must be taken only after agreement with the doctor - otherwise there is a risk of causing unpleasant side effects. In some cases, taking certain medications together with Berotec requires inpatient settings.
special instructions
The therapeutic effect of conservative treatment of bronchial asthma and steroid-dependent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease will be much higher if treatment is supplemented with anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical drugs, for example, inhaled glucocorticosteroids. However, in this case, therapy in appropriate hospitals is recommended. It is also necessary to conduct regular diagnostic analyzes of the feasibility of such a treatment regimen in each specific case, so as not to harm the patient.
If, for any medical reasons or personal preferences, instead of Berotec inhalation solution, it was decided to use Berotec N aerosol to treat the corresponding pathology, then the patient should be warned that its taste is slightly different. However, the difference in the organoleptic characteristics of pharmaceuticals does not affect the therapeutic effectiveness, safety or list of side effects, which means that the drugs are completely interchangeable.
For what diseases is it prescribed?
The use of Berotec or its substitutes, which are part of the same group of drugs, is required for the treatment of the following diseases:
- prevention of bronchial asthma attacks during physical or nervous fatigue;
- therapy of diseases associated with obstruction of the respiratory system (lung diseases, bronchitis, etc.);
- the drug helps prevent bronchospasm attacks;
- the medicine dilates the bronchi, which is especially necessary before inhalations with certain medications (for example, these can be mucolytics or antibiotics);
- Diagnostics - the drug is used as a bronchodilator test.
Attention! The therapeutic effect of the drug can be expected only if it was prescribed by a doctor and the patient strictly complies with all dosages of the drug. Otherwise, you can only worsen the patient’s condition, which will have a detrimental effect on his health.
