Berodual®
definition
Berodual® is a drug that relaxes the respiratory muscles and expands the bronchi, which contains the active ingredients ipratropium bromide, a so-called anticholinergic, and fenoterol hydrobromide, a so-called beta-2 adrenergic.
The following trade names are common: Berodual® N Dosier-Aerosol & Berodual® Respimat 20/50 micrograms / dose solution
Application of Berodual®
Berodual® is used to treat and prevent shortness of breath in so-called chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases with constricted airways or cramps in the airways muscles. These are, for example, allergic, non-allergic asthma or stress asthma. Furthermore, the so-called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as well as chronic bronchitis to the areas of application of Berodual®.
Furthermore, Berodual® can prepare or support other inhalation therapies with other drugs such as Corticosteroids (Cortisol), Bronchial secretion removers, antibiotics, cromoglicic acid (DNCG) or brines can be used.
Both the inhalation and the use of Berodual® in the spray application form should be carried out as directed by the doctor. As a rule, there are no restrictions on the simultaneous intake of food or fluids together with Berodual®.
Read more on the subject inhalation
Dosing of Berodual®
Depending on whether Berodual® is used for long-term or acute treatment or whether Berodual® is used in the form of a spray or inhalation, a different dosage is indicated.
In addition, the age, weight and general condition of the patient must always be taken into account in order to find out the correct dosage for each individual.
How does Berodual® work?
Berodual® achieves the effect of expanding the airways and relaxing the respiratory muscles thanks to its two active ingredient components: ipratropium bromide and fenoterol hydrobromide.
Ipratropium bromide is a so-called anticholinergic / parasympatheticolytic, which inhibits certain receptors (Muscarinic receptor antagonist) blocks the transmission of excitation in the lungs and thus prevents the airways from narrowing.
Fenoterol hydrobromide works through what are known as beta-2 receptors. When fenoterol hydrobromide binds to these receptors, the bronchi become widened.
Both active ingredients have a specific effect, either inhibiting the bronchial-constricting parasympathetic nervous system, part of the autonomic nervous system, or activating the bronchial-dilating sympathetic nervous system.
Dosage forms of Berodual®
Berodual® can be in the form of a spray (Metered dose inhalers) are used, through which a certain amount of the active ingredient is released per spray, depending on the strength.
Berodual® is also available as an inhalation solution (Berodual® Respimat 20/50 micrograms / dose solution)
What is the difference between spray and Respimat?
In the case of Berodual®, an inhalation solution is called Respimat. It can be used as an alternative to spray.
In principle, it cannot be stated in general terms whether one of the two application methods is superior to the other, since both contain the same active ingredients. Therefore, the patient should have the final say in deciding which of the two methods to use. Because this increases the chance that he will also carry out the therapy regularly and according to the specifications, which is far more important for the success of the therapy than the possibly existing, minimal differences in the effectiveness of the two application methods.
One advantage of the Respimat can be seen, however, in the fact that the patient can better see when the pack is running out and when he has to get more supplies. This is much more difficult to estimate with the spray pumps.
The spray, on the other hand, has the advantage that it is ready for use faster and can therefore also be used as an emergency medication.
If the decision between the two forms of application is difficult for you, you can possibly agree to the following compromise: Respimat for regular use at home, spray as an emergency medication to take with you.
You might also be interested in: Emergency spray for asthma
Side effects of Berodual®
When using Berodual®, as with any medicine, certain side effects can occur, although these do not necessarily have to occur because every person tolerates medicines differently. If side effects occur, a doctor should be informed depending on the severity of the symptoms.
The occurrence of a cough is often reported after using Berodual®.
Occasionally, patients complain of headache, tremors, nervousness, dizziness, palpitations, an increase in blood pressure, and an increased heart rate (Tachycardia), as well as nausea, vomiting and dry mouth. Furthermore, the use of Berodual® can occasionally lead to inflammation in the throat area and impaired voice development.
The use of Berodual® rarely leads to allergic reactions with skin rashes, mental changes, and a decrease in the level of potassium in the blood. Eye discomfort is rare
- Increase in intraocular pressure
- Eye pain
- Corneal swelling
Heart trouble (Angina pectoris, supraventricular tachycardias), Lung constrictions (paradoxical bronchospasm) and complaints in the area of the muscles are also rare. Furthermore, a lack of platelets, which are responsible for the clotting of the blood, is rarely reported (Thrombocytopenia).
Rare possible gastrointestinal complaints are:
- Bloating
- constipation
- diarrhea
- heartburn
Very rarely, blood sugar levels can rise.
Interactions of Berodual®
Since there is a possibility of a drop in the potassium level in the blood when using Berodual®, an additional intake of drugs that lower the potassium level (Theophylline, corticosteroids, certain diuretics, digitalis) must be carefully weighed and observed.
The effect of Berodual® can be increased by taking other so-called beta-adrenergic sympathomimetics and other anticholinergics at the same time; Strong side effect reactions are also possible with these intake combinations.
Medicines that lower blood pressure, such as beta-blockers, have a weakening effect on the effect of Berodual®.
Berodual® and alcohol - are they compatible?
Although no specific incompatibilities between Berodual® and alcohol have been known so far, as with any medicinal product, the principle should apply here that alcohol should be avoided as far as possible while taking medicinal products.
However, since Berodual® does not pose a particularly severe risk to the liver, moderate alcohol consumption is usually classified as harmless and therefore permitted. Berodual® even contains small amounts of alcohol itself.
Can Berodual® be used during pregnancy?
Unfortunately, the data on studies on the tolerability of Berodual® in pregnancy are so far very thin. Therefore, according to the current state of knowledge, a risk to mother and child cannot be ruled out, which is why the use of Berodual during pregnancy is generally not advisable.
In particularly severe cases of illness that cannot be brought under control without Berodual®, a therapy attempt at a reduced dose can be undertaken after consulting a doctor.
The same applies to breastfeeding: Here, too, it has not been sufficiently clarified whether the agent can be transmitted through breast milk and whether in this case it can harm the child. Therefore, if possible, you should avoid taking Berodual® even during breastfeeding and only try it in absolute exceptional cases after consulting a doctor.
also read: Taking medication during pregnancy
How expensive is Berodual®?
The costs of Berodual® vary depending on the pack size and form of application, with 10ml of the spray costing around € 35 and 4.5ml of the inhalation solution around € 45
Berodural is a prescription medicine.
Is Berodual® available without a prescription?
Berodual® is not available without a prescription, but requires a prescription.
In the event of complaints, a doctor must first be consulted. He or she can assess the necessity, usefulness and risks of Berodual therapy and finally also write a prescription.
This is to prevent patients from acting on their own, relying on Berodual® and thereby exposing themselves to the risk of incorrect treatment with the consequent worsening of the disease situation.
Alternatives to Berodual®
The products sold under the name Berodual® contain the two active ingredients ipratropium bromide and fenoterol. While ipratropium bromide mainly has an expectorant effect on the bronchi, fenoterol develops its effect by relaxing and widening the bronchi. As a result, all preparations that contain one or both active ingredients or active ingredients from the same group can be considered alternatives to Berodual.
These include, for example, the combination preparations Berodualin® (same active ingredients as Berodual) or Combivent® (ipratropium bromide and salbumatol) available in Austria. In addition, tiotropium bromide, which is available in the form of inhalers, is an alternative. Although it has the same mechanism of action as ipratropium bromide, it has a significantly longer half-life, so that a single dose per day is sufficient.
Atrovent®, on the other hand, only contains ipratropium bromide, while Berotec® only contains fenoterol.
Find out more at: Medicines for asthma
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Exclusion of liability / disclaimer
We would like to point out that medication must never be discontinued, applied or changed independently without consulting your doctor.
Please note that we cannot claim that our texts are complete or correct. The information may be out of date due to current developments.
