Definition
Berodual® is a drug that relaxes the respiratory muscles and dilates the bronchial tubes. It contains the active ingredients ipratropium bromide, a so-called anticholinergic, and fenoterol hydrobromide, a so-called beta-2-adrenergic. The following trade names are commonly used: Berodual® N Dosage 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 narrowed airways or cramps of the respiratory muscles. These include allergic, non-allergic asthma or exercise-induced asthma. Berodual® is also used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic bronchitis.
Furthermore, Berodual® can be used as a preparation or adjuvant to other inhalation therapies with other drugs such as corticosteroids (cortisol), bronchial secretion solvents, antibiotics, cromoglicic acid (DNCG) or brines. Both inhalation and use of Berodual® in the spray application form should be carried out in accordance with the doctor’s instructions. As a rule there are no restrictions on the simultaneous intake of food or fluids together with Berodual®.
Dosage of Berodual®
Depending on whether the application of Berodual® is a permanent or acute treatment or whether Berodual® is applied in the form of a spray or by inhalation, different dosages are indicated. In addition, the age, weight and general condition of the patient must always be taken into account in order to find the correct dosage for the individual patient.
How does Berodual® work?
Berodual® achieves the respiratory tract widening and respiratory muscle relaxation effect through its two active components: ipratropium bromide and fenoterol hydrobromide. Ipratropium bromide is a so-called anticholinergic/parasympathetic drug that blocks the transmission of excitement by inhibiting certain receptors (muscarinic receptor antagonist) in the lungs and thus prevents narrowing of the airways. Fenoterol hydrobromide acts via the so-called beta-2 receptors. When fenoterol hydrobromide binds to these receptors, the bronchial tubes dilate. Both active substances have a specific effect either by inhibiting the parasympathetic nervous system, a part of the autonomic nervous system that narrows the bronchi, or by activating the sympathetic nervous system that widens the bronchi.
Dosage forms of Berodual
Berodual® can be used in the form of a spray (metered dose inhaler), through which a certain amount of the active ingredient is released per spray burst, depending on the strength of the effect. Berodual® is also available as a solution for inhalation (Berodual® Respimat 20/50 micrograms /dose solution)In the case of Berodual® , Respimat refers to an inhalation solution. It can be used as an alternative to a spray.
In principle, it is not possible to say on a gerneralised basis whether one of the two application methods is superior to the other, as both contain the same active ingredients. Therefore, the patient himself should have the last word in deciding which of the two methods to use. This increases the chance that the patient will be able to carry out the therapy regularly and according to the instructions, 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, however, is that the patient can better foresee when the pack is about to end and he or she will have to get supplies. With spray pumps this is much more difficult to estimate. The spray, on the other hand, has the advantage that it is ready for use more quickly and can therefore also serve as an emergency medication. If you find it difficult to decide between the two forms of application, you may be able to make the following compromise: Respimat for regular use at home, spray as an emergency medicine to take with you.
