In general, the drug acts by imitating the action of the adrenaline hormone, which helps in the dilation of the bronchi, which are tubes that connect the trachea to the lungs.
This is because, in the organ, there are receptor molecules for Adrenaline (Beta-2). When the hormone comes into contact with the receptors, there is a dilation of the bronchi, making the air pass more easily.
When administering Berotec, which is selective for Beta 2 and 1 receptors (in high doses), the medication acts in a similar way, causing the substance to bind to the receptors in an easier way, causing dilation and, consequently, improving the shortness of breathe.
The drug is available in the form of an aerosol, popularly known as a pump. In general, inhaling 1 dose orally is sufficient for immediate symptom relief. If there is no improvement within 5 minutes, a new dose can be administered, not exceeding 8 doses (puffs) daily.
Is it corticosteroid? No . Berotec is not a corticosteroid.
Corticosteroid drugs are those that have an action similar to hormones naturally produced by the adrenal glands, such as cortisol and aldosterone, however, they are manufactured synthetically (in the laboratory).
Berotec is not part of this class of drugs, but of beta 2 agonist bronchodilators.
This type of drug has the characteristic of blocking some receptors named Beta, which, when interacting with specific cells in the body, can cause the bronchi to constrict.
Thus, Berotec inhibits this action, in addition to acting as a bronchodilator.
Despite this, the medicine is often used together with a corticosteroid. This is because they are two different types of medication: maintenance and relief.
Relief drugs are those such as Berotec, which act to combat symptoms quickly. Maintenance drugs are, in this case, corticosteroids, inflammatory drugs administered to treat inflammation.
What is a firecracker? The inhaler is the popular name for the nebulimeter, an inhalation device used in asthma attacks. It consists of the release of medications such as bronchodilators, which act on the respiratory system, facilitating breathing and promoting relief from the asthma crisis.
When activated, the nebulimeter releases the medication dose in a controlled manner. In this way, the patient just needs to position it in front of the mouth, and inhale the medication when fired.
In general, there are 2 types of firecrackers: maintenance and relief. Maintenance companies use anti-inflammatory drugs, in order to fight inflammation and control the disease.
Relief drugs, on the other hand, are like those that use bronchodilators, indicated for immediate symptom relief.
What is it for: what is the function of Berotec? Berotec is a medicine used to relieve symptoms caused by reversible airway constriction, such as shortness of breath. In this way, it has the function of acting on the respiratory system, dilating the narrowed pathways.
Specifically, its indications are:
Acute asthma (shortness of breath) and other illnesses Berotec is indicated for the treatment of acute asthma attacks and other diseases that cause similar symptoms, such as bronchitis.
The main manifestations of these problems are shortness of breath, resulting from the narrowing of the bronchi (channels that carry air to the lungs).
To relieve symptoms, the medication acts directly on the muscles present in the region, binding to receptors and relaxing the muscles. Thus, there is a dilation of the airways and facilitating the passage of air.
In addition, Berotec also helps to prevent symptoms when in contact with other stimuli that can cause bronchoconstriction, such as histamine (neurotransmitter), methacholine (substance that induces constriction of the bronchi), cold air and allergens such as pollen.
Prevention of exercise-induced asthma One of the indications of the medication is prophylaxis, that is, prevention of the manifestation of asthma symptoms, caused by physical exercises. In general, they usually show up about 5 to 10 minutes after intense practices like running or football.
What is Berotec and Atrovent for? Both Berotec and Atrovent are drugs used to treat bronchial constriction. In spite of this, they present some differences between them, as their mechanism of action.
The Atrovent is a drug that has ipratropium bromide as main substance an anticholinergic (inhibits the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that can cause bronchoconstriction).
Regarding the indication, Atrovent acts mainly in the maintenance of bronchospasm (sudden breathlessness) that are related to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases ( COPD ).
COPD is a set of diseases of the respiratory system that includes: chronic bronchitis – inflammation of the airway channels – and emphysema – a disease that destroys the structure of the lungs.
Its administration is done by inhalation, and has a drop version for inhalation and aerosol.
Already Berotec is a medication mainly indicated to treat symptoms related to acute asthma attacks and other diseases that cause the narrowing (reversible) of the airways.
Its active ingredient is fenoterol hydrobromide, a beta-adrenergic agonist, that is, acting under some receptors named Beta, which can, in some situations, receive exaggerated adrenaline loads, causing the bronchi to constrict.
Both medications have a bronchodilation action and, in some cases, there is the possibility of using both drugs in the same treatment, to enhance the effects.
Presentations: what milligrams are available? Berotec is currently available in aerosol solution and drops.
Aerosol solution The aerosol version is the one used for inhalation in nebulizer devices, the ones popularly known as firecrackers.
It has a concentration of 100mcg per shot and, next to the package, there is the device for administration.
Solution (drops) The oral solution of Fenoterol Hydrobromide is one of the available presentations of the drug in its generic version.
It has a concentration of 5mg / mL, that is, each mL of the medication (approximately 20 drops) contains 5mg of active ingredient.
Its administration can be made orally, through ingestion, or diluted for inhalation.
Dosage: how to use according to the package leaflet? According to the package leaflet, the Berotec method of use is:
Aerosol The dosage varies according to the purpose of use: immediate symptom relief or exercise prophylaxis.
In the case of symptom relief , it is recommended to administer:
If symptoms are not relieved after 5 minutes, it is possible to inhale a second dose.
If still (after the second dose) the symptoms are not relieved, it may be necessary to apply additional doses, in which case it is important to seek medical advice, which will indicate the best way to relieve the patient’s condition,
If the use is made for prophylaxis , the dosage is:
1 to 2 doses (puffs) before performing physical exercise. It is noteworthy that for both cases it is contraindicated to exceed the maximum amount of 8 doses (puffs) of the medication per day.
How many drops of Berotec for nebulization? The number of drops required for nebulization may vary according to the purpose of use and the age of the patient. In general, for adults, 2 drops are sufficient for both symptom relief and prophylaxis when performing physical exercises.
Despite this, it is essential to always consult a professional, who will indicate the best way to use the medication for each clinical condition.
How long does it take for Berotec to take effect? Berotec starts its action in a few minutes after administration, being inhalation, almost immediately.
According to the package insert, its bronchodilator effect can last from 3 to 5 hours after use.
What is the replacement medicine for Berotec: generic or similar There are different types of regulatory categories of drugs, including: new, reference, generic, similar and interchangeable similar.
According to the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA), Berotec is classified as a New drug.
New drugs are those relatively new drugs, with synthetic and semi-synthetic active ingredients, associated or not.
In addition to this version, there are also other ways that can replace it. Between them:
Generic Generic drugs are those that have the same active ingredient, dose, pharmaceutical form, indication and route of administration as the reference, but without the commercial nomenclature.
Thus, it is marketed by the name of the active ingredient. Some generic options for Berotec are:
Fenoterol Prati-Donaduzzi hydrobromide ; Fenoterol Teuto Hydrobromide ; Fenoterol Hipolabor Hydrobromide . Similar Similar are the drugs that have the same efficacy and effect as the reference, however, they may have, for example, different excipients, expiration date, labeling and product size.
The similar option is Fenatec .
Similar interchangeable Interchangeable similars are those that, as well as conventional similars, have proven efficacy and effect similar to the reference drug.
The difference is that these products can replace, at the time of purchase, the reference drugs prescribed in the medical prescription.
The Berotec interchangeable similar option is Bromifen .
What are the side effects of Berotec? Like other medicines, Berotec can cause side effects in some people.
Common reactions include:
The unusual reactions , however, which may occur, are:
Hypokalemia; Agitation; Arrhythmia; Paradoxical bronchospasm – spasms in the bronchi that prevent the passage of air to the lungs; Nausea; Vomiting; Itching – itching. It is worth remembering that despite the reactions listed, each patient may react differently to the medication. That way, not all people will necessarily suffer from side effects.
Contraindication: who cannot take it? According to the package insert, the use of Berotec is contraindicated for people who suffer from:
Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy – thickening of the heart muscle, which makes it difficult to function; Tachyarrhythmia – fast heart rate; Allergy to any component of the formula. It is worth mentioning that it is essential to consult a doctor who will assess the need and possibility for a patient to use the medication or not.
Can Berotec kill? When used correctly, in general, it does not. Berotec is a medicine that, like others, can have some side effects and, among them, an increase in heart rate.
Despite this, when the use is made in accordance with medical advice, the product does not present great risks for the patient.
However, if administered in doses above the indicated, Berotec can cause serious effects and even, in some cases, lead to cardiac arrest.
Some of the expected effects when using a high dose of Berotec, according to the package leaflet, are:
Tachycardia; Palpitations; Tremors; Widening of pulse pressure; Hypertension; Hypotension; Arrhythmias; Blush. Thus, it is important to always seek medical advice before using a medication in order to carry out a safe treatment. The self-medication is not recommended.
If any of these effects manifest, treatment should be stopped immediately and a doctor should be consulted.
Price: what is the average value of Berotec and where to buy? The price of Berotec may vary according to the geographic region, establishment of purchase and presentation.
In general, the options and their respective values * are based on:
Berotec 2mg / mL, box with 1 tube with 10mL of dosed aerosol solution – R $ 19.79; Berotec 5mg / mL, box with 1 bottle with 20mL of oral solution – R $ 7.84. If it is necessary to compare prices and make the purchase, it is possible to use the website of Consulta Remédios, which indicates the best prices in different pharmacies in each region.
* Prices consulted in June 2020. Prices may change.
Respiratory problems can be caused by different causes, from allergies to viruses and bacteria.
For cases of problems related to asthma, bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) there are medications such as Berotec, which work to relieve symptoms and facilitate the arrival of oxygen to the lung.
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