indication

Used to dilate air passages in the lungs that have become narrowed as a result of disease or inflammation. It is used in the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

pharmacology

Bitolterol, an adrenergic bronchodilator, is a prodrug that widens constricted airways in the lungs by relaxing the smooth muscles that surround the bronchial passages. Bitolterol probably does not affect the inflammation in the lung, such as in bronchitis. Bitolterol is unique in that it is a prodrug because it must first be metabolized by the body before it becomes active.

mechanism of action

Bitolterol is an adrenergic beta-2 agonist. Asthma results from a narrowing of the bronchial tubes. This narrowing is caused by muscle spasm and inflammation within the bronchial tubes. Agonism of the beta-2 adrenergic receptors by bitolterol leads to a relaxation of the smooth muscles surrounding these airway tubes which then increases the diameter and ease of air flow through the tubes.