Bambuterol tablets

About bambuterol tablets

Bambuterol is called a bronchodilator because it widens (dilates) your airways. It works by opening up the air passages in your lungs so that air can flow into your lungs more freely. For people with asthma this helps to relieve symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and feeling breathless, particularly at night.

There are other bronchodilator medicines which are available as inhalers and these tend to be preferred to tablets. You may, however, have been prescribed tablets if your symptoms are not fully eased by an inhaler alone, or if you have difficulty using an inhaler.

Beta₂-agonists like bambuterol work by stimulating receptors called beta₂ receptors in the muscles that line your airways. This relaxes these muscles, making your air passages widen, and this makes it easier for you to breathe.

Before taking bambuterol

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking bambuterol it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you have an overactive thyroid gland.

• If you have heart or blood vessel problems, or an irregular heartbeat.

• If you have high blood pressure.

• If you have high sugar levels in your blood (diabetes).

• If you have been told by a doctor that there are low levels of potassium in your blood.

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding. This is because it is particularly important that your breathing is well controlled if you are pregnant.

• If you have any problems with the way your liver works, or any problems with the way your kidneys work.

• If you are taking or using any other medicines or inhalers. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to take bambuterol

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about bambuterol, and it will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you could experience from taking it.

• Take one tablet just before bedtime, with a drink of water. Take the tablet exactly as your doctor tells you to. Bambuterol can be taken with or without food.

• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time to take your next dose, wait until then and take the dose that is due. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can review your condition on a regular basis.

• If you find that your symptoms are becoming worse or that you need to use a reliever (rescue) inhaler more regularly, contact your doctor or nurse for advice straightaway. If you have asthma, you will receive a written asthma action plan from your nurse or doctor which will help you to manage your asthma and tell you what to do if you have an asthma attack.

• Do not smoke. Smoking causes irritation and damage to your lungs and will make your condition worse. Speak with your doctor or practice nurse for advice if you are having difficulty in stopping smoking.

• If you have diabetes you may need to check your blood sugar (glucose) more frequently, as bambuterol can affect the levels of sugar in your blood. Your doctor will advise you about this.

Can bambuterol cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the more common ones associated with bambuterol. The best place to find a full list of the side-effects which can be associated with your medicine, is from the manufacturer's printed information leaflet supplied with the medicine. Alternatively, you can find an example of a manufacturer's information leaflet in the reference section below. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the tablets, please speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store bambuterol

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines