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Albuterol, ipratropium bromide
This combination bronchodilator relaxes airway smooth muscle through dual action: albuterol stimulates beta-2 adrenergic receptors while ipratropium blocks muscarinic acetylcholine receptors.
This combination bronchodilator relaxes airway smooth muscle through dual action: albuterol stimulates beta-2 adrenergic receptors while ipratropium blocks muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. Used for Acute bronchospasm and airway obstruction in pediatric patients, COPD exacerbation (pediatric), Asthma exacerbation (pediatric).
At a glance
| Generic name | Albuterol, ipratropium bromide |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Albuterol, Atrovent |
| Sponsor | Children's Hospital of Philadelphia |
| Drug class | Combination bronchodilator (beta-2 agonist + anticholinergic) |
| Target | Beta-2 adrenergic receptor; M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Pulmonology / Respiratory |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist that increases cAMP in airway smooth muscle cells, causing bronchodilation. Ipratropium bromide is an anticholinergic agent that blocks M3 muscarinic receptors on airway smooth muscle, preventing acetylcholine-induced bronchoconstriction. Together, they provide complementary bronchodilation through independent pathways, making the combination more effective than either agent alone for acute airway obstruction.
Approved indications
- Acute bronchospasm and airway obstruction in pediatric patients
- COPD exacerbation (pediatric)
- Asthma exacerbation (pediatric)
Common side effects
- Tremor
- Tachycardia
- Headache
- Nervousness
- Dry mouth
- Palpitations
Key clinical trials
- Magnesium Trial in Acute Asthma in Emergency Department (PHASE3)
- Nebulized Ketamine Plus Standard Care vs. Standard Care Alone in Moderate to Severe Asthma Exacerbations (PHASE2)
- The Effect of Nebulized Epinephrine in Asthma Exacerbation in Pediatric Age Group With the Standard Treatment Compared to Standard Treatment Using Improvement PRAM Score as a Primary Outcome (PHASE4)
- Neural Respiratory Drive of Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (NA)
- A Comparative Study of Adding Ipratropium to Salbutamol for the Treatment of Asthma Attack in Children (PHASE4)
- Bronchodilators and Lung Mechanics During Exercise in COPD (PHASE4)
- Differential Mechanisms of Dyspnea Relief in Advanced COPD: Opiates vs. Bronchodilators (PHASE4)
- Role of Parasympathetic Activity in Mild to Severe Asthma With Fixed Airway Obstruction (PARASMA Study) (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Albuterol, ipratropium bromide CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Albuterol, ipratropium bromide updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia portfolio CI