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Hypertonic saline and epinephrine
Hypertonic saline increases airway osmolarity to promote mucus clearance, while epinephrine causes vasoconstriction and reduces airway edema and mucus production.
Hypertonic saline increases airway osmolarity to promote mucus clearance, while epinephrine causes vasoconstriction and reduces airway edema and mucus production. Used for Acute bronchiolitis in infants and children, Croup (laryngotracheobronchitis).
At a glance
| Generic name | Hypertonic saline and epinephrine |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Le Bonheur Children's Hospital |
| Drug class | Combination bronchodilator and mucolytic agent |
| Target | Alpha-1 adrenergic receptors, beta-2 adrenergic receptors, osmotic gradient modulation |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Pulmonology / Pediatric respiratory disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Hypertonic saline works by creating an osmotic gradient that draws fluid into the airway lumen, hydrating secretions and improving mucociliary clearance. Epinephrine acts as an alpha-1 and beta-2 adrenergic agonist, causing vasoconstriction to reduce submucosal edema and stimulating beta-2 receptors to promote bronchodilation. Together, these agents reduce airway obstruction and improve ventilation, particularly in acute bronchiolitis and croup.
Approved indications
- Acute bronchiolitis in infants and children
- Croup (laryngotracheobronchitis)
Common side effects
- Tachycardia
- Tremor
- Irritability or agitation
- Transient hyperglycemia
- Throat irritation
Key clinical trials
- Comparative Efficacy of Hypertonic Saline vs Adrenaline Nebulization in Acute Bronchiolitis (PHASE3)
- Hydrodilatation With Hypertonic Dextrose Solution Injection After Intra-articular Steroid Injection for Frozen Shoulder (NA)
- Efficacy of Magnesium Sulfate in the Treatment of Bronchiolitis (PHASE2)
- Epinephrine, Dexamethasone and Hypertonic Saline in Bronchiolitis (PHASE2)
- Epinephrine, Dexamethasone, and Hypertonic Saline in Bronchiolitis, Randomised Clinical Trial of Efficacy and Safety (PHASE4)
- 7% Hypertonic Saline for Acute Bronchiolitis (PHASE4)
- High Flow Therapy vs Hypertonic Saline in Bronchiolitis (PHASE3)
- Efficacy of Nebulised Hypertonic Saline (3%) Among Children With Bronchiolitis. (PHASE4)
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:
- Hypertonic saline and epinephrine CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Hypertonic saline and epinephrine updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Le Bonheur Children's Hospital portfolio CI