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RESPIRATORY SYSTEM › DRUGS FOR OBSTRUCTIVE AIRWAY DISEASES › ADRENERGICS FOR SYSTEMIC USE › Selective beta-2-adrenoreceptor agonists
hexoprenaline
R03CC05
Forms & Strengths
- Solution for injection: 5 mcg/mL
- Tablet: 0.5 mg
Adult Dosing
- Bronchospasm: 0.2 - 0.5 mg orally 3 to 4 times daily
- Premature labor (tocolysis): Initial IV infusion 0.03 mcg/min, titrated based on uterine contractions and heart rate up to 0.3 mcg/min
Pediatric Dosing
- Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients not fully established
- Use in adolescents > 12 years: 0.5 mg orally up to 3 times daily for bronchospasm
Indications
- Reversible bronchospasm in bronchial asthma and chronic bronchitis
- Acute tocolysis for the inhibition of premature labor contractions
Mechanism of Action
- Selective beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonist
- Relaxes bronchial smooth muscle and inhibits uterine motility
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to hexoprenaline
- First trimester of pregnancy (for tocolysis)
- Conditions predisposing to pregnancy continuation risk (e.g., severe hemorrhage, eclampsia, intrauterine infection)
- Pre-existing cardiovascular disease (tachyarrhythmias, myocarditis, mitral valve disease)
- Angle-closure glaucoma
Adverse Reactions
- Fetal and maternal tachycardia
- Tremor
- Palpitations
- Nervousness and headache
- Hypokalemia
- Hyperglycemia
- Pulmonary edema (rarely, during tocolysis)
Drug Interactions
- Beta-blockers antagonize the bronchodilatory and tocolytic effects
- General anesthetics (e.g., halothane) increase susceptibility to arrhythmias and hypotension
- Corticosteroids increase risk of pulmonary edema
- Other sympathomimetics potentiate cardiovascular toxicity
- Potassium-depleting agents (diuretics, corticosteroids) increase risk of hypokalemia
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use