Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and the delivery of pediatric bronchodilator therapy

Abstract

β2-adrenergic receptor agonists have long been used for the amelioration of acute asthma symptoms and in the prophylactic treatment of exercise-induced asthma in both adults and children. To maximize the amount of drug that reaches the airways, small doses of the drug can be inhaled in aerosol form that preferentially activate pulmonary β2-receptors, thereby reducing systemic absorption and adverse effects. Potential adverse effects of β2-agonists include tremor, increased heart rate, and metabolic imbalances. Because of its specialized nature, aerosolized delivery to the airways has many additional variables that can alter the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the administered drug.