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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Bambuterol

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Bambuterol

  • Bambuterol opens up air passages and is used to treat asthma and other breathing problems.
  • Take your dose of these tablets just before going to bed.
  • If your breathing gets worse despite taking bambuterol, you must contact your doctor straight away.

About bambuterol

Type of medicineSelective beta2 agonist
Used forAsthma and similar conditions
Also calledBambec®
Available asTablets

Bambuterol can be used to treat breathing problems in people with asthma and other lung-related problems.

It works by opening up the air passages in the lungs so that air can flow into the lungs more freely. By doing so it helps to relieve symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

Before taking bambuterol

Before taking bambuterol make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have liver or kidney problems.
  • If you have hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland).
  • If you have heart disease or any other heart problems.
  • If you have diabetes.
  • If you have hypertension (high blood pressure).
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take bambuterol

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take bambuterol exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Try to take bambuterol at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses. Take your dose just before bedtime.
  • If you do forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Keep your regular doctor's or clinic appointment so your progress can be monitored.
  • Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
  • If your usual dose of bambuterol does not provide relief from your symptoms, contact your doctor straight away.
  • Do not smoke as smoking causes severe irritation and damage to the lungs. It will make your condition worse and will reduce the beneficial effects of this medication.
  • If you have diabetes you may need to check your blood glucose levels more regularly as this preparation can affect the levels of sugar in your blood.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with bambuterol.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.

Can bambuterol cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headache continues, speak to your doctor
Shakiness, restlessness, muscle cramps, palpitations (being aware of your heartbeat) and difficulty sleepingIf any of these become troublesome, discuss them with your doctor

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

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


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Bambec® Tablets, AstraZeneca UK Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated April 2009, accessed January 2010.
  • British National Formulary; 58th Edition (September 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2010DocID: 3584DocRef: dils3071Last Reviewed: 10 Jun 2010Version: 22
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