Indications
It is indicated for the treatment and prophylaxis of bronchospasm associated with asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Also indicated in adults for the treatment of cardiac asthma and left ventricular or congestive cardiac failure.
Therapeutic Class
Pharmacology
Dosage
Chronic bronchospasm:
- Adult: As hydrate: Initially, 225-450 mg bid, increased if necessary.
- Child: >3 yr: As modified-release hydrate: 12 mg/kg daily increased to 24 mg/kg daily in 2 divided doses after 1 wk.
Intravenous:
Acute severe bronchospasm:
- Adult: Loading dose: 5 mg/kg (ideal body weight) or 250-500 mg (25 mg/ml) by slow inj or infusion over 20-30 min. Maintenance infusion dose: 0.5 mg/kg/hr. Max rate: 25 mg/min.
- Child: Loading dose: same as adult dose. Maintenance dose: 6 mth-9 yr: 1 mg/kg/hr and 10-16 yr: 0.8 mg/kg/hr.
- Elderly: Dose reduction may be necessary.
- Hepatic impairment: Dose reduction may be necessary.
Administration
Tablets should be swallowed whole and not chewed because of the structure of the tablet.