Bronchodilator medicines for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection

Examples

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Brand Name	Generic Name
Ventolin-HFA	albuterol

Brand Name	Generic Name
Adrenaline	epinephrine

Brand Name	Generic Name
Adrenaline	terbutaline

These medicines may be given by inhaler, nebulizer, injection, or mouth (orally).

How It Works

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Bronchodilators (beta-adrenergic medicines) relax the muscular layer that surrounds the small breathing tubes (bronchioles ), allowing them to expand and move air more easily.

Why It Is Used

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Bronchodilators are widely used to treat wheezing, a common symptom of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

• Often a child who wheezes is given a single treatment by nebulizer to see whether the medicine reduces wheezing. Some children will improve with these medicines.
• If wheezing is less after one dose of a bronchodilator, the medicine is usually added to the child's treatment plan.

Bronchodilators are commonly used for asthma and similar problems. They act rapidly when given by nebulizer, metered-dose inhaler, or injection to improve breathing and reduce wheezing.

How Well It Works

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Bronchodilators relax the small tubes in the lungs, making breathing easier.

Side Effects

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Side effects of bronchodilators include:

• Anxiety, agitation, or hyperactivity.
• Muscle tremors.
• Rapid heartbeat.
• Nausea or vomiting.

Side effects are more likely to occur with oral or injected medicine. These side effects are less common when the medicine is inhaled.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

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The use of bronchodilators in children is controversial. Research so far has not shown consistent long-term benefit for most children. Because it is possible for some children to improve from bronchodilators, these medicines are sometimes recommended for severely ill children who are older than 6 months of age.¹

Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

References

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Citations

1. Hall CB (2004). Respiratory syncytial virus and human metapneumovirus. In RD Feigin et al., eds., Textbook of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, 5th ed., vol. 2, chap. 185A, pp. 2315–2341. Philadelphia: Saunders.

Credits

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Author	Debby Golonka, MPH
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer	W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease
Last Updated	July 16, 2008