PharmaceuticalBeta-2 agonistBronchodilatorProdrug

Bambuterol

Also known as Bambec · Oxeol · Terbutaline prodrug

Written by enwyReviewed 15 Jul 20261 sources0 comments

Bambuterol is an oral prodrug of terbutaline, designed for once-daily dosing in asthma. It is slowly hydrolysed to active terbutaline, giving prolonged bronchodilation from a single tablet. It also inhibits plasma cholinesterase, which is a clinically relevant interaction. It has no established physique or fat-loss use.

01 Overview

Bambuterol is a bis-dimethylcarbamate prodrug of terbutaline. After oral dosing it is slowly and partly enzymatically hydrolysed to terbutaline, producing sustained beta-2 agonist activity that allows convenient once-daily bedtime dosing, particularly useful for nocturnal asthma symptoms.

A distinctive feature is that bambuterol inhibits plasma (butyrylcholinesterase) activity, which prolongs the action of drugs metabolised by that enzyme, notably the muscle relaxant suxamethonium (succinylcholine) used in anaesthesia. Its side-effect profile is that of terbutaline: tremor, palpitations and the usual beta-2 effects. It is not used as a cutting agent; its slow-release pharmacology and cardiovascular effects offer no physique advantage.

02 Mechanism

Oral prodrug slowly hydrolysed to the selective beta-2 agonist terbutaline, giving prolonged bronchodilation. Also inhibits plasma butyrylcholinesterase, prolonging the effect of substrates such as suxamethonium.

03 Dosing

Tier	Dose	Route	Notes
Maintenance	10–20 mg/day	Oral	10 mg once daily at night, increased to 20 mg if needed; single daily dose.

04 Effects

Effect	Magnitude	Evidence
Prolonged bronchodilationSustained relief from a single daily oral dose, useful for nocturnal symptoms.	once-daily	Clinical
Reduced nocturnal symptomsBedtime dosing provides overnight bronchodilator cover.	overnight cover	Clinical

05 Side effects

Effect	Severity	Frequency	Evidence
Tremor and palpitationsFine tremor, palpitations and headache from the released terbutaline.	Mild	Common	Clinical
Prolonged suxamethonium effectCholinesterase inhibition prolongs the action of suxamethonium, risking extended neuromuscular blockade during anaesthesia.	Moderate	Perioperative	Clinical
TachycardiaRaised heart rate at higher doses.	Moderate	With high doses	Clinical

06 Legal status

United States

Not FDA-approved

Not marketed in the US; prescription bronchodilator in parts of Europe and Asia. · as of Jan 2026

07 References

Bambuterol — a prodrug of terbutaline: pharmacokinetics and clinical useClinical Pharmacokinetics review

08 Discussion0 comments

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This page is reference information, not medical advice. Doses and protocols are documented as they appear in the clinical literature and in practice — describing them is not a recommendation to use them. Countermeasures listed here are not a substitute for a physician. Legal status varies by jurisdiction and changes.