hexoprenaline

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

Action: 

Bronchodilation: hexoprenaline acts as a beta-adrenergic agonist, specifically targeting beta-2 receptors in the smooth muscles of the bronchioles. When it binds to these receptors, it triggers events that lead to the relaxation of the airway smooth muscles. This relaxation results in the dilation (widening) of the bronchioles, making it easier for air to flow in and out of the lungs. 

Relief of Airway Obstruction: By relaxing the bronchial muscles, hexoprenaline helps relieve airway obstruction and reduces the resistance to airflow. This effect benefits individuals with conditions like asthma or COPD, where bronchoconstriction (narrowing of the airways) is a significant issue. 

Spectrum: 

Asthma: hexoprenaline can be used as a reliever medication to quickly relieve acute asthma symptoms, including wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. 

Bronchospasm: hexoprenaline can relieve bronchospasms caused by various factors, such as allergens, irritants, or exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

skeletal muscle tremor 

Palpitation 

 Tachycardia 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning:  

None

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution:  

Hypersensitivity: hexoprenaline should not be used in individuals with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to hexoprenaline or its components.  

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): hexoprenaline can lead to increased blood pressure, and its use is generally discouraged in individuals with uncontrolled high blood pressure. 

Hyperthyroidism: hexoprenaline may exacerbate the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. It should be used cautiously or avoided in individuals with this condition. 

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The safety of hexoprenaline use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not well established. It should only be employed when the advantages are greater than the associated risks and while being monitored by a healthcare expert. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:     

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: Excreted into human milk is unknown 

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester. 

<b>Category B: There were a lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal experiments.   

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.   

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence, these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women. 

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category

Pharmacology

Pharmacology:  

hexoprenaline is categorized within the group of medications called beta-2 adrenergic agonists. 

Pharmacodynamics:  

Bronchodilation: Activation of beta-2 receptors in the bronchial smooth muscles relaxes these muscles, resulting in the dilation of the airways. This effect helps relieve bronchoconstriction and makes it easier for individuals with conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to breathe. 

Relaxation of Uterine Muscle: hexoprenaline’s ability to act as a beta-2 agonist also includes its capacity to induce relaxation in the smooth muscles of the uterus. This characteristic has found application in postponing preterm labor and inhibiting uterine contractions under specific circumstances.  

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

hexoprenaline is typically administered via inhalation (inhalers) or intravenously (IV). When inhaled, it is rapidly absorbed through the respiratory mucosa. When given IV, it achieves immediate systemic circulation. 

Distribution 

hexoprenaline can be distributed throughout the body, but its effects are primarily localized to tissues with beta-2 receptors, such as the bronchial smooth muscles and uterine muscles. 

Metabolism 

hexoprenaline is metabolized in the liver through various pathways. The specific metabolic pathways and products may vary between individuals. 

Excretion and Elimination 

The elimination half-life of hexoprenaline can vary, but it is relatively short, usually ranging from 1 to 3 hours. It is primarily excreted through the urine in its metabolized form. 

Adminstartion

Administration:  

The administration of hexoprenaline should always be carried out under the guidance and supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. The dosage and administration instructions may vary based on the patient’s age, medical condition, and other factors. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: hexoprenaline 

Why do we use hexoprenaline?  

Asthma: hexoprenaline is used as a bronchodilator to relieve symptoms of asthma.  

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): hexoprenaline can be prescribed to individuals with COPD to alleviate bronchoconstriction and improve airflow. 

Preterm Labor: In some cases, hexoprenaline may be administered to pregnant women to delay preterm labor and help prolong pregnancy when necessary. 

Uterine Relaxant: It can be used as a uterine relaxant to prevent or treat uterine contractions, often administered to pregnant women at risk of premature labor.