⚡ Quick Answer — What is Bambudil?
Bambudil contains bambuterol, a long-acting prodrug of terbutaline taken as a once-daily evening tablet for asthma and COPD. Bambuterol is slowly hydrolysed by plasma cholinesterase to release active terbutaline (a β2 agonist) over 24 hours — providing sustained bronchodilation without the multiple-daily dosing of short-acting agents. Used as add-on bronchodilator therapy alongside an inhaled corticosteroid in patients who prefer oral over inhaled therapy or have difficulty with inhaler technique. Each tablet contains 10 mg, manufactured by Cipla.
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What Is Bambudil?
Bambudil contains bambuterol — a bis-dimethylcarbamate ester prodrug of terbutaline. The carbamate structure is hydrolysed slowly by butyrylcholinesterase (plasma pseudocholinesterase) to release active terbutaline gradually over 24 hours, achieving once-daily oral β2-agonism. Internationally sold as Bambec (AstraZeneca) and Oxeol.
How Does Bambudil Work?
- Slow hydrolysis by plasma butyrylcholinesterase converts bambuterol to active terbutaline.
- Terbutaline activates bronchial β2-adrenergic receptors, raising cyclic AMP and producing sustained bronchodilation.
- 24-hour duration from a single evening dose — useful for nocturnal symptoms.
- Less dependent on patient inhaler technique than inhaled β2 agonists — a benefit for elderly or coordination-impaired patients.
Uses and Indications
- Persistent asthma — add-on bronchodilator alongside ICS, especially when nocturnal symptoms predominate
- COPD with reversible component — adjunct bronchodilator
- Patients who cannot use inhalers reliably — elderly, severe arthritis, cognitive impairment
- Nocturnal asthma — once-daily evening dose covers overnight period
Bambudil Dosage
| Patient | Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Adults — initial | 10 mg | Once daily in the evening |
| Adults — maintenance | 10–20 mg | Once daily in the evening |
| Children >6 yr | 10 mg | Once daily — specialist supervision |
| Hepatic impairment / pseudocholinesterase deficiency | Reduce dose 50% | Once daily |
Side Effects of Bambudil
- Fine tremor (β2 effect)
- Palpitations, mild tachycardia
- Headache
- Muscle cramps
- Hypokalaemia at high doses (with diuretics, theophylline, oral steroids)
- Insomnia (less common with evening dosing)
Serious — stop and seek help:
- Severe palpitations or arrhythmia
- Severe allergic reaction
- Paradoxical bronchospasm
Warnings and Precautions
- {$brand} is a controller, not a reliever. Keep a SABA for acute attacks.
- Cardiovascular disease: caution with arrhythmias, severe coronary artery disease, hyperthyroidism.
- Pseudocholinesterase deficiency — reduces hydrolysis; bambuterol accumulates and effect prolongs. Halve dose.
- Drug interaction with cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, pyridostigmine, suxamethonium) — bambuterol prolongs their action; suxamethonium-induced apnoea has been reported.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: limited data; inhaled β2-agonists are first-line.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to bambuterol or terbutaline
- Severe hepatic impairment
- Concurrent suxamethonium (depolarising muscle relaxant) — relative; warn anaesthetist
Drug Interactions
| Interacting drug | Effect | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Non-selective beta-blockers (propranolol, timolol drops) | Block β2 effect — can precipitate severe bronchospasm | Avoid; switch to cardioselective beta-blocker if essential |
| Loop or thiazide diuretics | Additive hypokalaemia | Monitor serum potassium with high doses |
| Systemic corticosteroids | Additive hypokalaemia + hyperglycaemia | Monitor electrolytes and glucose |
| Theophylline / aminophylline | Additive tachycardia and hypokalaemia | Monitor heart rate and potassium |
| MAOIs and tricyclic antidepressants | Potentiate cardiovascular effects | Caution — monitor BP/HR |
| Digoxin | Hypokalaemia increases digoxin toxicity risk | Monitor potassium; check digoxin level if symptomatic |
Storage
- Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Keep in original packaging until use to protect from moisture and light.
- Do not use after the expiry date printed on the strip.
- Keep out of reach of children.
Related Alternatives on MedsBase
- Asthalin Inhaler — salbutamol reliever
- Budecort Inhaler — budesonide ICS preventer
- Foracort Inhaler — budesonide + formoterol ICS-LABA
- Tiova Inhaler — tiotropium LAMA for COPD
- Montair — montelukast LTRA tablet
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Bambudil different from salbutamol or terbutaline tablets?
Bambudil contains bambuterol — a slow-release prodrug of terbutaline. It provides 24-hour bronchodilation from a single evening dose. Standard terbutaline or salbutamol tablets last 4–6 hours and require 3–4 daily doses.
When is Bambudil useful?
For nocturnal asthma (overnight cover from evening dose), for patients who cannot reliably use inhalers (elderly, severe arthritis, cognitive impairment), or as add-on long-acting β2 agonism alongside ICS.
Is Bambudil a reliever?
No — slow onset (~2 hours to peak). Keep a SABA (Asthalin, Levolin) for acute attacks.
Can I take it during the day instead of evening?
Evening dosing is recommended — covers the overnight period when nocturnal asthma symptoms are common, and timing the side effects (mild tremor) when you are sleeping.
Why warn the anaesthetist?
Bambuterol inhibits plasma butyrylcholinesterase. Suxamethonium (a depolarising muscle relaxant used in anaesthesia) is broken down by the same enzyme — combination can prolong suxamethonium-induced apnoea. Tell any anaesthetist before surgery.
Is Bambudil safe in pregnancy?
Limited data; inhaled β2 agonists are first-line.
Can I take Bambudil with my ICS?
Yes — typically used as oral add-on to ICS (Budecort, Beclate). Modern practice prefers inhaled ICS-LABA combinations (Foracort, Seretide), but oral bambuterol remains useful when inhaler use is impractical.
How fast does Bambudil work?
Onset begins around 2 hours after dose; sustained bronchodilation over 24 hours.
Is Bambudil habit-forming?
No — no dependence or tolerance. Frequent need for additional reliever indicates poor asthma control, not addiction.


























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