title: Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and the delivery of pediatric bronchodilator therapy.
abstract: beta(2)-adrenergic receptor agonists have long been used for the amelioration of acute asthma symptoms and in the prophylactic treatment of exercise-induced asthma in both adults and children. To maximize the amount of drug that reaches the airways, small doses of the drug can be inhaled in aerosol form that preferentially activate pulmonary beta(2)-receptors, thereby reducing systemic absorption and adverse effects. Potential adverse effects of beta(2)-agonists include tremor, increased heart rate, and metabolic imbalances. Because of its specialized nature, aerosolized delivery to the airways has many additional variables that can alter the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the administered drug.
authors.affiliation: Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
authors.forename: D P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Skoner
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000293:Adolescent; D000335:Aerosol Propellants / Q000494:pharmacology; D000336:Aerosols; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant
chemical_list: D000335:Aerosol Propellants; D000336:Aerosols; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents