The pharmacologic mechanism by which inhaled epinephrine reduces airway obstruction in respiratory syncytial virus-associated bronchiolitis

J Pediatr. 2000 May;136(5):699-700. doi: 10.1067/mpd.2000.105358.

Abstract

Inhaled racemic epinephrine relieves airway obstruction in patients with respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis. The contribution of alpha- versus beta-adrenoreceptor stimulation toward this clinical effect is unknown. We describe an infant treated with propranolol for supraventricular tachycardia in whom respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis developed. Inhaled racemic epinephrine improved his respiratory symptoms, whereas nebulized albuterol did not.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Inhalation
  • Adrenergic Agonists / administration & dosage
  • Adrenergic Agonists / pharmacology
  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Bronchiolitis, Viral / drug therapy*
  • Bronchodilator Agents / administration & dosage
  • Bronchodilator Agents / pharmacology*
  • Epinephrine / administration & dosage
  • Epinephrine / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Propranolol / therapeutic use
  • Racepinephrine*
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / drug therapy*
  • Tachycardia, Supraventricular / drug therapy

Substances

  • Adrenergic Agonists
  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
  • Bronchodilator Agents
  • Propranolol
  • Racepinephrine
  • Epinephrine