Long-acting beta-2 agonist (oral prodrug of terbutaline)

Bambuterol

Brand names: Bambec

Bambuterol is an oral long-acting beta-2 agonist prodrug of terbutaline used for bronchodilation in asthma and reversible airways obstruction.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It is hydrolysed in the body to terbutaline, which stimulates beta-2 adrenoceptors on airway smooth muscle to produce prolonged bronchodilation.

Prescribing in practice

It is metabolised via plasma cholinesterase, so dose reduction and caution are needed in renal impairment and in patients with low cholinesterase activity.
As a long-acting beta-2 agonist it should not be used for relief of acute symptoms.
Caution applies in cardiovascular disease, hyperthyroidism and diabetes as with other beta-2 agonists.

Monitoring

Monitor symptom control, heart rate and serum potassium, with particular care in renal impairment.

Counselling the patient

Take once at night as directed and keep a separate reliever inhaler for sudden symptoms.
Report tremor, palpitations or worsening breathlessness.

Evidence & guidelines

Its action reflects conversion to terbutaline, a well-characterised beta-2 agonist; renal dosing caution is documented in the SPC.

Reference: SmPC Bambec; BTS/SIGN Asthma Guideline 158 (2019); NICE NG80; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Pathways