Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026
Dry Powder and Nebulized Aerosol Inhalation of Pharmaceuticals Delivered to Mice Using a Nose-only Exposure System
Published on: April 6, 2017
Ipratropium bromide for symptomatic preterm infants
1Department of Child Health, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
Insights
Inhaled ipratropium bromide significantly reduced respiratory symptoms and improved lung function in preterm infants with recurrent symptoms. This bronchodilator therapy offers an effective treatment option for these young patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Neonatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Preterm infants often experience recurrent respiratory symptoms.
- Effective treatment options for symptomatic preterm infants are crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of inhaled ipratropium bromide as a bronchodilator therapy.
- To assess the impact of ipratropium bromide on respiratory symptoms and lung function in preterm infants.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving twelve preterm infants (median gestational age 31.5 weeks).
- Infants received either inhaled placebo or ipratropium bromide (40 micrograms) three times daily for 2 weeks, using a coffee cup spacer.
- Symptom scores and lung function (functional residual capacity) were measured.
Main Results:
- A 59% reduction in symptom scores was observed during ipratropium bromide treatment compared to placebo (P < 0.01).
- Lung function showed a 38% improvement with active therapy versus a 20% change with placebo (P < 0.01).
Conclusions:
- Inhaled ipratropium bromide is an effective treatment for symptomatic preterm infants.
- Bronchodilator therapy with ipratropium bromide can alleviate recurrent respiratory symptoms and improve lung function in this population.
Abstract:
Twelve preterm infants, median gestational age 31.5 weeks, were entered into a randomised, placebo-controlled trial of bronchodilator therapy. Their postnatal age was a median of 17.5 months and all suffered from recurrent respiratory symptoms. The infants received either inhaled placebo or 40 micrograms of ipratropium bromide (active therapy) three times a day utilising a coffee cup as a spacer device. Each therapy was administered for 2 weeks. The symptom score during the active period was reduced by 59% compared to the placebo period (P less than 0.01) and this was associated with 38% improvement in lung function in the active period compared to a 20% change in functional residual capacity over the placebo period (P less than 0.01). We conclude inhaled ipratropium bromide appears to be an effective treatment for symptomatic infants at follow up.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Cholinergic Antagonists: Pharmacokinetics
01:26Cholinergic Antagonists: Therapeutic Uses
Respiratory Tract: Ipratropium, aclidinium, and tiotropium treat asthma, chronic bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They protect against bronchoconstriction caused by irritants like cigarette smoke, sulfur dioxide, and ozone. They also help reduce nasopharyngeal secretions in common...
01:31Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses
01:23Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla. Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by anesthetizing...
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
01:23Inhaled Medications