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Tremor and β(2)-adrenergic agents: is it a real clinical problem?
Mario Cazzola1, Maria Gabriella Matera
1Unit of Respiratory Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy. mario.cazzola@uniroma2.it
Pulmonary Pharmacology & Therapeutics
|January 3, 2012
Summary
Beta2-adrenergic agonists can cause tremor in asthma patients, often dose-related. However, this tremor typically resolves with regular use due to receptor desensitization.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Clinical Therapeutics
Background:
- Tremor is a known adverse effect of beta2-adrenergic agonists.
- This effect is observed in 2-4% of asthma patients using these medications regularly.
- Both short-acting and long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists can induce tremor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics and mechanisms of tremor induced by beta2-adrenergic agonists.
- To evaluate the clinical significance of tremor in patients undergoing regular treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on beta2-adrenergic agonist-induced tremor.
- Analysis of dose-dependency and route of administration effects.
- Exploration of proposed mechanisms, including direct muscle effects and hypokalemia.
Main Results:
- Tremor is dose-related and may be more common with oral administration.
- Potential mechanisms involve direct effects on skeletal muscle and hypokalemia.
- Receptor desensitization leads to tremor resolution within days of regular use.
Conclusions:
- Tremor induced by beta2-adrenergic agonists is generally transient and resolves with continued treatment.
- Due to desensitization, tremor is not considered a clinically significant adverse effect in patients on regular therapy.
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