Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 5, 2026

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
Benzalkonium Chloride: A Bronchoconstricting Preservative in Continuous Albuterol Nebulizer Solutions
Sreekala Prabhakaran1, Mutasim Abu-Hasan1, Leslie Hendeles1,2
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Abstract:
For convenience, many pediatric hospitals are preparing solutions for continuous nebulized albuterol using the 0.5% 20-ml multidose albuterol dropper bottle. This product contains benzalkonium chloride (BAC) that, by itself, produces bronchospasm that is dose dependent and cumulative. The bronchoconstrictive effects of BAC are greater in patients with more severe airway obstruction and increased airway responsiveness. Use of BAC-containing albuterol during severe acute asthma exacerbations may antagonize the bronchodilator response to albuterol, prolong treatment, and increase the risk of albuterol-related systemic adverse effects. Such a deleterious effect of BAC is difficult to detect because some patients improve slowly or may even worsen during treatment. We recommend that only preservative-free albuterol products be used.
Related Concept Videos
Antiasthma Drugs: β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists
One class of bronchodilators includes β2-adrenoceptor agonists. These agents target the β2-adrenoceptors located on bronchial smooth muscle cells. By stimulating these receptors, β2-agonists induce...
Inhaled Medications
Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Therapeutic Uses
Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Antiasthma Drugs: Muscarinic Receptor Antagonists
Antimuscarinic agents compete with ACh for the same binding site on the muscarinic receptors. By binding to these receptors, they inhibit the downstream effects of ACh and block the parasympathetic...
COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids

