SAFETY OF BRONCHODILATOR THERAPY IN PEDIATRIC ASTHMA PATIENTS

This article reviews the drugs used in the treatment of childhood asth ma (bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory agents) from the perspective of their safety and clinical tolerability. Adverse events observed in adults are likely to be seen to a greater degree in children and adol escents for many types of antiasthma drugs. It is clear that current t herapy in childhood asthma is based on finding an optimal balance betw een efficacy and risk of side effects. In this regard, the fast-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists, exemplified by albuterol, find a prominent place in therapy. Inhaled corticosteroids are also effective and well -tolerated first-line agents. Other bronchodilators (theophylline, ipr atropium, slow-acting beta2-agonists) and anti-inflammatory agents (cr omolyn, nedocromil) should be added as required to control the conditi on, always keeping risk/benefit considerations in mind.