What is the bronchodilator of choice for patients taking propranolol?

What is the bronchodilator of choice for patients taking propranolol?

• A. Ipratropium
• B. Albuterol
• C. Theophylline
• D. Montelukast

Answer: (A)

In patients taking propranolol, the bronchodilator of choice is ipratropium. Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that can potentially exacerbate bronchoconstriction in patients with reactive airway diseases like asthma or COPD, as it blocks β2-adrenergic receptors that mediate bronchodilation. Ipratropium, as an anticholinergic bronchodilator, works through a different mechanism by blocking muscarinic receptors in the airway smooth muscle, leading to bronchodilation without the risk of β-receptor antagonism, which is particularly important for patients receiving propranolol. This makes ipratropium a safer choice for these individuals, helping to avoid potential exacerbation of their respiratory condition. Other options like albuterol, while effective as a bronchodilator, act primarily on β2 receptors and may not be suitable for patients on propranolol due to the risk of counteracting the effects of the beta-blocker. Theophylline's action involves multiple pathways and can also be less predictable in these patients, while montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that does not provide the immediate bronchodilation needed in acute situations. Therefore, ipratropium is favored for

In patients taking propranolol, the bronchodilator of choice is ipratropium. Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that can potentially exacerbate bronchoconstriction in patients with reactive airway diseases like asthma or COPD, as it blocks β2-adrenergic receptors that mediate bronchodilation.

Ipratropium, as an anticholinergic bronchodilator, works through a different mechanism by blocking muscarinic receptors in the airway smooth muscle, leading to bronchodilation without the risk of β-receptor antagonism, which is particularly important for patients receiving propranolol. This makes ipratropium a safer choice for these individuals, helping to avoid potential exacerbation of their respiratory condition.

Other options like albuterol, while effective as a bronchodilator, act primarily on β2 receptors and may not be suitable for patients on propranolol due to the risk of counteracting the effects of the beta-blocker. Theophylline's action involves multiple pathways and can also be less predictable in these patients, while montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that does not provide the immediate bronchodilation needed in acute situations. Therefore, ipratropium is favored for