Lelafree tablets are an important medication in the management of chronic asthma, providing long-term relief from its bothersome symptoms. This medication contains the active ingredient bambuterol, 20 mg per tablet, and belongs to the class of long-acting beta-2 agonists. Bambuterol is designed to provide a therapeutic effect that lasts for 24 hours, allowing the patient to take the medication once daily to keep the airways open, improve airflow to the lungs, and reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks. Lelafree is an appropriate treatment option for patients with chronic asthma whose symptoms are not adequately controlled with inhaled corticosteroids alone or in combination with short-acting bronchodilators.
The active ingredient in Lelafree tablets
The therapeutic efficacy of Lelafree tablets is primarily based on the following active ingredient:
Bambuterol: 20 mg per tablet. Bamperol itself is a relatively inactive prodrug, but upon absorption, it is converted in the body to its active metabolite, terbutaline. Terbutaline is a selective agonist of beta2-adrenergic receptors, which are abundant in bronchial smooth muscle.
Mechanism of Action of Lelafree Tablets
The active ingredient in Lelafree Tablets works through a complex mechanism to ensure a long-lasting, bronchodilating effect:
Conversion to active metabolite: Bamperol is absorbed after oral administration and undergoes hepatic metabolism to its active metabolite, terbutaline. This gradual conversion allows terbutaline to be slowly released into the bloodstream.
Activation of beta2 receptors: Terbutaline binds to and activates beta2-receptors on the surface of smooth muscle cells in the bronchial walls.
Smooth muscle relaxation: Activation of beta2 receptors triggers a series of chemical reactions within cells that ultimately lead to relaxation of the smooth muscles of the bronchi.
Bronchodilation: Muscle relaxation leads to dilation of the bronchi, increasing their diameter and reducing airflow resistance, facilitating breathing.
Long-lasting effect: Due to the gradual conversion of ambuterol to terbutaline, the bronchodilator effect persists for up to 24 hours, providing good nighttime rest and reducing daytime asthma symptoms.
Indications for use of Lelafree tablets
Lelafree tablets are used for maintenance and symptomatic prevention in the following conditions:
Chronic asthma: Lelafree is used as an add-on to inhaled corticosteroids in adults and adolescents whose asthma symptoms are not adequately controlled with inhaled corticosteroids alone. It can also be used in patients who require both an inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting beta2-agonist.
Treatment of reversible airway obstruction associated with other lung diseases: In some cases, Lilafri can be used to help relieve reversible airway obstruction associated with conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Lelafree tablets should not be used to relieve acute asthma attacks or sudden shortness of breath. In these cases, a short-acting, rapid-acting bronchodilator should be used as directed by a physician.