Safety of bronchodilator therapy in pediatric asthma patients.

This article reviews the drugs used in the treatment of childhood asthma (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 adolescents for many types of antiasthma drugs. It is clear that current therapy in childhood asthma is based on finding an optimal balance between efficacy and risk of side effects. In this regard, the fast-acting beta 2-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, ipratropium, slow-acting beta 2-agonists) and anti-inflammatory agents (cromolyn, nedocromil) should be added as required to control the condition, always keeping risk/benefit considerations in mind.