NCIt definition : A combination of albuterol and ipratropium with a bronchodilatory effect. Albuterol
stimulates beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the lungs, thereby activating the enzyme
adenylate cyclase that catalyzes the conversion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to
cyclic-3',5'- adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). This results in the relaxation of bronchial
smooth muscle, relieve of bronchospasms, and reduction of inflammatory cell mediator
release. Ipratropium is a synthetic quaternary ammonium compound and a competitive
muscarinic acetylcholine (Ach) receptor antagonist. This agent inhibits vagally mediated
reflexes by antagonizing the action of Ach and consequently, prevents the increase
in intracellular cyclic guanosine monophosphate, which is a result of ACh interacting
with the muscarinic receptor on bronchial smooth muscle.;
CISMeF manual mappings