Britanyl Side Effects

Britanyl is a medication primarily used as a bronchodilator to treat conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchospasm. While it can be effective in managing these conditions, like any medication, Britanyl can cause side effects. Here are some common and less common side effects of Britanyl.

Common Side Effects

• Tremors: Shaking or trembling in the hands or other parts of the body.
• Nervousness: Feeling jittery or anxious.
• Headache: Mild to moderate headaches may occur with Britanyl.
• Increased Heart Rate: Palpitations or a faster heartbeat.
• Muscle Cramps: Pain or discomfort in the muscles.
• Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or dizzy.
• Nausea: Mild stomach discomfort or feeling sick.
• Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
• Dry Mouth or Throat: Feeling thirsty or experiencing dryness in the mouth or throat.
• Coughing: Sometimes, Britanyl can cause a mild cough.
• Sweating: Increased perspiration.
• Irritability: Feeling easily agitated or irritated.

Less Common Side Effects

• Chest Pain: Some individuals may experience chest discomfort or pain while taking Britanyl, although this is less common.
• Palpitations: Feeling irregular heartbeats or a fluttering sensation in the chest.
• Tachycardia: An abnormally rapid heart rate.
• Hypertension: Occasional increases in blood pressure might occur in some individuals.
• Trembling or Shaking: While tremors are a common side effect, severe shaking or tremors might occur less frequently.
• Nervous System Effects: Rarely, Britanyl might lead to symptoms like restlessness, confusion, or hallucinations.
• Hypokalemia: A decrease in potassium levels in the blood, which may lead to symptoms like muscle weakness, cramps, or abnormal heart rhythms.
• Vomiting: Occasional cases of vomiting or more severe nausea might occur.
• Allergic Reactions: Rarely, severe allergic reactions such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing can occur. These require immediate medical attention.

Presently, Britanyl is available in Tablet, Syrup, and Injection Forms with the following strengths.

Britanyl Tablet : 2.5mg strength.

Britanyl Syrup : 0.3mg/ml strength.

1. Beta-blockers: Drugs like propranolol or atenolol can counteract the effects of Britanyl, potentially reducing its effectiveness in treating asthma or other lung conditions. They work in opposite ways on the body’s receptors and can diminish the bronchodilator effects of Britanyl.
2. Diuretics (water pills): These medications, especially non-potassium-sparing diuretics like furosemide, can lead to a decrease in potassium levels in the blood when taken with Britanyl. This might increase the risk of hypokalemia (low potassium levels), which can be dangerous.
3. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): MAOIs, often used in the treatment of depression and certain other conditions, can interact with Britanyl, potentially leading to increased blood pressure or other cardiovascular effects.
4. Tricyclic Antidepressants: Medications like amitriptyline or nortriptyline can enhance the cardiovascular effects of Britanyl, possibly leading to increased heart rate or blood pressure.
5. Other Bronchodilators: Using Britanyl along with other bronchodilators, such as salmeterol or formoterol, might increase the risk of side effects related to overstimulation of the beta receptors in the body.
6. Corticosteroids: When used together, corticosteroids (like prednisone) and Britanyl might interact, potentially increasing the risk of hypokalemia.