Class

Generic  Name

Brand Name

Photo

Use

Usual Dosage

Tips and Product Links

   Beta-agonist
   Short acting

Albuterol sulfate HFA

ProAir HFA

For quick relief of asthma symptoms.

Prevention of exercise-induced asthma.

Age 4 and above.

1 or 2 inhalations
every 4 to 6 hours for quick relief of asthma symptoms.

2 puffs 15 minutes before exercise to prevent
exercise-induced
asthma.

“Test spray” if not used in several weeks.

On first use “prime” with 4 sprays.

HFA inhaler does not contain CFC propellant.

Clean actuator once a week.

Pregnancy Category C

ProAir HFA Web site

Proventil HFA Web site

Ventolin HFA Web site

Ventolin HFA has a dose counter.

Proventil HFA

Ventolin HFA

Albuterol
Sulfate generic

CFC

No photo

Generic

For quick relief or prevention of bronchospasm.

Age 12 and older.

2 inhalations every 4 to 6 hours.

The generic form of albuterol sulfate will not be available after December 2008.

Albuterol will only be available in the HFA form (see above).

Pregnancy Category C

Albuterol sulfate inhalation solution

Unit dose vials of albuterol
0.083%
comes as:

Generic

For quick relief of asthma.

Age 2 and above.

One unit dose vial.

Every 4 to 6 hours.

Vials do not require dilution.

For use in a compressor/nebulizer.

Albuterol sulfate nebulizer solution

AccuNeb
Inhalation solution

For quick relief of asthma.

Age 2 to 12.

0.63 mg and 1.25 mg in 3 mL unit-dose vials.

Age 2 and older.

This is a “low” dose vial of albuterol.

AccuNeb Web site

Albuterol sulfate 0.5%

For quick relief of asthma symptoms.

Age 2 and above.

Dose will vary.

These are concentrated albuterol.

They need to be diluted in saline before use.

Levalbuterol HCl

Xopenex Inhalation Solution

For the treatment and prevention of bronchospasm.

Approved: Ages 6 to 11 (0.31 mg) and older.
Ages 12 and older, adjust from 0.63 to 1.25 mg.

0.31 mg (green);
0.63 mg (green);
1.25 mg (red) in 3 mL unit-dose vials; one vial every 6 to 8 hours.

Also concentrate of 1.25mg in 0.5ml (need to dilute).

For use in nebulizers only.

Not studied in combination with other medication.

Store in the foil pouch.
 
Once the foil pouch is opened use the vials within two weeks.

Xopenex FDA Information

Xopenex Web Page

Xopenex HFA

For treatment or prevention of bronchospasm.

Adults and children older than 4 years of age.

2 inhalations repeated every 4 to 6 hours

Pregnancy Category C

Pirbuterol

Maxair Autoinhaler

For prevention of asthma or quick relief of asthma.

Age 12 and above:
2 inhalations every 4 to 6 hours.

Breath actuated device.

Do not exceed 12 doses in 24 hours.

No need for spacer or chamber.

Pregnancy Category C

Maxair Autohaler Web Page

     anticholinergic

Ipratropium
Bromide HFA

Atrovent HFA
Inhalation Aerosol

For relief of bronchospasm of COPD.

Age 12 and above:
2 inhalations every 6 hours

Caution with narrow-angle glaucoma or enlarged prostate.

Used for maintenance treatment of bronchospasm of COPD (chronic bronchitis and emphysema).

Atrovent HFA Package Insert

Pregnancy Category B

Ipratropium bromide/Albuterol sulfate
Combination Product

Combivent Inhalation Aerosol

For relief of bronchospasm of COPD.

Approved for adults with COPD: 2 puffs every 4 to 6 hours.

Do not use if allergic to soy or peanut protein.

Caution with narrow-angle glaucoma or enlarged prostate.

Combivent Information Link

Pregnancy Category C

Tiotropium bromide inhalation powder

Spiriva HandiHaler

Spiriva is the capsule of tiotropium.

HandiHaler is the device used to breath in the Spiriva.

For long-term relief of bronchospasm of COPD.

Approved for adults with COPD.

One capsule once a day taken with the HandiHaler.

Used for the maintenance treatment of COPD (chronic bronchitis and emphysema).

This medication is not approved for the treatment of asthma.

Spiriva Web site

Pregnancy Category C