Table 6. Quick Relief Medications Dosage Form
Generic (
) Short-acting β2
Albuterol (ProAir HFA® Proventil HFA® Ventolin HFA®
, , )
Pirbuterol (Maxair®
200 mcg/dose )
Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA®
Albuterol (Proventil®
Albuterol (Ventolin Nebules®
)
Levalbuterol (Xopenex®
)
MDI Ipratropium (Atrovent HFA®
Albuterol/ ipratropium MDI (Combivent®
) 45 mcg/dose ) Nebulizer solution† )
1 mg/mL (0.83% in 3 mL)
2.5 mg/3 mL (0.083% in 3 mL, 0.5% in 20 mL)
0.31, 0.63, 1.25 mg per 3 mL
17 mcg/dose )
Combinations (Use for acute bronchospasm. Some synergism with both agents. Primary indication is COPD.)
)
Nebulizer Sol (Duoneb®
103 mcg albuterol/18 mcg ipratropium per dose
2.5 mg albuterol (0.083% in 3 mL) 0.5 mg ipratropium (0.017% in 3 mL)
2 inh qid prn Max dose: 12 inh/d
5 min 3-4 h 2.5 mg q6-8h prn 1.25-5 mg q6-8h prn 0.63-1.25 mg q6-8h prn
Anticholinergics (Use for acute bronchospasm in patients with β2 of choice for beta blocker-induced asthma.)
2 inh qid Max dose: 12 inh/d
5 min 10-15 min 10-17 min 3-4 h 4-6 h 5-8 h -agonist intolerance. Therapy 15 min 2-4 h -agonists (Use for relief of acute symptoms and prevention of exercise-induced
bronchospasm.) MDI
90 mcg/dose
2 inh q4-6h prn; in some patients, 1 inh q4h may be sufficient 2 inh 15 min before exercise
2 inh q4-6h prn, in some patients, 1 inh q4h may be sufficient Max dose: 12 inh/q24h
2 inh q4-6h prn, in some patients, 1 inh q4h may be sufficient
≤ 15 min 3-6 h
Dose*
Onset
Duration
< 5 min
5 h
5-10 min
3-4 h
≥ 18 years old 3 mL q4-6h prn; Max dose: 18 mL/24 h
5 min
3-4 h
*See product labeling for complete prescribing information. • Nebulizer medications are not therapy of choice for patients at home, but may be indicated under certain circumstances. • For more information on FDA changes to MDIs containing CFC's please see http://www.fda.gov/cder/mdi/consumer.htm and http://www.fda.gov/CDER/mdi/mdifaqs.htm.
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