Therapy
Table 1. FDA-approved Drugs for EIB
Drug
(Brand)
Dosage Form
Dose
Nebulizer solution
Albuterol
(Ventolin Nebules®,
Accuneb®)
0.63 mg (0.021%) to
2-12 yrs: 0.63-1.25 mg tid - qid
1.25 mg (0.042%) per 3 mL over 5-15 mins
Max dose: 2.5 mg
MDI
Albuterol
(ProAir HFA®,
Proventil HFA®,
Ventolin HFA®)
120 mcg/dose
≥ 4 yrs: 2 inh 15-30 min before
exercise
Levalbuterol
(Xopenex HFA®)
45 mcg/inh
≥ 4 yrs: 2 inh q4-6h prn,
in some patients, 1 inh q4h may
be sufficient
Formoterol*
(Foradil Aerolizer®)
DPI: 12 mcg/single use
capsule
≥ 5 yr: 1 capsule ≥ 15 mins
before exercise, repeat ≥ 12 hr
Salmeterol*
(Serevent Diskus®)
DPI: 50 mcg/blister
≥ 4 yr: 1 inh ≥ 30 mins before
exercise, repeat ≥ 12 hr
10 mg tablet
≥ 15 yr: 10 mg ≥ 2 hr before
exercise
NEBULIZER:
20 mg/2 mL ampule
2 inh 10 to 15 minutes but not
more than 60 minutes before
exposure
Long-acting β2-agonists
Leukotriene modifiers
Montelukast
(Singulair®)
Others
Cromolyn
(Generics)
* BLACK BOX WARNING: Long-acting β2-adrenergic agonists may increase the risk of asthma-related
death. They should never be used alone in children or adults with asthma. Please see product labeling for
information on this warning. An FDA Medication Guide should be distributed to patients starting a new
prescription.
