Generic (Brand)
Table 4. Quick Relief Medicationsa Dosage Form
Short-acting β2
Albuterol (ProAir ®
Proventil ® HFA, Ventolin ® HFA,
Pirbuterol (Maxair® Autohaler®
)
Levalbuterol (Xopenex ®
Albuterol Generic
(Proventil® Ventolin®
)
(Ventolin Nebules®
) ) (AccuNeb®
Levalbuterol (Xopenex ®
MDI (Combivent ®
Inhalation spray (Combivent ® Respimat ®
)
Nebulizer solution (DuoNeb ®
) , HFA) 45 mcg/dose Nebulizer solutionb
1.25 mg in 3 mL 2.5 mg in 3 mL
0.5% (20 mL vials for dilution)
1 mg/mL
) 0.63 mg in 3 mL 1.25 mg in 3 mL
0.31, 0.63, 1.25 mg per 3 mL
)
18 mcg ipratropium/ 103 mcg albuterol per dose
20 mcg ipratropium/ 100 mcg albuterol per dose
0.5 mg ipratropium (0.017% in 3 mL)/ 2.5 mg albuterol (0.083% in 3 mL)
0.63-1.25 mg q6-8h prn
2 inh qid prn Max dose: 12 inh/d
2 inh qid Max: 6 inh/24 hrs
3 mL qid via nebulization Max: 6 doses/day
a See product labeling for complete prescribing information. b Nebulizer medications are not therapy of choice for patients at home, but may be indicated under certain circumstances.
5 min 3-4 h 10-17 min
Combinations (Use for acute bronchospasm. Some synergism with both agents.) Ipratropium/albuterol
5-8 h 1.25-5 mg q6-8h prn 10-15 min 4-6 h
induced bronchospasm) MDI
HFA) 200 mcg/dose
Dose
Onset
Duration -agonists (use for relief of acute symptoms and prevention of exercise- 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 < 5 min 5-10 min 3-6 h 5 h 3-4 h
For more information on FDA changes to MDIs containing CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) please see http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/InformationbyDrugClass/ucm083812.htm and http://www.fda. gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/InformationbyDrugClass/ucm080446.htm.
