Class

Generic  Name

Photo

Brand Name

Use

Usual Dosage

Tips and Product Links

Beta-Agonist
Short Acting

Albuterol sulfate MDI

Generic
Metered dose inhaler

There are several generic versions

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 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

Proventil HFA Package Insert

Ventolin HFA Package Insert

Ventolin HFA has a built-in dose counter.

Proventil Aerosol
17 Gm Inhaler
and
Proventil HFA

Ventolin Aerosol
17 Gm Inhaler
and
Ventolin HFA

ProAir  HFA

For quick relief  or prevention of bronchospasm
Age 12  and older

2 inhalations every 4 to 6 hours

albuterol HFA Package Insert

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 Information Link

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

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 Product Information

Xopopenex 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

Metaproterenol
sulfate

Alupent® Inhalation
Aerosol
Also as
Generic
Inhaler

For quick-relief of asthma

Age 12 and above

2 puffs every four to six hours

Alupent Package Insert
The metaproterenol family has been on the market in the USA since the late 1970’s.

Pregnancy Category  C

Metaproterenol tablets package insert link

Alupent Inhalation Solution 0.4% and 0.6% in 2.5 mL unit-dose vials
Alupent 5% Inhalation Solution in 10 or 30 mL multi-dose bottle
Generic versions also available
Metaproterenol 10mg and 20mg tablets

For quick-relief of asthma
Age 6 and above

Age 6 -12:
1 unit dose
or
0.2 mL in 3 mL saline
every 4 to 6 hurs

Pirbuterol

Maxair™ Autoinhaler™

For quick-relief of asthma

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

Breath actuated device

No need for spacer or chamber
Pregnancy Category C
Maxair Autohaler Package Insert

terbutaline

Brethine Tablets
2.5mg & 5mg
Terbutaline tablets

For quick relief of asthma

Age 6  and older
One tablet every 6 to 8 hours

Although available this medication’s use has  been mostly replaced by albuterol and levalbuterol inhalation.

anticholinergic

ipratropium

Atrovent HFA
Inhalation
Aerosol

Atrovent 0.02% Solution

Generic solution

For relief of bronchospasm
For chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Age 12 and above:
2 inhalations every 6 hours

one 0.02% ampule every 6 hours

Atrovent HFA does not contain soy as  did the older product (Atrovent Inhaler).
Pregnancy Category  B

Atrovent HFA Package Insert

Ipratropium / Albuterol
Combination Product

Combivent Inhalation Aerosol

For relief of bronchospasm

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

Do not use if allergic to soy protein
Caution with narrow-angle glaucoma or enlarged prost

Pregnancy Category C

DuoNeb Inhalation Solution

For prevention of bronchospasm in patients with COPD

One 3 ML vial 4 times a day with 2 additional vials allowed

Pregnancy Category C
DuoNeb Information

tiotropium

Spiriva Handihaler

For long-term once daily treatment of the bronchospasm associated with COPD

One capsule once a day
Adults

This medication is not approved for use as  a treatment for asthma.
Take the medication with the HandiHaler  device.
Pregnancy Category C
Spiriva Information FDA