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There’s an old saying that goes,
“When you have your health, you have about everything.”
Riesbeck’s Pharmacy is working to keep you informed with our “Pharmacist’s Corner.” Articles by our pharmacists offer valuable tips to help make you an educated patient.
Featured Article: Albuterol inhalers and the environment.
Albuterol sulfate is a drug commonly used for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It stimulates the Beta-2 receptors in the lungs to cause bronchodilation, thus facilitating breathing. It is available in different forms such as a tablet, liquid, solution for inhalation and as an oral aerosol inhaler.
Until recently, the oral inhalers contained chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs. Since CFCs are now known to harm the environment, they have been removed from these oral inhalers. The new inhalers contain hydrofluoroalkane or known as HFA-type inhalers. The CFC and HFA initials stand simply for the chemical that helps propel the mist from the inhaler to the airways. Although the CFC inhaler has been changed to an HFA-type, the effectiveness of the medication should not be affected. The only difference that might be noticed is in the taste and feel of the mist.
Brand name albuterol sulfate inhalers that are available on the market include: ProAir HFA, Proventil HFA, and Ventolin HFA. Another very similar drug available in the market is levalbuterol tartrate or Xopenex HFA. Where albuterol sulfate is actually a mixture of R,S albuterol, levalbuterol or Xopenex is specific to only the R,albuterol. It is said to provide greater bronchodilation with less side effects, but because of its expense, it is not always cost-effective to dispense and therefore not as commonly used or prescribed as the albuterol sulfate.
by Isha Greco RPh
None of information presented is to be considered as medical advice. Talk with your doctor about any health questions you have.
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