2. Duration of Therapy

Metered-dose inhalers are designed to deliver a set number of inhalations based on the canister size as well as the medication prescribed. Days’ supply for inhalational beta2-adrenergic agents is summarized in Table 4 and 5, based on the maximum recommended doses listed in Tables 1-3, and the number of actuations per canister or number of capsules per blister card listed in Tables 4 and 5. Excessive use may be identified based on refill frequency. Inappropriate supply of short-acting beta2-adrenergic agents will be monitored by reviewing excessive refills.

Table 4: Days’ Supply for Available Short-Acting Beta2-Adrenergic Agent Metered-Dose Inhalers (Adult and Pediatric Patients) - Monotherapy2-7
Drug # of Actuations Per Canister Days’ Supply (based on maximum dose per day) +
Albuterol (generic)
  • 8.5 g canister
 200 ~ 16 days
Albuterol (ProAir RespiClick®)
  • 0.65 g inhaler
 200 ~16 days
Albuterol (ProAir Digihaler®)
  • 0.65 g inhaler
 200 ~16 days
Albuterol (Proventil HFA®)
  • 6.7 g canister
 200 ~16 days
Albuterol (Ventolin HFA®) 
  • 8 g canister
  • 18 g canister
 60
200		 5 days
~16 days
Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA®)
  • 15 g canister
 200 ~ 16 days

Legend:

  • + calculated based on canister size and maximum dose allowed per day (summarized in Tables 1 and 2)
Table 5: Days’ Supply for Available Short-Acting Beta2-Adrenergic Agent Metered-Dose Inhalers (Adult Patients) – Combination Therapy11
Drug # of Actuations Per Canister Days Supply (based on maximum dose per day) +
Ipratropium/albuterol (Combivent® Respimat®) (4 g cartridge) 120 20 days