1.2. Pediatrics
Proventil HFA, Ventolin HFA, ProAir RespiClick, ProAir Digihaler, and generic albuterol HFA are FDA-approved for use in children 4 years of age and older for prevention/treatment of bronchospasm and prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm1-6. Levalbuterol is FDA-approved for use in children 4 years of age and older for prevention/treatment of bronchospasm1, 7.;
To prevent EIB in pediatric patients 4 years of age and older, two albuterol 90 mcg inhalations are administered at least 15 to 30 minutes before exercise on an as-needed basis.
Combination therapy with ipratropium and albuterol is not FDA-approved for use in pediatric patients as safety and efficacy in this patient population have not been established.
Pediatric dosages for short-acting beta2-agonists used to manage acute asthma exacerbations are summarized in Table 3. Dosages exceeding these recommendations will be reviewed.
Drug Name | Treatment Indication | Dosage Form/Strength | Maximum Recommended Dosage |
---|---|---|---|
albuterol (Proventil HFA®, Ventolin HFA) | Asthma, prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm | aerosol solution (90 mcg albuterol base/actuation) |
|
albuterol (ProAir RespiClick®, ProAir Digihaler®) | Asthma, prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm | inhalation powder (90 mcg albuterol base/actuation) |
|
levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA®) | Asthma | aerosol (45 mcg levalbuterol free base/actuation) |
|