Dot gov

Official websites use the Texas HHS logo.
The Texas HHS logo means this is an official website of Texas Health and Human Services.

HTTPS

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

2. Duration of Therapy

Administration of short-acting, nebulized beta2-adrenergic bronchodilators may be repeated indefinitely for acute asthma exacerbations, as asthma is a chronic, lifelong disease1-4. However, administering short-acting, nebulized beta2-adrenergic agents for longer than 48 hours with each exacerbation is indicative of worsening asthma control10,13. Utilization of large quantities of short-acting beta2-adrenergic nebulizer solutions within a 90-day time period is not recommended and will be reviewed.

Ipratropium, long-acting, nebulized beta2-adrenergic bronchodilators, and combination therapy with ipratropium/racemic albuterol are indicated for the management of COPD, a chronic, lifelong disease, and may be continued indefinitely under accepted guidelines14.