The main goals of treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are to relieve symptoms, reduce the frequency and severity of exacerbations, and prevent disease progression. Several guidelines and review articles on COPD treatment have been published in recent years. Treatment of acute exacerbations is not discussed here.

View the Comparison Table: Inhaled Short-Acting Bronchodilators for Treatment of COPD

View the Table: Correct Use of Inhalers for COPD

The goal of asthma treatment is to control symptoms and prevent exacerbations. Management of acute exacerbations of asthma is not discussed here.

View the Comparison Table: Some Inhaled Drugs for Treatment of Asthma

View the Comparison Table: Correct Use of Inhalers

The main goals of treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are to relieve symptoms, reduce the frequency and severity of exacerbations, and prevent disease progression. Updated guidelines for treatment of COPD have been published in recent years.

View the Comparison Table: Inhaled Short-Acting Bronchodilators for COPD

The short-acting beta₂-agonist albuterol sulfate is now available as a dry powder for inhalation (ProAir RespiClick – Teva) for prevention and treatment of broncho spasm in patients ≥12 years old. ProAir RespiClick is the only short-acting beta₂-agonist dry powder inhaler available in the US.



Metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) use a hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellant. They require coordination of inhalation with actuation; using them with a valved holding chamber minimizes this need, but decreases portability because of the size of the chamber. Dry powder inhalers such as ProAir RespiClick, which are breath-actuated, do not require a propellant and do not have to be primed before use. They do not require coordination of inhalation with actuation, but patients must be capable of performing a rapid, deep inhalation, which might be difficult during a severe asthma attack.

The recommended dose of ProAir RespiClick for treatment of bronchospasm is 2 inhalations, but 1 inhalation may be sufficient for some patients. The dose can be repeated every 4-6 hours as needed. For prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm, the recommended dosage is 2 inhalations 15-30 minutes before exercise.

Each ProAir RespiClick inhaler includes a dose counter. Opening the mouthpiece cap readies a dose for administration and causes the counter to count down by 1; closing the cap without inhaling the medication wastes that dose. The inhaler should be cleaned with a dry cloth as needed.

ProAir RespiClick may contain trace levels of milk proteins; it is contraindicated for use in patients with a history of a severe hypersensitivity reaction to milk proteins.

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