(R)-albuterol for asthma: pro [a.k.a. (S)-albuterol for asthma: con]

Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2006 Nov 1;174(9):965-9; discussion 972-4. doi: 10.1164/rccm.2606001.

Abstract

Is there scientific evidence to support the replacement of the beta-agonist racemic albuterol with levalbuterol--that is, (R)-albuterol? The argument presented further refines the question as "Do we wish to continue to treat asthma with a mixture of albuterol, of which half is an agent with no known benefit--that is, (S)-albuterol--and which may exacerbate the disease?"

Publication types

  • Editorial

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic beta-Agonists / administration & dosage
  • Adrenergic beta-Agonists / adverse effects
  • Adrenergic beta-Agonists / chemistry
  • Adrenergic beta-Agonists / economics
  • Adrenergic beta-Agonists / therapeutic use*
  • Albuterol / administration & dosage
  • Albuterol / adverse effects
  • Albuterol / chemistry
  • Albuterol / economics
  • Albuterol / therapeutic use*
  • Animals
  • Asthma / drug therapy*
  • Asthma / economics
  • Asthma / mortality
  • Asthma / physiopathology
  • Asthma / prevention & control
  • Cost of Illness
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Disease Progression
  • Humans
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Agonists
  • Albuterol