Is proair and albuterol the same
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Are ProAir and Albuterol the Same?
Introduction to Albuterol and ProAir
Albuterol, also known as salbuterol, is a medication commonly used to treat and prevent bronchospasm in conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). ProAir is a brand name for a specific formulation of albuterol delivered via a hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) metered-dose inhaler (MDI).
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Albuterol and ProAir
Studies have shown that the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of albuterol delivered via ProAir HFA are comparable to those of other albuterol formulations. In a study comparing albuterol multi-dose dry-powder inhaler (mDPI) and ProAir HFA, both treatments demonstrated similar efficacy in improving forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and had comparable systemic exposure and safety profiles1. This indicates that ProAir HFA and other albuterol formulations can be considered therapeutically equivalent in terms of their bronchodilatory effects and overall safety.
Differences in Particle Size and Delivery
Despite the therapeutic equivalence, there are notable differences in the particle size distribution among various albuterol MDI products, including ProAir. Research has shown that ProAir HFA delivers a higher fine particle dose compared to other albuterol inhalers like Ventolin HFA and Proventil HFA. Specifically, ProAir HFA delivers 64 µg of fine particles, which is significantly higher than the 21 µg delivered by Ventolin HFA and 40 µg by Proventil HFA2 3. This higher fine particle dose means that ProAir HFA may provide a more efficient delivery of albuterol to the lungs, potentially offering better therapeutic outcomes.
Impact of Valved Holding Chambers
The use of a valved holding chamber (VHC) can mitigate differences in particle size distribution among albuterol MDI products. Studies have demonstrated that a VHC can effectively remove larger particles without reducing the fine particle dose, thereby ensuring that the therapeutic dose reaching the lungs remains consistent across different products2. This suggests that while ProAir HFA may deliver a higher fine particle dose, the use of a VHC can standardize the delivery of albuterol across various inhaler brands.
Conclusion
In summary, ProAir and albuterol are essentially the same in terms of their active ingredient and therapeutic effects. However, differences in particle size distribution and delivery efficiency exist among various albuterol MDI products. ProAir HFA delivers a higher fine particle dose compared to other brands, which may enhance its therapeutic efficacy. The use of a valved holding chamber can help standardize drug delivery across different albuterol inhalers, ensuring consistent therapeutic outcomes.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, Efficacy, and Safety of Albuterol (Salbuterol) Multi-dose Dry-Powder Inhaler and ProAir® Hydrofluoroalkane for the Treatment of Persistent Asthma: Results of Two Randomized Double-Blind Studies
Albuterol multi-dose dry-powder inhaler and ProAir HFA are comparable in bronchodilatory efficacy and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profiles, with a similar safety profile.
RCT
Rigorous JournalThe effect of a holding chamber on albuterol metered-dose inhaler product differences.
Ventolin, Proventil, and ProAir are not interchangeable products, with Proventil or ProAir providing 2 to 3 times the dose of albuterol sulfate likely to reach the lungs compared to Ventolin, requiring 3 additional puffs for similar clinical benefit.
The Effect of a Holding Chamber on Albuterol Metered-Dose Inhaler Product Differences
A valved holding chamber may impact drug delivery and reduce systemic adverse effects in albuterol metered-dose inhaler products.
Non-RCTEffect of Interval Between Actuations of Albuterol Hydrofluoroalkane Pressurized Metered-Dose Inhalers on Their Aerosol Characteristics
Decreasing the interval between actuations of albuterol HFA from 60 to 30 and 15 seconds does not affect ProAir and Ventolin aerosol characteristics, but a 10-s delay significantly reduces fine-particle mass.
Real-world health care utilization in asthma patients using albuterol sulfate inhalation aerosol (ProAir® HFA) with and without integrated dose counters
Asthma patients using ProAir HFA with integrated dose counters experience significantly fewer hospitalizations and emergency department visits compared to those without IDCs.
Observational StudyRigorous JournalIn vitro comparison of the effect of inhalation delay and flow rate on the emitted dose from three valved holding chambers.
Different inhalation delays and flow rates have similar effects on drug delivery through valved holding chambers, with the two antistatic VHCs showing equivalent in vitro results for emitted doses of albuterol.
In Vitro StudyOvercoming dose-counting mechanisms on metered-dose inhalers for urgent treatment in the operating room.
The new Ventolin HFA MDI with dose-counting mechanism delayed intraoperative bronchospasm treatment, but an old Proair HFA was found and used to effectively deliver albuterol to a pediatric patient.
Case ReportEvaluation of procaterol and albuterol (salbutamol) aerosol in the treatment of asthma.
Procaterol and albuterol aerosols effectively improve pulmonary function and control asthma symptoms, with procaterol having a longer duration of action and more patients controlled on a t.i.d. dosage regimen.
RCT
Large Human Trial