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

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?"

• Authors: Bill T Ameredes, William J Calhoun
• Journal: American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine (Am J Respir Crit Care Med) Vol. 174 Issue 9 Pg. 965-9; discussion 972-4 (Nov 01 2006) ISSN: 1073-449X [Print] United States
• PMID: 17060667 (Publication Type: Editorial)

Chemical References

• Adrenergic beta-Agonists
• Albuterol

Topics

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