Asthalin HFA Inhaler is used for relieving bronchospasm and shortness of breath due to respiratory conditions like Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The active ingredient in Asthalin is Salbutamol, which is also known to be as Albuterol, a SABA, or short-acting beta2-adrenergic receptor agonist, which acts by relaxing the airways muscles to improve breathing.

Key Features

How does Asthalin HFA work?

• Asthalin HFA Inhaler 100 mcg includes salbutamol, also known as albuterol, which is a short-acting beta2-adrenergic receptor agonist, commonly known as SABA. It acts by:
• It relaxes the airway muscles: Salbutamol acts by binding to beta2 receptors in the lung, causing bronchial muscles to relax and widen, making breathing easy.

HFA is an abbreviation for hydro fluoroalkane, serving as a propellant in metered-dose inhalers through:

• Pressure generation: HFA is a propellant gas that, under pressure in the inhaler, becomes liquid.
• Atomization of medication: Medication is atomized into small particles with a propellant HFA upon actuation of the inhaler.
• Administration of medication: The atomized medicine is then expelled from the inhaler and breathed into the lungs.

How do HFA inhalers work?

• The patient shakes the inhaler to mix the medication and propellant.
• Patient slowly exhales and then inserts the inhaler into the mouth.
• The inhaler is activated by the patient, releasing the medication and propellant.
• The patient breathes slowly and deeply, thus allowing the medication to reach the lungs.

Advantages of HFA inhalers:

• Correct dosing: HFA inhalers administer consistent and reproducible doses of medication.
• Effective delivery: HFA makes drugs deliver deep into the lungs.
• The major application of HFA inhalers is in respiratory diseases, such as asthma and COPD.

Dosage

• 1-2 puffs as required, not more than 4-6 puffs in 24 hours.
• The inhaler should be shaken well before use, inhale deeply, and hold breath for 10 seconds.

Uses of Asthalin HFA Inhaler

• Asthma relief: Quick relief of bronchospasm and associated symptoms of asthma.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) relief: Relief of bronchospasm and symptoms associated with COPD.

Side Effects

The common side effects include:

• Tremors
• Palpitations
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nervousness
• Interaction

Asthalin HFA Inhaler 100 mcg may interact with:

• Beta blockers: May inhibit the action of salbutamol
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): May increase the risk of cardiovascular effects.
• Tricyclic antidepressants: May increase the risk of cardiovascular effects.

Pharmacokinetics

• Absorption: Readily absorbed following inhalation.
• Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver.

Efficacy

• Asthalin HFA inhaler has been demonstrated to afford symptomatic improvement and quick relief in bronchospasm and symptoms associated with asthma and COPD, with an onset of action within 5 min, which is maintained for 4-6 hr.
• It has been shown to improve lung function and reduce symptoms in studies involving asthma and COPD patients.

Safety

• Common side effects include tremors, palpitations, headache, dizziness, and nervousness.
• Clinical trials have confirmed the safety profile of salbutamol inhalers, and adverse effects are generally mild and transient.
• Long-term safety has been established, especially among asthma and COPD patients, though monitoring is advised.

Clinical Trial

Ongoing and completed trials focus on assessing the efficacy and safety of salbutamol inhalers in various patient populations, including pediatric and elderly patients. Specific areas covered by the research include device innovations, like breath-actuated inhalers or digital health integrations, which could improve both patient adherence and therapeutic outcomes. Overall, Asthalin HFA is a well-established and effective option for symptomatic management in asthma and COPD, generally having a favourable safety profile when used as directed.

Precautions

• Overuse: Avoid overusing the inhaler; in this case, tolerance will develop, which reduces its potential to work.
• Cardiovascular conditions: The drug should be used cautiously in patients with cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension or heart failure.
• Diabetes: Administer with caution to diabetic patients because salbutamol can elevate blood glucose.

Conclusion

Asthalin HFA Inhaler 100 mcg is used for immediate relief of asthma and COPD symptoms. Though generally safe, the prescribed dosage and usage should be followed strictly to reduce adverse effects and maximize its benefits.

FAQs

• What is Asthalin HFA inhaler used for?

Asthalin is a medication used to relieve bronchospasm and shortness of breath associated with respiratory conditions such as, Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

• Can Asthalin HFA Inhaler 100 mcg be used for the long-term management of asthma?

No, Asthalin HFA Inhaler 100 mcg is for quick relief of asthma symptoms. For long-term control, other treatment options must be discussed with a doctor.

• Can Asthalin HFA Inhaler 100 mcg be used along with other medications?

Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, since interactions might occur.

• How does Asthalin HFA Inhaler work?

Asthalin HFA Inhaler binds to beta2 receptors in the lungs, causing the bronchial muscles to relax and dilate, easing the process of breathing.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482272/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9696300/