[Hydrofluoroalkane as a propellant for pressurized metered-dose inhalers: history, pulmonary deposition, pharmacokinetics, efficacy and safety].
OBJECTIVE
To review the literature about hydrofluoroalkane as a propellent of pressurized metered-dose inhalers containing anti-asthma drugs.


METHODS
Bibliographic search in electronic databases (MEDLINE, MDConsult, HighWire, Medscape and LILACS) and direct search referring to the past 15 years, using the key words hydrofluoroalkane, asthma and childhood were carried out.


RESULTS
43 original articles on the replacement of chlorofluorcarbon by hydrofluoralkane were selected. Hydrofluoralkane showed to be a safe propellent, with pulmonary deposition ranging from 50 to 60%, and to have significant efficacy, when compared with placebo (p < or = 0.003) in controlled clinical trials. Most works using hydrofluoralkane included beclomethasone diproprionate. Approximate annual cost of a treatment with beclomethasone diproprionate/hydrofluoralkane was lower than with beclomethasone diproprionate/clorofluorcarbon. Some studies assessed salbutamol, fluticasone, flunisolide and the association fluticasone-salmeterol, with hydrofluoralkane as propellent in pressurized metered-dose inhalers.


CONCLUSIONS
Efficacy and safety of hydrofluoralkane as propellent of bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids in adults was evidenced. In general, there was a better pulmonary deposition of particles. However, literature data on the use of hydrofluoralkane in the pediatric age group are still scarce and further studies with children and adolescents would be of great importance.
Ibiapina
Cássio C
CC
Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG.
Cruz
Alvaro A
AA
Camargos
Paulo A M
PA
D000328:Adult; D000335:Aerosol Propellants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D006845:Hydrocarbons, Fluorinated / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D036501:Metered Dose Inhalers; D005466:Fluorocarbons
D000335:Aerosol Propellants; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D006845:Hydrocarbons, Fluorinated; C094049:apaflurane; D005466:Fluorocarbons