title: (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.forename: Bill T
authors.initials: BT
authors.lastname: Ameredes
authors.forename: William J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Calhoun
mesh_terms: D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000420:Albuterol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D017281:Cost of Illness; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D013237:Stereoisomerism
chemical_list: D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D000420:Albuterol