According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it's time for patients to switch to a new type of albuterol inhaler. Environmental laws require that albuterol inhalers using chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) propellant be phased out by the end of 2008. By that time, all albuterol inhalers must use hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellant—a substance that doesn't deplete ozone in the atmosphere.
   Three HFA-propelled albuterol inhalers have been approved by the FDA: Proair HFA Inhalation Aerosol, Proventil HFA Inhalation Aerosol, and Ventolin HFA Inhalation Aerosol. Also available is an HFA-propelled levalbuterol inhaler, Xopenex HFA Inhalation Aerosol.
   FDA officials note that HFA-propelled inhalers may taste and feel different from CFC-propelled versions. The spray from an HFA inhaler may feel softer. Also, patients must prime and clean HFA-propelled inhalers to prevent drug buildup in the device. Each inhaler has somewhat different instructions for patients to follow.
   Albuterol is used to treat bronshospasm in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. An inhaler delivers the drug directly into the patient's lungs.

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