Withdrawal of albuterol inhalers containing chlorofluorocarbon propellants

The Montreal Protocol requires limitation of the use of devices powered by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which reduce stratospheric ozone levels. Albuterol, a medication commonly used for the treatment of asthma that is delivered by metered-dose inhalers with CFCs as propellants, will be withdrawn from the U.S. market by December 2008. This review article summarizes useful information about albuterol in metered-dose inhalers with non-CFC propellants and discusses associated economic issues.