American journal of health-system pharmacy : AJHP : official journal of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
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Am J Health Syst Pharm · May 2005
Automatic replacement of albuterol nebulizer therapy by metered-dose inhaler and valved holding chamber.
Evidence supporting the delivery of bronchodilators with a metered-dose inhaler and a valved holding chamber (MDI+VHC) in place of a small-volume nebulizer (SVN) is discussed, and the steps taken to accomplish such a conversion program at one institution are described. ⋯ Delivery of bronchodilators by MDI+VHC is as effective as delivery by SVN but offers several advantages. A policy to switch patients from SVN to MDI+VHC for bronchodilator administration met with limited success.