Patient-Related Side Effects of CFC Propellants

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Abstract
Pressurized metered dose inhalers (P-MDI's) have been used by asthmatic subjects and others suffering from related disorders since their introduction in 1956. An increasing number of reports have been dealing with the side effects following inhalation from P-MDI's such as coughing and bronchospasm. Recently, two reports have demonstrated bronchoconstriction in a significant part of an asthmatic population. It cannot be precisely predicted in what subjects side effects will develop following inhalation from P-MDI's, except after inhalation of the propellants and surfactants from a P-MDI. The long-term effects of P-MDI's are unknown. Repeated inhalations from P-MDI's, e.g. during acute asthma, may delay or reduce the bronchodilatation induced by the inhaled bronchodilatator. The future perspectives for the use of P-MDI's should take into account the possible side effects from the use of P-MDI's in asthmatics.