Metered dose inhalers are most cost effective for asthma drugs

Pressurised metered dose inhalers are the most cost effective method for delivering ₂ agonists and corticosteroids in patients with stable asthma. In two systematic reviews (pp 896 and 901), the National Health Technology Assessment Inhaler Review Group found no significant differences between pressurised metered dose inhalers and other inhaler devices. These included dry powder inhalers, breath actuated devices, and hydrofluoroalkane devices. Use of a spacer device did not affect the results. Since pressurised metered dose inhalers are usually the cheapest form of treatment, they should be used as first line treatment unless there are specific contraindications.

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