Greater Glasgow and Clyde Medicines
Key to symbols The medicine should be initiated by, or on the advice of a specialist, but is suitable for continuation by a GP The medicine should only be used and prescribed by a specialist Indicates the preferred choice within a class or group of medicines
The medicine should be initiated by, or on the advice of a specialist, but is suitable for continuation by a GP
The medicine should only be used and prescribed by a specialist
Indicates the preferred choice within a class or group of medicines
3. Respiratory system

3.1. Bronchodilators

The British Thoracic Society and the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network jointly produce the British Guideline on the Management of Asthma which is available from the SIGN website (www.sign.ac.uk).  The GGC prescribing resources page contains useful resources for prescribing inhaler devices including device guides and patient information leaflets.

3.1.1. Adrenoceptor agonists

3.1.1.1. Selective beta2 agonists

3.1.1.1.1. Short-acting bronchodilators

Preferred List
SALBUTAMOL

Prescribing Notes:

Preferred devices:

  • Salbutamol 100 microgram Easyhaler (DPI)

Salbutamol inhalers generally should not be prescribed to be used regularly, but should be used on a when required basis. 

BNF Link

Total Formulary
SALBUTAMOL (SALAMOL) (Easi-Breathe inhaler)

Prescribing Notes:

Salbutamol inhalers generally should not be prescribed to be used regularly, but should be used on a when required basis.

BNF Link

SALBUTAMOL (metered dose inhaler)

Prescribing Notes:

Salbutamol 100 microgram CFC free inhaler (MDI)

Salbutamol inhalers generally should not be prescribed to be used regularly, but should be used on a when required basis. 

BNF Link

SALBUTAMOL (Nebules)

Prescribing Notes:

Nebules should generally be used as an emergency back-up to other treatments rather than used routinely. 

BNF Link

TERBUTALINE (Bricanyl Turbohaler) (dry powder inhaler)

Prescribing Notes:

Terbutaline inhalers generally should not be prescribed to be used regularly, but should be used on a when required basis. 

To prevent confusion, prescribe inhaler devices by brand name.

BNF Link

3.1.1.1.2. Long-acting bronchodilators

Long-acting beta agonist (LABA) inhalers are possible treatments for patients with COPD. They should be used with ICS in the treatment of asthma..

Total Formulary
FORMOTEROL

Prescribing Notes:

Preferred brands and devices:

  • 1st Choice: Formoterol Easyhaler (dry powder inhaler)
  • 2nd Choice: Atimos Modulite (aerosol inhaler)

To prevent confusion, prescribe inhaler devices by brand name.

BNF Link

OLODATEROL (STRIVERDI RESPIMAT) (soft mist inhaler)

Prescribing Notes:

To prevent confusion, prescribe inhaler devices by brand name.

BNF Link

3.1.1.1.3. Combination inhaled devices

3.1.1.2. Other adrenoceptor agonists

3.1.2. Antimuscarinic bronchodilators

Preferred List
TIOTROPIUM (dry powder inhaler)

Restrictions:

For use as a maintenance bronchodilator in COPD. Preferred List use of tiotropium only relates to use in COPD. 

Prescribing Notes:

Preferred brand and device:

  • Tiogiva® 

To prevent confusion, prescribe inhaler devices by brand name.  

BNF Link

TIOTROPIUM (SPIRIVA RESPIMAT) (soft mist inhaler)

Restrictions:

COPD

  • Use as a maintenance bronchodilator in COPD.

Asthma

  • Consider as add-on treatment in adults on medium to high dose ICS with a history of exacerbation (one course of oral steroids for a severe exacerbation in the last year) or persistent airflow obstruction.

Prescribing Notes:

To prevent confusion, prescribe inhaler devices by brand name.

BNF Link

UMECLIDINIUM (Incruse Ellipta) (dry powder inhaler)

Prescribing Notes:

For use as maintenance bronchodilator in COPD.

To prevent confusion, prescribe inhaler devices by brand name.

BNF Link

Total Formulary
ACLIDINIUM BROMIDE (Eklira Genuair) (dry powder inhaler)

Prescribing Notes:

To prevent confusion, prescribe inhaler devices by brand name.

BNF Link

IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE (nebules)

Prescribing Notes:

Ipratropium inhalers are not included in the GGC Formulary.

BNF Link

3.1.2.1. Antimuscarinic combination inhalers

Preferred List
TIOTROPIUM AND OLODATEROL (SPIOLTO RESPIMAT) (Soft mist inhaler)

Prescribing Notes:

To prevent confusion, prescribe inhaler devices by brand name.

BNF Link

UMECLIDINIUM AND VILANTEROL (ANORO ELLIPTA) (dry powder inhaler)

Prescribing Notes:

To prevent confusion, prescribe inhaler devices by brand name.

BNF Link

Total Formulary
ACLIDINIUM AND FORMOTEROL (DUAKLIR GENUAIR) (dry powder inhaler)

Prescribing Notes:

To prevent confusion, prescribe inhaler devices by brand name.

BNF Link

GLYCOPYRRONIUM AND FORMOTEROL (BEVESPI AEROSPHERE) (Metered Dose Inhaler)

Restrictions:

To be used in patients where a dry powder inhaler (DPI)/soft mist inhaler(SMI) combination device is considered unsuitable. 

Prescribing Notes:

To be used with a compatible spacer device.

To prevent confusion, prescribe inhaler devices by brand name. 

BNF Link

INDACATEROL AND GLYCOPYRRONIUM BROMIDE (ULTIBRO BREEZHALER) (dry powder inhaler)

Prescribing Notes:

To prevent confusion, prescribe inhaler devices by brand name.

BNF Link

3.1.3. Theophylline

Total Formulary
THEOPHYLLINE (Uniphyllin Continus)