Early Inhalation Therapy Medications

Medications delivered by inhalation in the first four decades of the profession (1940s-1989) are featured.

OverviewOverview
Overview
DPIs, pMDIs, and inhalation solutions commonly used during the first four decades of the respiratory therapy profession are featured in this gallery and listed by release date.
1940s1940s
1940s
Inhaled meds from the 1940s are featured.
DiluentsDiluents
Diluents
Normal saline, half-strength saline, and sterile distilled water were prescribed as diluents for medications delivered by IPPB and small volume nebulizers.
Penicillin DPIPenicillin DPI
Penicillin DPI
Dr. Alvan Barach first reported on the administration of penicillin by inhalation in the early 1940s.

Penicillin G was the first agent administered as an inhaled dry powder. By the late 1940s, Abbott produced the Aerohaler which was designed to deliver penicillin G.
Image from Mark Sanders
Vaponefrin (racemic epinephrine)Vaponefrin (racemic epinephrine)
Vaponefrin (racemic epinephrine)
Vaponefrin was registered as a trademark in 1935.

Vaponefrin (racemic epinephrine) was nebulized and commonly administered in the treatment of upper airway edema and post-extrubation stridor.
1943 Patent1943 Patent
1943 Patent
The formulation of the drug that would be released as "Isuprel" was patented in 1943.
IsuprelIsuprel
Isuprel
Isuprel (isoproterenol HCl) , was one of the first bronchodilators administered via IPPB.

Isuprel was trademarked in 1947.
Image from Felix Khusid
1940s Asthmanefrin ad1940s Asthmanefrin ad
1940s Asthmanefrin ad
This ad for Asthmanefrin appeared in newspapers in the 1940s.
Image from Steve and Mary DeGenaro
1947 Adrenalin Kit1947 Adrenalin Kit
1947 Adrenalin Kit
This kit contained a solution of Adrenalin (1:100), a bulb glass nebulizer, a dropper, and instruction pamphlet.
Image from Mark Sanders
1950s1950s
1950s
Respiratory medications from the 1950s are featured.
Vaponefrin ad from 1950sVaponefrin ad from 1950s
Vaponefrin ad from 1950s
This journal ad for the Vaponefrin (Racemic epinephrine) solution indicated that it was the "textbook therapy for emphysema, asthma, and chronic bronchitis."
Image from Felix Khusid
AlevaireAlevaire
Alevaire
Alevaire, a solution of Superinone (tylaxopol), sodium bicarbonate, and glycerin, was a popular mucolytic in the 1950s-1970s.
Image from Felix Khusid
1955 Alevaire ad1955 Alevaire ad
1955 Alevaire ad
Alevaire, described as a mucolytic in this 1955 ad, was designed for both intermittent use via IPPB and continuous nebulization in tents.
1955 Alevaire article1955 Alevaire article
1955 Alevaire article
The article "Alevaire as a Mucolytic Agent" by M.L. Tainter et al appeared in the November 3, 1955 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
AlevaireAlevaire
Alevaire
In this 1956 ad, aerosolized Alevaire was recommended for the treatment of neonatal atelectasis. Among other disorders, the ad claimed that Alevaire was effective in the treatment of bronchial asthma, pertussis, pneumonia, pulmonary complications of polio, croup, emphysema, kerosene poisoning, bronchiectasis, and lung abcess.
AlevaireAlevaire
Alevaire
This ad for Alevaire is from the December 1959 issue of the INHALATION THERAPY journal .
AlcoholAlcohol
Alcohol
In the early 1950s, diluted alcohol-water mixtures were nebulized and administered to patients with acute pulmonary edema. This practice continued into the 1970s.
Norisodrine sulfateNorisodrine sulfate
Norisodrine sulfate
Norisodrine (isoproterenol sulfate) was administered as a dry powder utilizing the Aerohaler as the delivery device. This ad appeared in the September 1958 issue of the INHALATION THERAPY journal.
1957 Rikers MDI ad1957 Rikers MDI ad
1957 Riker's ad
This 1957 ad from Riker promoted their first pMDIs which contained either isoproterenol or epinephrine.
Image from Hardluckasthmablogspot
Isuprel MistometerIsuprel Mistometer
Isuprel Mistometer
The Isuprel Mistometer contained 15 mL of an isoproterenol hydrochloride solution in a pressurized canister.
Image from Felix Khusid
Isuprel MistometerIsuprel Mistometer
Isuprel Mistometer
An Isuprel Mistometer is shown.
Image from Kerry George
Isuprel MistometerIsuprel Mistometer
Isuprel Mistometer
The box for the Isuprel Mistometer is shown.
Image from Felix Khusid
1960s1960s
1960s
Inhalation solutions and pMDIs from the 1960s are featured.
TergemistTergemist
Tergemist
This ad, from the the October 1960 issue of the INHALATION THERAPY journal, features Tergemist.
Tergemist was described as a mucolytic aerosol solution containing "a detergent, potassium iodide, and distilled water."
S2S2
S2
Racemic epinephrine (2.25%), which was trademarked in 1962, is shown.
Image from Kerry George
MicronefrinMicronefrin
Micronefrin
Micronefrin (racemic epinephrine 2.25%) was trademarked in 1961 by the Bird Corporation.
Image from Kerry George
MicronefrinMicronefrin
Micronefrin
Micronefrin (2.25% solution of racemic epinephrine). It also contained 1/2 of 1% chlorobutanol, a chloroform derivative, as a preservative agent.
Image from Felix Khusid
MicronefrinMicronefrin
Micronefrin
The box for the 7.5 mL bottle of Micronefrin, a racemic epinephrine solution, from Bird Corporation is shown.
Image from Felix Khusid
Cover of product manual for Micronefrin. Image from Felix KhusidCover of product manual for Micronefrin. Image from Felix Khusid
Micronefrin Pamphlet
Micronefrin (racemic epinephrine) was trademarked in 1961 by the Bird Corporation. The drug insert pamphlet is shown.
Image from Felix Khusid
DornovacDornovac
Dornovac
Dornovac (pancreatic dornase) was featured in this ad in the April 1963 issue of the INHALATION THERAPY journal.
DornovacDornovac
Dornovac
Dornovac (pancreatic dornase) is featured in this 1965 ad from the October 1965 issue of the INHALATION THERAPY journal.
1963 Mucomyst approved1963 Mucomyst approved
1963 Mucomyst approved
Mucomyst (acetylcysteine) was introduced in 1963 and was offered in 10% and 20% solutions.
Vapo-N-IsoVapo-N-Iso
Vapo-N-Iso
Vapo-N-Iso was a 0.5% solution of isoproterenol distributed by the U.S. Vitamin and Pharmaceutical Corporation of New York.
Image from Felix Khusid
Vapo-N-IsoVapo-N-Iso
Vapo-N-Iso
Vapo-N-Iso contained a 0.5% solution of isoproterenol HCl.

It was trademarked in 1963.
Image from Felix Khusid
Isuprel AdIsuprel Ad
Isuprel ad
This ad for Isuprel appeared in a late 1960s issue of the INHALATION THERAPY journal.
Bronkometer adBronkometer ad
Bronkometer ad
Bronkometer's original formula of isoetharine, phenylephrine, and thenyldiamine is described in this ad.
Image from Felix Khusid
BronkometerBronkometer
Bronkometer
The Bronkometer box states that it contains 10 mL of Dilabron (isoetharine ) mesylate 0.61% (w/w), phenylephrine HCl 0.125% (w/w) with saccharin, menthol, alcohol 30% (w/w) and with fluorochlorohydrocarbons as gaseous propellants. preserved with ascorbic acid 0.1% (w/w). The revised formula "does not contain the antihistaminic Thenyldiamince HCl."
Image from Felix Khusid
BronkometerBronkometer
Bronkometer
Bronkometer 10 mL isoetharine mysylate and phenylephrine. This revised formula did not contain the antihistaminic Thenyldiamine HCl.
Image from Felix Khusid
BronkosolBronkosol
Bronkosol
This ad for Bronkosol appeared in the April 1968 issue of INHALATION THERAPY.
BronkosolBronkosol
Bronkosol
Bronkosol (isoetharine and phenylephrine) was trademarked in 1966.
Image from Kerry George
Bronkosol labelBronkosol label
Bronkosol
The side label of a Bronkosol bottle is shown.
Image from Kerry George
Bronkosol labelBronkosol label
Bronkosol label
The side label of a Bronkosol bottle is shown.
Image from Kerry George
BronkosolBronkosol
Bronkosol
Breon's revised formula of Bronkosol primarily contained Dilabron (Isoetharine HCl 1.0% and Phenylephrine HCl 0.25% in an aqueous glycerin solution with saccharin sodium with sodium chloride, sodium bisulfite, methylparaben, and propylparaben as preservatives.
Image from Felix Khusid
Bronkosol boxBronkosol box
Bronkosol box
The reverse side of the box for Bronkosol indicated the average dose for an all glass or plastic hand nebulizer was 4 inhalations. It was also for use by "oxygen aerosolization or in IPPB machines."
Image from Felix Khusid
1970s1970s
1970s
Inhalation solutions and MDIs from the 1970s are featured.
FullSizeRender-1FullSizeRender-1
AsthmaNefrin MDI
The AsthmaNefrin automatic aerosol canister indicates it contained 15 c.c. of racemic epinephrine.
Image from Felix Khusid
AsthmaNefrinAsthmaNefrin
AsthmaNefrin
The box for AsthmaNefrin Aerosol Mist indicated that the refill contained 300 measured doses or 15 c.c. of racepinephrine.
Image from Felix Khusid
BricanylBricanyl
Bricanyl
Bricanyl (terbutaline sulfate) was approved by the FDA in 1974.
Image from Robert Johnson
BronkometerBronkometer
Bronkometer
Breon's second revised formula for the Bronkometer, circa 1972, contained Isoetharine mesylate 0.61% (W/W) contained saccharine, menthol, alcohol 30% (W/W), and with fluorochlorohydrocarbons as gaseous propelllants. Preserved with ascorbic acid 0.1% (W/W)
Image from Felix Khusid
BronkometerBronkometer
Bronkometer
Bronkometer (20 mL) bottle of Isoetharine mesylate
Image from Felix Khusid
Intal SpinhalerIntal Spinhaler
Intal Spinhaler
Intal (cromolyn sodium) was introduced in the early 1970s

. A capsule containing a dry powder of the agent, was inserted into the delivery device called the Spinhaler. The capsule was pierced and the powder was released and delivered to the patient on inspiration.
Image from Kerry George
Intal Capsules and SpinhalerIntal Capsules and Spinhaler
Intal Capsules and Spinhaler
An Intal Spinhaler and Intal capsules are shown.
Image from Kerry George
Intal2Intal2
Intal Spinhaler
The Spinhaler is shown disassembled with the Intal capsule in place.
Image from Kerry George
Spinhaler WhistlesSpinhaler Whistles
Spinhaler Whistles
A whistle attachment could be added to the Spinhaler and would sound when correct breathing techniques was used.
Image from Kerry George
1980s1980s
1980s
Inhalation solutions and MDIs from the 1980s are featured.
BrethaireBrethaire
Brethaire
Brethaire (terbutaline sulfate) was supplied as an MDI. It was approved by the FDA in 1984.
BrethancerBrethancer
Brethancer
The Brethancer was designed for use with the Brethaire MDI.
Image from Felix Khusid
Brethancer spacerBrethancer spacer
Brethancer spacer
In 1984, the Brethancer spacer by Geigy was marketed for use with the Brethaire (terbutaline) MDI.
Image from Felix Khusid
VentolinVentolin
Ventolin
Allen and Hanbury's Ventolin (Albuterol sulfate) inhalation solution (0.5%)

Ventolin was approved by the FDA in 1987.
Image from Felix Khusid
Ventolin RotahalerVentolin Rotahaler
Ventolin Rotahaler
A Ventolin Rotahaler is shown in its carrying case.
Image from Wendy Dunlop
Ventolin RotahalerVentolin Rotahaler
Ventolin Rotahaler
A Ventolin Rotahaler and Ventolin Rotacaps capsules are shown.
Image from Hardluck Asthma
Ventolin Unit Dose KitVentolin Unit Dose Kit
Ventolin Unit Dose Kit
The unit dose kit consisted of a Rotahaler and 24 Ventolin (albuterol sulfate) Rotacaps capsules.
Image from Wendy Dunlop
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