There is a critical shortage of albuterol metered-dose inhalers (MDIs), ipratropium MDIs, and albuterol-ipratropium MDIs.

During the time of this critical shortage, these inhalers will be limited to the following “high-risk” patients:

• Patients who have tested positive for COVID-19; or
• Patients who are suspected of having COVID-19 [persons under investigation (PUI)]; or
• Patients with tuberculosis.

Prescribers will be alerted upon entering an order for an albuterol, ipratropium, or albuterol + ipratropium MDI notifying them of the critical shortage which provides them with the alternative nebulization treatment.

Additionally, a Pharmacist Collaborative Practice Protocol has been developed for adult inpatients and observation patients.

• For “high-risk” adult patients: allows pharmacist to convert nebulized treatments of albuterol, ipratropium, or albuterol + ipratropium to MDIs
• For all other adult patients: allows pharmacist to convert albuterol, ipratropium, or albuterol + ipratropium MDIs to nebulized treatments

Please contact Jamie Smelser (3-7376) with any questions and/or concerns.