Effect of hydrofluoroalkane–ethanol inhalers on estimated alcohol levels in asthmatic subjects

Abstract

BEC are transiently elevated after inhalation of HFA-ethanol MDI; however, by 5 min, BEC had already returned to baseline levels. Thus the effect of HFA-ethanol MDI on BEC is transient and would be negligible after 5 min.

False‐positive breathalyser tests and use of metered‐dose inhalers: Does inhalation technique affect test results?

“…Consequently, if BAC was checked at a workplace with zero tolerance for alcohol, the employee could potentially be subject to negative actions by the employer. Our results are consistent with prior studies 1,2 in that there is rapid decline in breath ethanol levels. While it is unlikely that BAC would be checked within 1 min of using the MDI, it is possible in that some patients who are short of breath will use poor technique described above and be tested randomly, with no knowledge of the potential for a false-positive result.…”

“…Bruce et al 1 and others 2 have reported metered-dose inhalers (MDI) that contain ethanol cause false-positive 'breathalyser' tests.…”

“…Bruce et al 1 and others 2 have reported metered-dose inhalers (MDI) that contain ethanol cause false-positive 'breathalyser' tests. 1,2 Some brands of salbutamol MDI contain small amounts of ethanol.…”

“…Bruce et al 1 and others 2 have reported metered-dose inhalers (MDI) that contain ethanol cause false-positive 'breathalyser' tests. 1,2 Some brands of salbutamol MDI contain small amounts of ethanol. Various places of employment, such as government offices, have zero tolerance for detection of alcohol, whereas blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) when driving generally are ≥0.08% before penalties are imposed.…”

Year‐in‐review 2009: Asthma, COPD and airway biology

“…The latter risk was recently reported to increase by 25% for each 1000 mcg/day increase in the dose of beclometasone or equivalent 61 . One potential ‘side‐effect’ that is not well known is that some non‐chlorofluorocarbon(CFC) inhalers contain alcohol, which can transiently (for <5 min) increase breath ethanol concentration; 62 this may be relevant in some cultures or in countries where random breath testing is performed for road safety reasons.…”