Question 1

What is Levalbuterol?

Accepted Answer

Levalbuterol is a medication that functions as a bronchodilator by relaxing the smooth muscles surrounding the bronchial tubes. This action helps to widen the airways, making it easier for air to flow into and out of the lungs.

As a short-acting beta-agonist, it works by stimulating specific receptors in the lungs to promote airway relaxation. It is chemically related to albuterol but consists specifically of the R-enantiomer of the drug molecule.

Question 2

What is Levalbuterol used for?

Accepted Answer

Levalbuterol is used to treat or prevent bronchospasm in patients with reversible obstructive airway disease.

Question 3

How does Levalbuterol work?

Accepted Answer

How Levalbuterol Works

Levalbuterol is a type of medication known as a bronchodilator, specifically a short-acting beta-agonist. It works by directly affecting the muscles in the lungs to improve airflow.

Targeting the Airways

When levalbuterol is inhaled, it travels into the lungs and attaches to specific sites called beta-2 receptors. These receptors are located on the smooth muscles that wrap around the bronchial tubes, which are the airways in the lungs. Once the medication binds to these receptors, it signals the muscles to relax.

Relieving Bronchospasm

In conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), these airway muscles can tighten or spasm, making the airways narrow and difficult to breathe through. This is known as bronchospasm. By relaxing these muscles, levalbuterol helps to:

Widen the airways, a process called bronchodilation

Increase the amount of air that can flow into and out of the lungs

Provide quick relief from wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath

Levalbuterol is the chemically active part of albuterol. It is designed to target the lungs specifically to provide rapid relief during a sudden worsening of respiratory symptoms.

Question 4

What are the brand names for Levalbuterol?

Accepted Answer

Levalbuterol is sold under the brand names Xopenex and Xopenex HFA .

Question 5

What are the active ingredients in Levalbuterol?

Accepted Answer

The active ingredient in Levalbuterol is levalbuterol .

Question 6

What are the side effects of Levalbuterol?

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of Levalbuterol may include:

Tremor

Nervousness

Headache

and others.

Always consult with a healthcare professional about potential side effects.

Question 7

What drug class is Levalbuterol?

Accepted Answer

Levalbuterol belongs to the beta-2 adrenergic agonist drug class.

Question 8

What is the dosage of Levalbuterol and how do I take it?

Accepted Answer

Levalbuterol is administered by inhalation through the mouth. It is available as a metered-dose inhaler or as a solution used with a nebulizer machine. This medication is typically used every 6 to 8 hours, or as directed by a healthcare provider for the relief or prevention of breathing difficulties.

Inhaler Administration

Shake the inhaler canister well before each use.

If the inhaler is new or has not been used for a period of time, prime it by releasing sprays into the air away from your face.

Exhale fully, place the mouthpiece in your mouth, and close your lips. While breathing in slowly, press the canister. Continue breathing in deeply and hold your breath for several seconds before exhaling.

If additional inhalations are directed, wait a short period between sprays.

Nebulizer Administration

The nebulizer solution is used with a machine that turns the liquid into a mist.

Keep the vials in their protective foil pouch until use. Once a vial is opened, the medicine must be used immediately.

Place the liquid into the nebulizer reservoir. Use a mouthpiece or face mask to breathe in the mist slowly and deeply until the treatment is finished and the mist stops.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and return to your regular schedule. Do not use extra medication to make up for a missed dose.

Question 9

Is Levalbuterol safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Pregnancy

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of levalbuterol use in pregnant women. While animal studies on related medications have shown potential risks at very high doses, it is unknown if levalbuterol causes harm to a human fetus. Healthcare providers typically only prescribe this medication during pregnancy if the clinical benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.

Labor and Delivery

Levalbuterol belongs to a class of drugs that may interfere with uterine contractions. Because of this potential effect, its use during labor and delivery is generally restricted to cases where it is clearly necessary for the mother's respiratory health.

Breastfeeding

It is currently unknown whether levalbuterol passes into human breast milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and there is a potential for adverse reactions in nursing infants, caution is recommended. Patients should consult their doctor to decide whether to continue breastfeeding or stop using the medication, based on the importance of the treatment to the mother's health.

Question 10

What forms and strengths does Levalbuterol come in?

Accepted Answer

Available Forms

Levalbuterol is administered by inhalation and is available in the following delivery formats:

Inhalation Solution: This liquid form is intended for use with a standard jet nebulizer connected to an air compressor. It is typically supplied in unit-dose vials.

Metered-Dose Inhaler: This is a pressurized aerosol device that delivers the medication as a spray for oral inhalation.

Question 11

What is the FDA approval status of Levalbuterol?

Accepted Answer

FDA Approval Status

Levalbuterol was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1999 as an inhalation solution for use with a nebulizer. A metered-dose inhaler (MDI) formulation was later approved in 2005. It is available only with a prescription from a healthcare provider and is not sold over-the-counter.

Approved Indications

The FDA has approved levalbuterol for the treatment or prevention of bronchospasm in individuals with reversible obstructive airway disease. The approved age groups depend on the specific formulation used:

Inhalation Solution: Generally approved for use in adults and children 6 years of age and older.

Metered-Dose Inhaler: Approved for use in adults and children 4 years of age and older.

Regulatory Oversight and Safety

There are currently no boxed warnings or Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) associated with levalbuterol. The FDA continues to monitor the safety of the medication through the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). In 2018, the FDA identified a potential signal of serious risk regarding vocal cord dysfunction associated with levalbuterol. Such signals are part of routine surveillance to determine if further investigation or changes to product labeling are necessary to ensure patient safety.

Question 12

What should I know about Levalbuterol and inhaler?

Accepted Answer

Using the Inhaler

Levalbuterol is available as a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) that delivers the medication directly into the lungs. To ensure the correct dose is received, the inhaler must be used properly. It is important to shake the inhaler well before each use.

Priming the Device

Before using a new inhaler for the first time, or if the inhaler has not been used for more than three days, it must be primed. Priming involves spraying the medication into the air, away from the face. For levalbuterol, this usually requires four test sprays.

Administration Steps

Remove the cap and check the mouthpiece for any foreign objects.

Exhale completely through the mouth.

Place the mouthpiece in the mouth and close the lips around it.

While breathing in deeply and slowly, press down firmly on the top of the canister to release one puff of medication.

Hold your breath for about 10 seconds, then breathe out slowly.

If a second puff is prescribed, wait at least one minute before repeating the steps.

Cleaning and Maintenance

To prevent the inhaler from clogging, the plastic actuator should be cleaned at least once a week. Remove the canister and rinse the plastic mouthpiece with warm running water for at least 30 seconds. Allow the actuator to air dry completely before reassembling the device. Do not get the metal canister wet.

Storage and Safety

The inhaler canister is pressurized and should be kept away from open flames or high heat. Do not puncture or burn the canister, even if it appears empty. Keep track of the number of sprays used to ensure the inhaler is replaced before it runs out of medication.

Levalbuterol

Medication Quick Facts

📋Overview

What It's Used For

How It Works

Brand Names

Side Effects

Warnings & Precautions

Dosage & How to Take

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Forms & Strengths

FDA / Regulatory Status

Inhaler Information

FAQ

Additional Resources

Support & Help Resources

Found an Error?