25 . April , 2018 - Wednesday
Check todays hot topics or new products
DrugindexOnline2nd edition
All about: Levalbuterol HCl

Class: Sympathomimetic
Trade Names:
Xopenex
- Solution for inhalation 0.31 mg levalbuterol per 3 mL
- Solution for inhalation 0.63 mg levalbuterol per 3 mL
- Solution for inhalation 1.25 mg levalbuterol per 3 mL
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacology
Produces bronchodilation by relaxing bronchial smooth muscles via beta 2 -adrenergic receptor stimulation.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
T max is approximately 0.2 h. C max is approximately 1.1 to 4.5 ng/mL (dose-dependent). AUC is approximately 3.3 to 17.4 ng•h/mL (dose dependent).
Elimination
The t ½ is approximately 3 to 4 h.
Onset
17 min (0.63 mg); 10 min (1.25 mg).
Peak
Approximately 1.5 h.
Duration
Approximately 5 to 8 h.
Special Populations
ChildrenAUC increases; use lower dose (children 6 to 11 yr of age).
Indications and Usage
Treatment or prevention of bronchospasm in patients with reversible obstructive airway disease.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to levalbuterol or racemic albuterol.
Dosage and Administration
Adults and children 12 yr of age and olderInhalation solution Usual starting dose is 0.63 mg 3 times daily (every 6 to 8 h) by nebulization. Patients with more severe asthma or patients who do not respond adequately to the 0.63 mg dose may benefit from 1.25 mg 3 times daily.
Children 6 to 11 yr of ageInhalation solution Recommended dose is 0.31 mg 3 times daily by nebulization (max, 0.63 mg 3 times daily).
General Advice
- Administer only via nebulizer. Not for injection or oral use.
- Medication requires no dilution before administration and is added directly into the nebulizer reservoir.
- Once vial has been opened, administer immediately or discard.
- Discard solution if not colorless.
- Discard any unused solution.
- Do not mix with other nebulized medications unless ordered by health care provider.
Storage/Stability
Store unused vials in protective foil pouch between 68° and 77°F. Once the foil pouch is opened, use vials within 2 wk. If vials are removed from pouch and not used immediately, use within 1 wk. Protect vials from light and excessive heat.
Drug Interactions
Beta-blockers (eg, propranolol)Severe bronchospasms may be produced in asthmatic patients taking levalbuterol.
DigoxinPlasma digoxin levels may be decreased.
Diuretics (eg, loop [eg, furosemide] and thiazide [hydrochlorothiazide])ECG changes and hypokalemia associated with diuretic therapy may be worsened by levalbuterol administration.
MAOIs (eg, phenelzine), tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline)The action of levalbuterol on the vascular system may be potentiated.
Laboratory Test Interactions
None well documented.
Adverse Reactions
Cardiovascular
Tachycardia; migraine; abnormal ECG and ECG changes; hypertension; hypotension; syncope.
CNS
Dizziness, nervousness, tremor, anxiety, hypesthesia of the hand, insomnia, paresthesia; headache (children 6 to 11 yr of age).
Dermatologic
Eczema, rash, urticaria (children 6 to 11 yr of age).
EENT
Rhinitis, sinusitis, turbinate edema, dry throat, eye itch; pharyngitis, otitis media (children 6 to 11 yr of age).
GI
Dyspepsia; diarrhea; dry mouth; gastroenteritis; nausea.
Respiratory
Increased cough; viral infection.
Miscellaneous
Flu-like symptoms, accidental injury, pain, leg cramps, lymphadenopathy, myalgia; abdominal pain, asthma, fever (children 6 to 11 yr of age).
Precautions
Pregnancy
Category C .
Lactation
Undetermined.
Children
Safety and efficacy not established in children younger than 6 yr of age.
Hypersensitivity
Immediate hypersensitivity reactions may occur.
Special Risk Patients
Use with caution in patients with CV disorders, convulsive disorders, hyperthyroidism, or diabetes, and in patients unusually responsive to sympathomimetic amines.
Bronchospasm
Life-threatening paradoxical bronchospasm may occur.
CV effects
Clinically important CV effects, as measured by pulse rate and BP, may occur; use with caution in patients with CV disorders, especially coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypotension.
CNS effects
CNS stimulation may occur; use with caution in patients with a history of seizures or hyperthyroidism.
Deterioration of asthma
A dosage requirement increase or increased frequency of use may indicate destabilization of asthma, requiring re-evaluation of the treatment regimen.
Diabetes mellitus
Use with caution.
Overdosage
Symptoms
Seizures, angina, hypertension, hypotension, tachycardia, arrhythmias, nervousness, headache, tremor, dry mouth, palpitation, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, malaise, sleeplessness, hypokalemia, cardiac arrest, death.
Patient Information
- Advise patient to review illustrated patient information leaflet. Ensure that patient, family, or caregiver can prepare, use, and clean the nebulizer without difficulty.
- Instruct patient not to mix nebulizer medications unless advised by health care provider.
- Instruct patient to use nebulizer solution immediately after opening. If solution is not used immediately, advise patient to discard the solution.
- Advise patient to discard any unused nebulizer solution.
- Instruct patient not to exceed prescribed dose. Advise patient to contact health care provider if this medication no longer seems to control asthma symptoms or if increasing doses of the medicine are needed. These may indicate worsening asthma.
- Advise patients using more than 1 inhaled medication to use this medication first if needed. Take inhaled corticosteroids or other inhaled controller medications last.
- Advise patient that if breathing symptoms worsen during or immediately after using this medication, to stop using it and inform health care provider immediately.
- Inform patient that levalbuterol is not a substitute for inhaled or oral corticosteroids and not to stop or reduce the dose of corticosteroid medication.
- Instruct patient to discontinue use and immediately notify health care provider if eye pain or discomfort, blurred vision, vision halos, or colored images develop in association with red eyes. Advise patient that these symptoms may be associated with a serious problem that will require immediate medical care.
- Advise patient to carry medical identification (eg, card, bracelet) indicating asthma or COPD.
Recent Drug Updates at DrugIndexOnline:
Analpram-HC Lotion
Generic Name: Hydrocortisone Acetate/Pramoxine Rectal Lotion (hye-droe-KOR-ti-sone ASS-eh-tate/pra-MOX-een)
Brand Name: Analpram-HCAnalpram-HC Lotion is used for:Treating inflammation and itching of the anal area due to certain skin conditions.
Analpram-HC Lotion is a combination topical cortico
more...
Avobenzone, Octyl Methoxycinnamate, Octyl Salicylate, and Oxybenzone Topical
Some commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S.—
A-Fil 33
Aquaderm Sunscreen Moisturizer 49
Aquaray Sunscreen 42
Bain de Soleil All Day For Kids 38
Bain de Soleil All Day Sunfilter 39
Bain de Soleil Mega Tan 34
Bain de Soleil Orange Gelee 41
Bain de Soleil Sand Buster 41
Bain de Soleil SP
more...
Colistin Sulfate/Neomycin Sulfate/Thonzonium Bromide/Hydrocortisone Acetate
Pronouncation: (koe-LISS-tin SULL-fate/NEE-oh-MY-sin SULL-fate/thahn-ZOE-nee-uhm BROE-mide/HIGH-droe-core-tih-sone ASS-uh-TATE)
Class: Steroid and antibiotic combination
Trade Names:
Coly-Mycin S Otic
- Suspension 1% hydrocortisone, 4.71 mg neomycin sulfate (equiv. to 3.3 mg neomycin base),
more...
Hydrocortisone
Pronouncation: (HIGH-droe-CORE-tih-sone)
Class: Corticosteroid, Glucocorticoid, Topical
Trade Names:
Ala-Cort
- Cream 1%
- Lotion 1%
Trade Names:
Ala-Scalp HP
- Lotion 2%
Trade Names:
Anusol-HC
- Cream 2.5%
Trade Names:
Anusol-HC-1
- Ointment 1%
Trade Names:
Aquanil-HC
- Lotion 1%
Trade Names:
Beta
more...
Magnesium Pidolate
Some commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S.—
Almora 4
Chloromag 1
Citroma 2
Concentrated Phillips' Milk of Magnesia 5
Mag-200 7
Mag-L-100 1
Magonate 4
Mag-Ox 400 7
Mag-Tab SR 6
Magtrate 4
Maox 7
MGP 4
Phillips' Chewable Tablets 5
Phillips' Milk of Magnesia 5
Slow-Mag 1
Uro-Mag 7
In C
more...
Mepivacaine Parenteral-Local
Some commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S.—
Carbocaine 7
Carbocaine with Neo-Cobefrin 7
Chirocaine 5
Citanest Forte 8
Citanest Plain 8
Dalcaine 6
Dilocaine 6
Duranest 4
Duranest-MPF 4
Isocaine 7
L-Caine 6
Lidoject-1 6
Lidoject-2 6
Marcaine 2
Marcaine Spinal 2
Nesacaine 3
Nesacaine-MP
more...
NuvaRing
Generic Name: ethinyl estradiol and etonogestrel (ETH in il es tra DYE ole and et oh noe JES trel)
Brand Names: NuvaRing
What is ethinyl estradiol and etonogestrel?
Ethinyl estradiol and etonogestrel is a combination of female hormones that prevent
ovulation (the release of an egg from a
more...
Pediazole
Generic name: Erythromycin ethylsuccinate, Sulfisoxazole acetyl
Brand names: Eryzole, Pediazole
Why is Pediazole prescribed?
Pediazole is prescribed for the treatment of severe middle ear infections in children.
Most important fact about Pediazole
Sulfisoxazole is one of a group of drugs calle
more...