Levalbuterol(lev al byoo’ ter ole)
Levalbuterol Hydrochloride
Xopenex
Levalbuterol Tartrate
Xopenex HFA
PREGNANCY CATEGORY C
Drug Classes
Antiasthmatic
Beta2-selective adrenergic agonist
Bronchodilator
Sympathomimetic
Therapeutic Actions
In low doses, acts relatively selectively at beta2-adrenergic receptors to cause bronchodilation and vasodilation; at higher doses, beta2-selectivity is lost and the drug also acts at beta1 receptors to cause typical sympathomimetic cardiac effects.
Indications
Treatment and prevention of bronchospasm in adults and children 4 yr and older, (tartrate) and 6 yr and older (hydrochloride) with reversible obstructive pulmonary disease
Unlabeled uses: Treatment of acute asthma, asthma exacerbations
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with hypersensitivity to albuterol or levalbuterol; tachyarrhythmias, tachycardia caused by digoxin toxicity; general anesthesia with halogenated hydrocarbons or cyclopropane (these sensitize the myocardium to catecholamines); unstable vasomotor system disorders; hypertension; coronary insufficiency, coronary artery disease; history of stroke; COPD in patients who have developed degenerative heart disease.
Use cautiously in psychoneurotic individuals and with hyperthyroidism; history of seizure disorders; pregnancy; lactation.
Available Forms
Solution for inhalation—0.31 mg/3 mL, 0.63 mg/3 mL, 1.25 mg/3 mL; solution for inhalation concentrate—1.25 mg/0.5 mL; aerosol inhalation—45 mcg/actuation
Dosages
Levalbuterol hydrochloride (Xopenex)
Adults and patients 12 yr and older
0.63 mg tid, every 6–8 hr by nebulization; if patient does not respond, the dose may be increased to up to 1.25 mg tid by nebulization.
Pediatric patients 6–11 yr
0.31 mg tid by nebulization; do not exceed 0.63 mg tid.
Pediatric patients younger than 6 yr
Safety and efficacy not established.
Levalbuterol tartrate (Xopenex HFA)
Adults and children 4 yr and older
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