III. Mechanism
- Levalbuterol (Xoponex) is the active R-isomer of Albuterol
-
Inhaled Bronchodilators target Beta 2 Adrenergic Receptors
- Adverse effects (e.g. Tachycardia) are related to Beta 1 Adrenergic Receptor activity
IV. Dosing
- Levalbuterol Inhaler (age 4 years and older)
- See Hydrofluoroalkane Inhaler (HFA Inhaler) for technique
- Take 2 puffs up to every 4 to 6 hours
- Generic in 2016
- Levalbuterol (Xopenex) Nebulizer
- Indicated for Age over 12 years
- Age >=12 years: 0.63 (up to maximum of 1.25 mg) nebulized every 6 to 8 hours as needed
- Age 6 to 11 years: 0.31 mg nebulized every 8 hours as needed
V. Adverse Effects
VI. Efficacy
- Levalbuterol was initially reported to cause less Tachycardia and less FEV1 decline with chronic use than Albuterol
- In further study, Levalbuterol appears to have no advantage over Albuterol for most patients
VII. Safety
- Pregnancy Category C
- Unknown safety in Lactation
VIII. Resources
- Levalbuterol Nebulizer Solution (DailyMed)
- Levalbuterol MDI (DailyMed)
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Related Studies
| levalbuterol (on 2/23/2022 at Medicaid.Gov Survey of pharmacy drug pricing) | ||
| LEVALBUTEROL 0.31 MG/3 ML SOL | Generic | $0.34 per ml |
| LEVALBUTEROL 0.63 MG/3 ML SOL | Generic | $0.37 per ml |
| LEVALBUTEROL 1.25 MG/3 ML SOL | Generic | $0.35 per ml |
| LEVALBUTEROL TAR HFA 45 MCG INH | Generic | $3.58 per gram |
| xopenex (on 12/20/2023 at Medicaid.Gov Survey of pharmacy drug pricing) | ||
| XOPENEX HFA 45 MCG INHALER | Generic | $3.65 per gram |