Class: Sympathetic agonist. Selective for Beta2 adrenergic receptor.

 

Mechanism of Action: When administered, the drug stimulates bronchodilation. Levalbuterol is a Beta2 agonist that causes the smooth muscles of the bronchial to relax. This relaxation increases capacity and minimizes resistance. Levalbuterol is a derivative of albuterol that has a greater Beta2 response.

 

Indications: Asthma, Reversible bronchospasm associated with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

 

Contraindications: Known hypersensitivity, symptomatic tachycardia.

 

Precautions: Monitor BP, pulse, and ECG. Use with caution in patients with cardiac ischemia, measure peak flow before and after treatment. Also, listen to lung sounds before and after each treatment.

 

Interactions: When administered with other sympathetic agonists the probability of side effects increase. Beta Blockers may lessen the desired effect of levalbuterol.

 

Side Effect(s): Palpitations, anxiety, headache, dizziness, tremors, insomnia, nausea, tachycardia, hypertension.

 

Dosage and Route: Inhalation via nebulizer of 0.63mg in 3.0mL normal saline every 6-8 hours. Pediatric Dosage; 0.31mg in 3.0mL normal saline 3 times per day.  Xopenex may also be delivered via a MDI (metered dose inhaler).

 

Onset: 5-15 minutes Peak Effects: 1-1.5 hours Duration: 3-6 hours Half-Life: 3.3 hours

 

 

Package Insert:  http://www.xopenex.com/xopenexProviders/XopenexConcentratePI.pdf