What is levalbuterol?
Levalbuterol is a bronchodilator. It works by relaxing muscles in the airways to improve
breathing.
Levalbuterol inhalation is used to treat reversible obstructive airway conditions such as asthma,
bronchitis, and emphysema.
Levalbuterol inhalation may also be used for conditions other than those listed in this medication
guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking levalbuterol?
Before using levalbuterol inhalation, tell your doctor if you have
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heart disease, an irregular heartbeat, or high blood pressure;
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a seizure disorder;
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diabetes; or
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an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
You may not be able to use levalbuterol inhalation or you may require a
dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Levalbuterol inhalation is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known
whether levalbuterol inhalation will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without
first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether levalbuterol passes into breast milk. Do not use levalbuterol
inhalation without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Levalbuterol inhalation is not approved for use by children younger than 6 years of age.
How should I take levalbuterol?
Use levalbuterol inhalation exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these
directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
To use the solution for nebulization:
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Open one vial by tearing on the serrated edge along the seam of
the foil pouch. Remove one unit-dose vial for immediate use. Keep the rest of the unused
unit-dose vial in the foil pouch to protect them from light. Carefully twist open the top of one
unit-dose vial and squeeze the entire contents into the nebulizer reservoir (drug chamber).
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Attach the nebulizer reservoir to the mouthpiece or face
mask. Then, attach the nebulizer to the compressor. Sit upright, in a comfortable position, and
put the mouthpiece into your mouth or put the face mask on, covering the nose and mouth. Turn
on the compressor. Breathe slowly, deeply, and evenly until all of the medicine has been inhaled
(usually 5 to 15 minutes). The treatment is complete when no more mist is formed by the
nebulizer and the drug chamber is empty.
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Clean the nebulizer after a treatment as directed by the
manufacturer.
If you also use a steroid inhaler, use your levalbuterol nebulization solution
first to open up your airways, then use the steroid inhaler as directed.
Do not mix other medicines for nebulization with a dose of levalbuterol unless specifically
directed to do so by your doctor.
It is very important that you use nebulized levalbuterol properly, so that the medicine gets into
your lungs. Talk to your doctor about proper nebulizer use.
Do not use more of this medication, or use doses more frequently, than directed by your
doctor. Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the
maximum amount of any asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication
could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.
Store levalbuterol in the protective foil pouch at room temperature, protected from light and
excessive heat. Once the foil pouch is opened, the vials should be used within two weeks. Once an
individual vial is removed from the foil pouch, if it is not to be used immediately, it should be protected
from light and used within one week. Once an individual vial is opened, it should be used immediately
or discarded. Discard the vial if the solution is not colorless.
What happens if I miss a dose of levalbuterol?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next
regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed.
Do not
use a double dose of this medication.
Where can I get more information about levalbuterol?
Your pharmacist has information about levalbuterol written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of levalbuterol?
Stop using levalbuterol inhalation and seek emergency medical attention if you experience
any of the following serious side effects:
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an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;
swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
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worsening of respiratory symptoms (shortness of breath,
wheezing); or
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chest pain or irregular heartbeats.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use
levalbuterol inhalation and talk to your doctor if you experience
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dizziness;
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tremor or nervousness;
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anxiety;
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headache;
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cough or runny nose;
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upset stomach; or
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leg cramps.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor
about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about levalbuterol?
Do not use more of this medication, or use doses more frequently, than directed by your
doctor. Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the
maximum amount of any asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication
could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.
It is very important that you use nebulized levalbuterol properly, so that the medicine gets into
the lungs. Talk to your doctor about proper nebulizer use.
What should I avoid while taking levalbuterol?
Avoid situations that may make your condition worse such as exercising in cold, dry air;
smoking; breathing in dust; and exposure to allergens such as pet fur.
What other drugs will affect levalbuterol?
Before using levalbuterol inhalation, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following
medicines:
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a beta-blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin),acebutolol
(Sectral), bisoprolol (Zebeta), carteolol (Cartrol), carvedilol (Coreg), labetalol (Normodyne,
Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal), and
others;
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a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil),
amoxapine (Asendin), doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and
others;
-
a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as
isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate);
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a diuretic (water pill) such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ,
HydroDiuril, Microzide, others), chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Hygroton, Thalitone),
furosemide (Lasix), bumetanide (Bumex), ethacrynic acid (Edecrin), torsemide (Demadex), and
others;
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digoxin (Lanoxin);
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another inhaled bronchodilator; or
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caffeine, diet pills, or decongestants.
You may not be able to use levalbuterol inhalation, or you may require a
dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed
above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with levalbuterol inhalation or affect your
condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter
medicines, including herbal products.
What happens if I have an overdose of levalbuterol?
