What is Levalbuterol inhalation?
Levalbuterol, a bronchodilator with a short-acting action, relaxes the muscles of the airways to increase airflow.Inhaling levalbuterol is used to treat or stop asthma attacks among adults and children older than 4 years.This medication guide does not list all possible uses for levalbuterol.
Side effects of Levalbuterol inhalation
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
Levalbuterol inhalation may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Choking or other breathing difficulties after using levalbuterol;
- If you feel your heart pounding or fluttering, then it is time to seek medical attention.
- Asthma symptoms can worsen.
- Low sodium, leg cramps, constipation increased urination, numbness, tingling or numbness, muscle weakness, or a limp feeling
Levalbuterol side effects may include:
- Dizziness, nervousness, and tremors;
- Sore throat.
- Chest pain or tightness, and irregular heartbeats.
- Pain;
- Vomiting.
There may be other side effects.Call your physician immediately if experiencing adverse side effects; alternatively, contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 if wishing to report such.
Warnings
Please read all instructions listed on your medication's label or package carefully and inform your healthcare provider of all of your medical conditions, allergies and medicines that you take.If you feel that your asthma medication is not working well, seek medical attention.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to levalbuterol or albuterol (Acuneb ProAir, Proventil, and Ventolin), then do not use the inhalation.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that levalbuterol will be safe for you:
- Heart disease or high blood tension.
- A seizure disorder;
- Diabetes
- A thyroid disorder.
This medicine is not known to harm a baby in utero. Inform your physician immediately if you are pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or considering becoming pregnant.Levalbuterol does not pass into breast milk. It is unknown if this could have an effect on the nursing infant. Inform your doctor if breastfeeding is a possibility.Levalbuterol inhalers shouldn't be given to children younger than four years. Levalbuterol in a nebulizer shouldn't be given to children younger than six years old.
How to take Levalbuterol?
Do not alter the instructions on your prescription. Use this medication only as directed. Do not exceed the prescribed dosage or use it for longer than necessary.You should read all the information provided, including medication guides and instructions. If you have questions, seek the guidance of your physician or pharmacist.Levalbuterol should only be used by children under adult supervision.Before your first use, prime the inhaler. Spray four test sprays in the air away from your face. Shake the inhaler for at least five seconds before spraying. Prime the inhaler again if it has been more than 3 days since you last used it.
How to use an inhaler
- Shake the canister well just before spraying.
- Remove the cap from the inhaler. Exhale fully. Close your lips and place the mouthpiece inside of your mouth. Push down the canister while breathing in slowly. Hold your breath for 10 seconds as you slowly breathe out.
- Wait at least one minute before you inhale again. Shake the inhaler once more.
- Store your inhaler with the cap on. Once a week, remove the canister from your inhaler and place the mouthpiece into warm, running water. Let the parts air dry before putting back the inhaler.
Keep the inhaler levalbuterol upright with the mouthpiece facing down. The inhaler should be kept at room temperature, away from heat, sunlight, or freezing temperatures. Inhalers with a dose indicator should be thrown away when the number shows "0". This means that the entire spray has been used.Avoid putting the inhaler canister near open flames or heat sources, like in a hot car. If the canister gets too warm, it may explode. You should not burn or puncture an empty inhaler.The solution of levalbuterol is administered with a nebulizer. Before using the concentrate, it must be diluted with a liquid. You can ask your pharmacist which diluent you should use and where to buy it. Make sure you know how to mix the medication and put it in the nebulizer.
Use the solution in a nebulizer.
- Open the foil pouch and pour the medication into the chamber. Your doctor will tell you how much diluent to add.
- Attach the mouthpiece, face mask, or drug chamber to the compressor.
- Sit up straight in a comfortable posture. Put the mouthpiece in your mouth, or wear the mask to cover your mouth and nose. Start the compressor.
- Inhale slowly and evenly until the nebulizer has stopped producing mist and the drug chambers are empty.
- After each use, clean the nebulizer. Use the instructions that came with your device when cleaning it.
If the solution does not look clear and colourless, do not use it.Levalbuterol Concentrate vials should be stored in the protective foil pouch at room temperature and away from moisture, light, heat, or heat. Each vial should be kept in its foil pouch until the time comes to use the nebulizer.Each plastic single-use vial of levalbuterol concentrate is only for one use. Even if some medicine is left after you inhale your dose, throw it away after use.Asthma can be treated with a combination of drugs. All medications should be taken as instructed by your healthcare provider. You should not alter your medication or dose schedule without consulting your doctor.Levalbuterol can have life-threatening effects if you use it in excess or too frequently. If you feel that your asthma medication is not working well, seek medical attention. A sudden increase in the need for medications could indicate a serious attack of asthma.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as you remember a missed dose, take it promptly; otherwise if the next scheduled dosage is approaching quickly, skip this missed one and continue as scheduled. You should not take extra medicine to compensate for a missed dose.Levalbuterol is most effective when used regularly. Refill your prescription before running out.
What happens if I overdose?
Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. A levalbuterol overdose can be deadly.
What should be avoided?
Avoid situations that may worsen your condition, such as exercising in cold, dry air; smoking; inhaling dust; and exposure to allergens like pet fur.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor that you used MAO inhibitors in the last 14 days. MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid (linezolid), methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and other drugs.Tell your doctor if you are taking any new medications or if you will stop using any of your current ones.
- Inhaled medications for asthma or COPD
- Antidepressants are a type of medication.
- A diuretic, or "water pill,"
- Medicine to treat heart conditions.
This list is incomplete. Levalbuterol may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This medication guide does not cover every potential interaction.
