What is Levalbuterol: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Levalbuterol

• Inhaler: Inhalation routeStore the canister at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze. Do not keep this medicine inside a car where it could be exposed to extreme heat or cold. Do not poke holes in the canister or throw it into a fire, even if the canister is empty.

• Inhaler: Throw away the canister after either 200 sprays have been used. Ask your pharmacist if you are not sure. Do not place the canister in water to see if the canister is full (float test).

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Aerosol inhaler: Inhalation routeYou will use this medicine with a device called a metered-dose inhaler. The inhaler fits on the medicine canister and turns the medicine into a fine spray that you breathe in through your mouth and to your lungs. You may be told to use a spacer, which is a tube that is placed between the inhaler and your mouth. Your caregiver will show you how to use your inhaler and the spacer (if needed). Inhalation routeShake the inhaler well just before each use. Avoid spraying this medicine into your eyes. Inhalation routeRemove the cap and look at the mouthpiece to make sure it is clean. Prime the inhaler the first time you use it. Point the inhaler away from your face. Spray into the air 4 times. You also need to prime it when you do not use the inhaler for more than 3 days in a row.Inhalation routeTo inhale this medicine, breathe out fully, trying to get as much air out of the lungs as possible. Put the mouthpiece just in front of your mouth with the canister upright. Inhalation routeOpen your mouth and breathe in slowly and deeply (like yawning), and at the same time firmly press down on the top of the canister once. Inhalation routeHold your breath for about 5 to 10 seconds, and then breathe out slowly. Inhalation routeIf you are supposed to use more than one puff, wait 1 to 2 minutes before inhaling the second puff. Repeat these steps for the next puff, starting with shaking the inhaler. Clean the inhaler with warm water and air dry it thoroughly. Do this at least once a week.

• Solution (for nebulizer): Keep the medicine in the foil pouch until you are ready to use it. Store the vials at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. The vials in the pouch must be used within 2 weeks after you open the foil pouch.

• Solution concentrate (for nebulizer): Keep the medicine in the foil pouch at room temperature, away from heat and direct light, until you are ready to use it. Use the vial right away after you open the foil pouch.

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Do not swallow or inject the medicine. Only inhale the medicine.

• Check the solution concentrate in the vial. It should be clear or colorless. Do not use it if is discolored. Mix the solution concentrate first with sterile normal saline before you take your dose using a nebulizer.

• Inhalation routeYou will use this medicine with an inhaler device called a nebulizer. The nebulizer turns the medicine into a fine mist that you breathe in through your mouth and to your lungs. Your caregiver will show you how to use your nebulizer. Do not mix levalbuterol with other medicines in a nebulizer, unless told to do so by your doctor.

• Check the solution concentrate in the vial. It should be clear or colorless. Do not use it if is discolored. Mix the solution concentrate first with sterile normal saline before you take your dose using a nebulizer.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

• Do not swallow or inject the medicine. Only inhale the medicine.

• Aerosol inhaler: Inhalation routeYou will use this medicine with a device called a metered-dose inhaler. The inhaler fits on the medicine canister and turns the medicine into a fine spray that you breathe in through your mouth and to your lungs. You may be told to use a spacer, which is a tube that is placed between the inhaler and your mouth. Your caregiver will show you how to use your inhaler and the spacer (if needed). Inhalation routeShake the inhaler well just before each use. Avoid spraying this medicine into your eyes. Inhalation routeRemove the cap and look at the mouthpiece to make sure it is clean. Prime the inhaler the first time you use it. Point the inhaler away from your face. Spray into the air 4 times. You also need to prime it when you do not use the inhaler for more than 3 days in a row.Inhalation routeTo inhale this medicine, breathe out fully, trying to get as much air out of the lungs as possible. Put the mouthpiece just in front of your mouth with the canister upright. Inhalation routeOpen your mouth and breathe in slowly and deeply (like yawning), and at the same time firmly press down on the top of the canister once. Inhalation routeHold your breath for about 5 to 10 seconds, and then breathe out slowly. Inhalation routeIf you are supposed to use more than one puff, wait 1 to 2 minutes before inhaling the second puff. Repeat these steps for the next puff, starting with shaking the inhaler. Clean the inhaler with warm water and air dry it thoroughly. Do this at least once a week.

• Solution concentrate (for nebulizer): Keep the medicine in the foil pouch at room temperature, away from heat and direct light, until you are ready to use it. Use the vial right away after you open the foil pouch.

• Inhaler: Inhalation routeStore the canister at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze. Do not keep this medicine inside a car where it could be exposed to extreme heat or cold. Do not poke holes in the canister or throw it into a fire, even if the canister is empty.

• Inhaler: Throw away the canister after either 200 sprays have been used. Ask your pharmacist if you are not sure. Do not place the canister in water to see if the canister is full (float test).

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Inhalation routeYou will use this medicine with an inhaler device called a nebulizer. The nebulizer turns the medicine into a fine mist that you breathe in through your mouth and to your lungs. Your caregiver will show you how to use your nebulizer. Do not mix levalbuterol with other medicines in a nebulizer, unless told to do so by your doctor.

• Solution (for nebulizer): Keep the medicine in the foil pouch until you are ready to use it. Store the vials at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. The vials in the pouch must be used within 2 weeks after you open the foil pouch.

What to do if you miss a dose of Levalbuterol

Levalbuterol contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to levalbuterol or albuterol.

Levalbuterol warnings

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• This medicine may cause increased trouble breathing (paradoxical bronchospasm), which may be life-threatening.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, diabetes, heart disease, heart rhythm problems, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, or seizures.

• Inhalation routeIf any of your asthma medicines do not seem to be working as well as usual, call your doctor right away. Do not change your doses or stop using your medicines without asking your doctor.

• Inhalation routeIf you use a corticosteroid medicine to control your asthma, keep using it as instructed by your doctor.

• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

Levalbuterol interactions

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Inhalation routeIf you use a corticosteroid medicine to control your asthma, keep using it as instructed by your doctor.

• Some medicines can affect how levalbuterol works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:DigoxinBlood pressure medicineDiuretic (water pill)Medicine for depression (including an MAO inhibitor or TCA during treatment or within 2 weeks after the last dose)

• Inhalation routeIf any of your asthma medicines do not seem to be working as well as usual, call your doctor right away. Do not change your doses or stop using your medicines without asking your doctor.

• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

• This medicine should not be used together with similar inhaled medicines, including albuterol, isoproterenol, metaproterenol, pirbuterol, or terbutaline.