Sometimes it suddenly becomes difficult to breathe, doesn't it? Does it feel like your chest is constricted, like a wheezing sound? This is something that is commonly seen in asthma and other respiratory diseases. In such cases, doctors recommend giving medicine through a nebulizer. Levalbuterol is a medicine that provides quick relief in an emergency. Let's talk about this in more detail.
What exactly is Levalbuterol?
Simply put, Levalbuterol is a medicine used in lung diseases, especially conditions like asthma. In these diseases , the bronchi , or airways, in our lungs, suddenly narrow . In medicine, we call this bronchospasm . When this happens, it becomes very difficult to breathe, and some people even make a wheezing sound in their chest.
Levalbuterol works by opening and widening the narrowed, constricted airways. This makes it easier to breathe again. Because it works so quickly, we also call it a "rescue or quick-relief medication."
Things to tell your doctor before using this medicine
It is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition before giving you this medicine. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor about them. Do not hide anything.
| Health conditions to inform your doctor about |
|---|
| If you have heart disease. |
| If you have high blood pressure. |
| If you have diabetes mellitus. |
| If you have an irregular heartbeat. |
| If you have kidney disease. |
| If you have a condition called pheochromocytoma. |
| If you have seizures. |
| If you have thyroid disease. |
| If you have an allergy to Levalbuterol, Albuterol, or any other medicine, food, or dye. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. |
| If you are a nursing mother. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
This medicine is taken by breathing it in through a machine called a nebulizer. The nebulizer turns the medicine, which is in liquid form, into a fine mist (aerosol). You can then inhale the mist through your mouth or through your mouth and nose and send it into your lungs.
- Follow your doctor's instructions: Your doctor or hospital will tell you how to use this medicine and how to use the nebulizer. Follow those instructions exactly . Take the medicine at the right time, in the right amount. Do not use it more often than prescribed.
- Do not mix medications: Do not mix this medication with any other medication in your nebulizer.
- When given to children: This medicine can be prescribed to children over 6 years of age in some special cases. However, a doctor will decide on this. Therefore, if using this on a child, do so only on medical advice.
What to do if you miss a dose or take too much?
If you miss a dose of medication
If you are taking this medicine at the same time every day, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose as usual . Never take a double dose.
Overdose
This is very important. If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
Some other medications you take may interact with Levalbuterol, meaning they may interfere with it. So it's important to tell your doctor about all the medications you take. For example:
- Medicines for certain infections (e.g. chloroquine, pentamidine)
- Things that contain caffeine
- Some medicines to take for colds
- Medications for depression or other mental illnesses
- Medicines and some herbal products used for weight loss
- Some antibiotics
- Medications for some heart diseases
- Steroid hormones
- Thyroid hormones
This is not a complete list. So tell your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, and herbal products you take. Also tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to keep in mind while taking the medicine
- Visit the doctor: Visit the doctor on scheduled dates to check your condition.
- Watch for symptoms: If your symptoms don't improve, or if they seem to be getting worse, talk to your doctor right away. If you find yourself needing to use this medicine more than usual, that's not a good sign either. Tell your doctor about that too.
- Your Asthma Action Plan: You and your doctor can create a personalized asthma action plan for you. This means you know in advance what to do when your symptoms are a little worse (yellow zone) and what to do in case of an emergency (red zone).
- Dry mouth: This medication may cause dry mouth. This can be controlled by chewing sugarless gum, sucking on unsweetened candy, and drinking plenty of water.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medication, there is a possibility of side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Changes in heart rate | Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Increased blood pressure | Increased blood pressure. |
| Low potassium levels | Muscle pain or stiffness, unusual weakness, fast/irregular heartbeat. |
| Increasing difficulty breathing | If you experience difficulty breathing or increased chest tightness after taking the medicine. |
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Dizziness | Feeling slightly dizzy. |
| Headache | Slight headache. |
| Tremors | Feeling like your hands or body are throbbing. |
| Insomnia | Difficulty falling asleep at night. |
How do you keep medicine safe?
- Keep away from children: Keep medicines out of the reach of small children and pets.
- Storage: Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius). Protect from light.
- Expiration: Discard any remaining medicine within two weeks of opening the foil pouch, or after the expiration date printed on the medicine. Do not use if the solution is not clear, i.e., colorless or has changed color.
Take-Home Message
- Levalbuterol is a quick-relief medication for emergencies. It is not a daily medication unless specifically prescribed by a doctor.
- Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor about all medical conditions you have and all medications you are taking.
- Learn exactly how to use the nebulizer and use it exactly as directed. Do not mix it with other medications.
- Be aware of serious side effects (e.g., chest pain, increased difficulty breathing). If any of these occur, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never give your medicine to anyone else.
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