Levalbuterol Flashcards
Levalbuterol- Name
Xopenex
Levalbuterol- Class
Beta2 agonist,
sympathomimetic amine
Levalbuterol- MoA
Decreases intracellular calcium concentrations with results in muscle relaxation of all airway muscles from trachea to terminal bronchioles.
Relaxes smooth muscle in the peripheral vasculature.
Reduces mucus secretion and inhibits histamine release from mast cells
Levalbuterol- Indications
Bronchospasms/bronchoconstriction from COPD/asthma
Levalbuterol- Contra
Avoid use with drugs that prolong the QT interval (sotalol, phenothiazines, ondansetron)
Levalbuterol- S/E
Cardiovascular: tachycardia, hypertension, palpitations
Respiratory: coughing, throat irritation
CNS: restlessness, anxiety, dizziness, headache
Other: hypokalemia, hyperglycemia
Levalbuterol- Routes
Nebulized and inhaled: Handheld Nebulizer (HHN), Mask
Levalbuterol- A. Dose
1.25 mg – 2.5 mg nebulized over 2-5 minutes,
may repeat every 20 Minutes to a maximum of 3 doses
Levalbuterol- P. Dose
0.075 mg/kg for children 6 years and older,
maximum single dose 1.25 mg, nebulized over 2-5 minutes;
May be repeated as needed every 20 minutes to a maximum of 3 doses.
Levalbuterol- Extras
Precautions: Use caution in those with existing heart disease or angina as high doses of levalbuterol can aggravate these conditions, exacerbating angina or palpitations.
Pregnancy category C.
Must monitor ECG rhythm throughout treatment due to cardiovascular side effects, provide oxygen before, during and after administration
Interactions: Use caution with patients taking MAO inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants as the cardiovascular effects may be potentiated.
Beta-Blocker medications and levalbuterol inhibit each other
Onset within 5-15 minutes and may last 6-8 hours
Levalbuterol affects sodium-potassiumATPase resulting in intracellular potassium shift.
