LEVALBUTEROL (Xopenex®)

Question 1

Drug Classification

Answer 1

Sympathomimetic / Sympathetic agonist (β2selective)

Question 2

Mechanism of Action

Answer 2

β2agonist → promotes sympathetic stimulation of bronchial smooth muscle cells, reducing interaction between actin and myosin causing smooth muscle relaxation → bronchodilation

Question 3

Pharmacokinetics

Answer 3

Onset of Action = 5-15 minutes
Peak Effects = 1-1.5 hours
Duration of Effect = 3-6 hours
Half-Life = 3.3 hours

Question 4

Indications/Field Use

Answer 4

Asthma/COPD/RAD

Allergic reaction/anaphylaxis

Question 5

Side effects/adverse reactions

Answer 5

Palpitations, hypertension, dizziness, headache, anxiety, nausea

Question 6

Dose

Answer 6

A: 1.25mg nebulized with oxygen 8LPM q 5 min
P: .31 mg nebulized with oxygen 8LPM q 5 min

Question 7

Precautions

Answer 7

First three doses of levalbuterol should be given concurrently with ipratropium bromide
Caution in patients with cardiac ischemia

Question 8

Contraindications

Answer 8

Symptomatic tachycardia

Question 9

Drug Interactions

Answer 9

Side effects may increase with other sympathetic agonists

β-blockers may blunt effects of this drug