Levolin (Levosalbutamol 1.25mg) Respules

Levolin Respules general information

What is Levolin Respules used for?

Levolin Respules are used to treat and relieve bronchospasm (contraction or the airways) in reversible obstructive respiratory conditions like asthma chronic bronchitis and emphysema.  Levolin Respules contain a solution that should be used only with a nebuliser, which creates a fine mist that can be inhaled through a face mask more easily when needed as a rescue medication in treatment of acute or severe asthma.  This condition is characterised by constant symptoms and frequent exacerbations.  Levolin Respules are used also to relieve symptoms of asthma attack and to help with long-term management of chronic bronchospasm that is unresponsive to other treatments using conventional inhalers.  Levolin Respules helps relieve symptoms of bronchospasm including chest tightness, wheezing and cough. 

How does Levolin Respules work?

Levolin inhaler contains levosalbutamol, a beta 2-agonist and bronchodilator that acts directly on the small airways of the lungs (bronchioles).  Contraction of the bands of smooth muscle that surrounds the small bronchiole tubes causes narrowing of the airways in response to an asthma trigger.  Levosalbutamol in Levolin binds to beta 2 receptors, which causes the smooth muscle lining of the airways to relax and the airways to widen (bronchodilation).  This reduces bronchospasm and allows the airways to open making it easier to breathe, thereby relieving symptoms of asthma, such as tightness of the chest, wheezing, cough and shortness of breath.  Levosalbutamol in Levolin inhaler is a rapid-acting bronchodilator but has a short duration of action, lasting 4-6 hours and is used as a reliever medication for severe asthma, delivered into the lungs as an aerosol using a nebuliser  

What does Levolin Respules contain?

Levolin Respules comprise a plastic ampoule (respule) that contains the active ingredient levosalbutamol sulphate 1.25mg in 2.5ml (a single isomer, the R-enantiomer, unlike the racemic salbutamol), a beta 2-agonist that acts as bronchodilator to treat asthma and other respiratory conditions.  Levosalbutamol sulphate is dissolved in a clear sterile, preservative-free normal saline solution.  Each Levolin Respule contains a single dose of levosalbutamol.

Treating asthma attack with Levolin Respules

Levolin Respules contain levosalbutamol, a beta 2-agonist and bronchodilator that is used to relieve symptoms of bronchospasm (contraction or the airways) that are caused by asthma and other respiratory conditions.  During an acute severe asthma attack the airways contract and tighten making it difficult to breathe.  Levosalbutamol in Levolin binds to beta 2 receptors in the small airways of the lungs (bronchioles), which causes the smooth muscle lining the airways to relax and the airways to widen (bronchodilation) allowing the airways to open and making it easier to breathe.  Levosalbutamol in Levolin is a rapid-acting bronchodilator but has a short duration of action, lasting 4-6 hours and should be used only as a reliever medication for severe asthma and asthma attack.  Levolin Respules relieve symptoms, such as tightness of the chest, wheezing, cough and shortness of breath and is delivered into the lungs as a fine mist created by a nebuliser using a face mask. 

What are the side effects of Levolin Respules?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Levolin Respules include headache, tremor, tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), flu like symptoms; less common side effects include, palpitations mouth and throat irritation, muscle cramp.

When should Levolin Respules not be used?

You should not use Levolin Respules if you:

• are allergic to levosalbutamol or any ingredients in Levolin Respules
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
• have cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure, without discussion with your doctor
• are taking medicines that interact with Levolin Respules including beta-blockers like propranolol; digoxin for heart failure; other bronchodilators like epinephrine, the xanthines theophylline or aminophylline or other beta 2 agonists like salmeterol; corticosteroids like beclometasone and prednisolone; diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide for heart failure, monoamine oxidase or tricyclic antidepressants

What medications interact with Levolin Respules?

Several medications interact with Levolin Respules and should either not be taken while you are taking Levolin Respules or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:

• Drugs that cause a serious reaction with Levolin Respules: other beta 2 agonists like salmeterol, diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide for heart failure, monoamine oxidase or tricyclic antidepressants, non-selective beta-blockers like propranolol
• Drugs that affect Levolin Respules: non-selective beta-blockers like propranolol
• Drugs that are affected by Levolin Respules: digoxin for heart failure

What is paradoxical bronchospasm?

Inhaled asthma bronchodilator medications can cause paradoxical bronchospasm, which is when the inhaled medication taken to relieve or prevent bronchospasm actually makes it worse, causing wheezing, shortness of breath and tightness of the chest.  If this happens you should stop using your Levolin Inhaler, inform your doctor and take their advice.

How should Levolin Respules be taken?

You should use your Levolin Respules with a nebuliser as directed by your doctor and they should only be used for aspiration (breathing through the mouth), not swallowed or injected.  You can use your Levolin Respules at any time of day, with or without food, up to 3 times daily (every 6-8 hours) for bronchospasm or asthma attack.  You should continue to use your Levolin Respules for as long as recommended by your doctor or until your asthma attack is controlled.

How long should you take Levolin Respules?

You should continue to use your Levolin Respules for as long as recommended by your doctor or until your asthma attack is controlled.

How should Levolin Respules be stored?

You should store your Levolin Respules below 25°C in a cool dry place.