Levolin inhaler (Levosalbutamol 50mcg)

What is Levolin Inhaler used for?

Levolin inhaler 50mcg is used to treat and prevent bronchospasm (contraction or the airways) in adults, adolescents, and children over four years of age, with reversible obstructive airway disease like asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. Levolin inhaler is used to help treat severe asthma, characterised by constant symptoms like chest tightness, wheezing and cough and frequent exacerbations. It is also used to relieve symptoms of acute episodes of asthma attack; also to prevent allergen or exercise-induced bronchospasm.

How does Levolin Inhaler 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 with each actuation (puff).

What does Levolin Inhaler contain?

Levolin inhaler contains the active ingredient levosalbutamol tartrate 50mcg, a bronchodilator used to treat and prevent bronchospasm, suspended in propellant HFA 134a. Levolin is a metered dose inhaler that delivers 50mcg levosalbutamol as an aerosol into your lungs each time your actuate (press down) your inhaler. Each inhaler contains at least 200 actuations.

Treating asthma with Levolin Inhaler

Levolin inhaler 50mcg contains levosalbutamol, a beta agonsist and bronchodilator that is used to treat bronchospasm, which is contraction of the muscle surrounding the small airways of the lungs or bronchioles. Levosalbutamol in Levolin Inhaler binds to beta 2 receptors on the smooth muscle of the bronchioles causing the muscle to relax and the airways to widen (bronchodilation) making it easier to breathe and relieving symptoms of asthma like wheezing, shortness of breath, tightness of the chest and cough. Levolin inhaler 50mcg can be used to relieve symptoms of asthma attack caused by exposure to an allergen like cats or pollen or any other trigger like cold air or cigarette smoke. Levolin inhaler 100mcg is a “reliever” inhaler because it is has a rapid onset (within 5 minutes) but is short-acting and is a rescue medication that can be used if an asthma attack happens or to avoid an asthma attack. Levolin inhaler 50mcg can also be used to prevent symptoms developing in exercise induced or allergy induced asthma by using before exercise or exposure to the known allergen.

Inhaler for exercise induced bronchospasm

Levolin inhaler 50mcg contains levosalbutamol, a beta agonsist and bronchodilator that is used to treat bronchospasm, which is contraction of the muscle surrounding the small airways of the lungs or bronchioles. There are several types of asthma trigger that can induce asthma symptoms caused by bronchospasm, which is contraction of the muscle surrounding the small airways of the lungs or bronchioles, including exercise. Levosalbutamol in Levolin Inhaler binds to beta 2 receptors on the smooth muscle of the bronchioles, causing the muscle to relax and the airways to widen (bronchodilation) making it easier to breathe and relieving symptoms of asthma like wheezing, shortness of breath and tightness of the chest. Levolin inhaler 50mcg can be used to prevent symptoms developing in exercise induced asthma.

What are the side effects of Levolin Inhaler?

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

When should Levolin Inhaler not be used?

You should not use Levolin Inhaler if you:

• are allergic to levosalbutamol or any ingredients in Levolin Inhaler
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
• have kidney problems, without discussion with your doctor
• are taking medicines that interact with Levolin, including: non-selective beta-blockers like propranolol, other beta 2 agonists like salmeterol, diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide for heart failure, digoxin for heart failure, monoamine oxidase or tricyclic antidepressants

What medications interact with Levolin Inhaler?

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

• Drugs that can cause a serious reaction with Levolin Inhaler: 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 Inhaler: non-selective beta-blockers like propranolol
• Drugs that are affected by Levolin Inhaler: 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 Inhaler be taken?

You should take your Levolin Inhaler as needed for an asthma attack at any time of day, with or without food, by taking 1-2 puffs up to 4 times daily and no more than 8 puffs in 24 hours. If you are using your Levolin Inhaler more than 3-4 times a week this may indicate that your asthma is not well controlled and you may need to review your medication. You can also use your Levolin Inhaler to prevent allergy or exercise induced asthma by taking 2 puffs 15 minutes before exercise or exposure to a known allergen.

How many puffs to take from your Levoloi inhaler?

You should take one or two puffs from your Levolin inhaler when needed to relieve symptoms if an asthma attack happens, or if you suffer from exercise-induced asthma, take one or two puffs before you begin to exercise. Do not take more puffs than recommended by your doctor as this will increase risk of side effects.

How to use your Levolin inhaler?

Follow the instruction provided with your Levolin inhaler.

1. Remove the mouthpiece cover and shake the inhaler.
2. Breathe out as far as is comfortable and then place the mouthpiece in your mouth.
3. Start to inhale and press down on the top of the inhaler to release a dose of salbutamol while still breathing in through your mouth until your lungs are full and then hold your breath for a few seconds.
4. Remove the inhaler and breathe normally.
5. Replace the mouthpiece cover.
6. Rinse your mouth after use.

Note: You can use a spacer device to help you inhale correctly.

How often should you use your Levolin Inhaler?

You should take one or two puffs of your Levolin Inhaler as recommended by your doctor and as needed. The effects should last for between 4 and 6 hours.

Missed dose of Levolin Inhaler

You should only use your your Levolin Inhaler to relieve symptoms of asthma. However, if your doctor has advised you to take regular puffs from your Levolin Inhaler 50mcg and you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.

How should Levolin Inhaler be stored?

You should store your Levolin Inhaler below 25°C in a cool dry place. Protect your inhaler from frost, it will not work properly if it gets cold and keep away from direct sunlight. Always replace the mouthpiece cover when you are not using your inhaler.

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