Levosalbutamol

Levosalbutamol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (reliever bronchodilator) medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, side effects and precautions — and every brand with its current price.

Levosalbutamol is used for:

• Bronchial asthma — relief of wheeze, breathlessness, chest tightness and cough
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — relief of reversible airway narrowing
• Wheezing in respiratory infections — when the doctor finds bronchospasm
• Exercise-induced bronchospasm — prevention before exertion, as advised

It relieves symptoms but does not cure the underlying disease; long-term asthma control often needs preventer (inhaled steroid) therapy decided by a doctor.

Possible side effects of Levosalbutamol include:

• Tremor — fine shaking of the hands, the most common effect
• Palpitations — awareness of a fast or pounding heartbeat
• Headache, nervousness or restlessness
• Muscle cramps
• Dizziness, sleep disturbance (less common)
• With high or frequent doses: low blood potassium, significant heart racing

Tremor and palpitation often lessen as the body adjusts. If you have chest pain, severe palpitations or worsening breathlessness after use, seek medical help immediately.

• Do not overuse. Needing Levosalbutamol more and more often is a warning sign of poorly controlled asthma — see your doctor for a preventer plan instead of taking extra doses.
• Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, overactive thyroid or diabetes — extra caution is needed.
• High doses can lower blood potassium; this matters if you also take diuretics, steroids or theophylline.
• If breathing worsens immediately after a dose (paradoxical bronchospasm), stop and seek urgent care.
• Use inhaler devices with correct technique; ask your doctor or pharmacist to check it.
• Keep regular follow-up so your asthma treatment can be stepped up or down properly.

Tell your doctor about all your medicines. Notable interactions of Levosalbutamol:

• Beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol) — oppose its action and can trigger bronchospasm in asthma; usually avoided together.
• Diuretics and corticosteroids — combined use can lower blood potassium further.
• Theophylline/doxophylline — additive stimulant effects and potassium lowering; monitoring may be needed.
• Digoxin — levels and rhythm effects may change.
• MAO inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants — may exaggerate cardiovascular effects.
• Other inhaled or oral beta-agonists — avoid duplication without medical advice.

• Known hypersensitivity to Levosalbutamol, salbutamol or any component of the preparation
• Use with great caution — only under medical supervision — in severe heart disease, serious rhythm disorders, uncontrolled hyperthyroidism
• Not for self-treatment of severe acute asthma attacks that do not respond — such attacks need emergency hospital care

In pregnancy, Levosalbutamol is used when needed because uncontrolled asthma itself is risky for both mother and baby — but only at doses set by a doctor. Inhaled forms expose the baby to less medicine than tablets. Small amounts may pass into breast milk; breastfeeding mothers should use Levosalbutamol only on medical advice. Never stop your asthma medicine in pregnancy without consulting your doctor.

Store Levosalbutamol below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and heat. Do not freeze liquid or nebuliser preparations, and do not puncture or burn inhaler canisters. Keep all forms out of the reach of children and do not use after the expiry date.