Levalbuterol Case Study

Levalbuterol, brand name XopenexⓇ, is classified as a beta-2 agonist that acts as a bronchodilator that relaxes the muscles in the airways and increase airflow to the lungs in patients with reversible obstructive airway disease for example asthma. XopenexⓇ is a product of by Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc. and was first approved for clinical use on March 11, 2005. Beta-2 agonists have undergone some changes in the formation of levalbuterol and albuterol which been successful in the treatment of reversible obstructive airway diseases in adolescents and children. Reversible obstructive airway diseases were first combated with oral dosages of epinephrine1, however these were not effective and it was found that subcutaneous injection of epinephrine
Beta-2 adrenergic receptors are the primary receptors of bronchial smooth muscle, but there are also beta-2 receptors in the heart. This is why a common side effect of albuterol is a cardiovascular change measured by blood pressure, pulse rate and electrocardiograph changes. Many trials have shown lower mean heart rates in patients using levalbuterol in comparison to traditional albuterol4,5,6. Although the difference in heart rates is not mathematically huge, patients who suffer with arrhythmias could experience tachycardia with albuterol which could potentially not happen while taking levalbuterol4,5,6. This is huge in terms of the quality of life for patients while maintain a safer and equally effective
New research has continued on this drug pathway, which has led to the formation of new therapeutics including valinterol that is indicated for 24-hour use to improve patient compliance1. Beta-2 agonists work to increase the airflow in the smooth bronchial muscles and levalbuetrol has been used to treat many patients around the world with various respiratory diseases. Overall levalbuterol is an effective way, but sometimes more costly way of treating patients with respiratory