Why is this medication prescribed?  

Levalbuterol is used to prevent or relieve the wheezing, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing caused by asthma. Levalbuterol is in a class of medications called beta agonists. It works by relaxing and opening air passages, making it easier to breathe.

How should this medicine be used?  

Levalbuterol comes as a solution to inhale using a nebulizer. It is usually used three times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use levalbuterol exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Levalbuterol controls asthma but does not cure it. Continue to use levalbuterol even if you feel well. Do not stop using levalbuterol without talking to your doctor.

To use the solution for oral inhalation, follow these steps:

• Tear the serrated edge on the foil pouch to open and remove one vial. Look at the solution in the vial to be sure it is colorless. If it is not colorless, call your doctor or pharmacist and do not use the solution.
• Twist off the top of the vial and squeeze all of the liquid into the reservoir of your nebulizer. Do not add any other medications to the nebulizer because it may not be safe to mix them with levalbuterol. Use all nebulized medications separately unless your doctor specifically tells you to mix them.
• Connect the nebulizer reservoir to your mouthpiece or facemask.
• Connect the nebulizer to the compressor.
• Sit upright and place the mouthpiece in your mouth or put on the facemask.
• Turn on the compressor.
• Breathe calmly, deeply, and evenly until mist stops forming in the nebulizer. This should take between 5 and 15 minutes.
• Clean the nebulizer according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Other uses for this medicine  

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?  

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

Levalbuterol must be protected from light. Store unused vials in the foil pouch, and discard all unused vials 2 weeks after you opened the pouch. If you remove a vial from the pouch, you should protect it from light and use it within one week.

In case of emergency/overdose  

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• seizures
• chest pain
• fainting
• dizziness
• blurred vision
• upset stomach
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• nervousness
• headache
• dry mouth
• shaking hands that you cannot control
• extreme tiredness
• weakness
• difficulty falling or staying asleep
• frequent urination
• depression
• muscle weakness or cramps
• constipation
• vomiting
• difficulty moving a part of the body

What other information should I know?  

Keep all appointments with your doctor

If your asthma symptoms become worse, if levalbuterol inhalation becomes less effective, or if you need more doses than usual of the asthma medications you use as needed, your condition may be getting worse. Call your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names  

Other names