levalbuterol 1.25 MG (as levalbuterol hydrochloride 1.44 MG) per 3 ML Inhalant Solution
Generic Name: LEVALBUTEROL INHALATION 1.25MG/3ML
Brand Name: levalbuterol inhalation
- Substance Name(s):
- LEVALBUTEROL
DRUG INTERACTIONS
7 Other short-acting sympathomimetic aerosol bronchodilators and adrenergic drugs: May potentiate effect.
( 7.1 ) Beta-blockers: May block bronchodilatory effects of beta-agonists and produce severe bronchospasm.
Patients with asthma should not normally be treated with beta-blockers.
( 7.2 ) Diuretic: May worsen electrocardiographic changes or hypokalemia associated with diuretic may worsen.
Consider monitoring potassium levels.
( 7.3 ) Digoxin: May decrease serum digoxin levels.
Consider monitoring digoxin levels.
( 7.4 ) Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOs) or tricyclic antidepressants: May potentiate effect of albuterol on the cardiovascular system.
( 7.5 ) 7.1 Short-Acting Bronchodilators Avoid concomitant use of other short-acting sympathomimetic bronchodilators or epinephrine in patients being treated with Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution.
If additional adrenergic drugs are to be administered by any route, they should be used with caution to avoid deleterious cardiovascular effects.
7.2 Beta-blockers Beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents not only block the pulmonary effect of beta-adrenergic agonists such as Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, but may produce severe bronchospasm in asthmatic patients.
Therefore, patients with asthma should not normally be treated with beta-blockers.
However, under certain circumstances, e.g., prophylaxis after myocardial infarction, there may be no acceptable alternatives to the use of beta-adrenergic blocking agents in patients with asthma.
In this setting, cardioselective beta-blockers should be considered, although they should be administered with caution.
7.3 Diuretics The ECG changes or hypokalemia that may result from the administration of non-potassium sparing diuretics (such as loop and thiazide diuretics) can be acutely worsened by beta-agonists, especially when the recommended dose of the beta-agonist is exceeded.
Although the clinical significance of these effects is not known, caution is advised in the coadministration of beta agonists with non-potassium-sparing diuretics.
Consider monitoring potassium levels.
7.4 Digoxin Mean decreases of 16% and 22% in serum digoxin levels were demonstrated after single-dose intravenous and oral administration of racemic albuterol, respectively, to normal volunteers who had received digoxin for 10 days.
The clinical significance of these findings for patients with obstructive airway disease who are receiving Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution and digoxin on a chronic basis is unclear.
Nevertheless, it would be prudent to carefully evaluate the serum digoxin levels in patients who are currently receiving digoxin and Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution.
7.5 Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors or Tricyclic Antidepressants Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution should be administered with extreme caution to patients being treated with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants, or within 2 weeks of discontinuation of such agents, because the action of levalbuterol on the vascular system may be potentiated.
Consider alternative therapy in patients taking MAO inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants.
OVERDOSAGE
10 The expected symptoms with overdosage are those of excessive beta-adrenergic receptor stimulation and/or occurrence or exaggeration of any of the symptoms listed under Adverse Reactions ( 6 ) , e.g., seizures, angina, hypertension or hypotension, tachycardia with rates up to 200 beats/min., arrhythmias, nervousness, headache, tremor, dry mouth, palpitation, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, malaise, and sleeplessness.
Hypokalemia also may occur.
As with all sympathomimetic medications, cardiac arrest and even death may be associated with the abuse of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution.
Treatment consists of discontinuation of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution together with appropriate symptomatic therapy.
The judicious use of a cardioselective beta-receptor blocker may be considered, bearing in mind that such medication can produce bronchospasm.
There is insufficient evidence to determine if dialysis is beneficial for overdosage of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution.
DESCRIPTION
11 Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP is a sterile, clear, colorless, preservative-free solution of the hydrochloride salt of levalbuterol, the (R)-enantiomer of the drug substance racemic albuterol.
Levalbuterol HCl is a relatively selective beta 2 -adrenergic receptor agonist [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12 )].
The chemical name for levalbuterol HCl is (R)-α 1 -[[(1,1-dimethylethyl)amino]methyl]-4-hydroxy-1,3-benzenedimethanol hydrochloride, and its established chemical structure is as follows: The molecular weight of levalbuterol HCl is 275.8, and its empirical formula is C 13 H 21 NO 3 •HCl.
It is a white to off-white, crystalline solid, with a melting point of approximately 187°C and solubility of approximately 180 mg/mL in water.
Levalbuterol HCl is the USAN modified name for (R)-albuterol HCl in the United States.
Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP is supplied in unit-dose vials and requires no dilution before administration by nebulization.
Each 3 mL unit-dose vial contains 0.31 mg (0.0103%) of Levalbuterol (as 0.36 mg of levalbuterol HCl) or 0.63 mg (0.021%) of levalbuterol (as 0.73 mg of levalbuterol HCl) or 1.25 mg (0.042%) of levalbuterol (as 1.44 mg of levalbuterol HCl), edetate disodium as a chelating agent, sodium chloride to adjust tonicity, and sulfuric acid to adjust the pH to 4.0 (3.3 to 4.5).
CLINICAL STUDIES
14 Adults and Adolescents ≥12 Years Old The safety and efficacy of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution were evaluated in a 4-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study in 362 adult and adolescent patients 12 years of age and older, with mild-to-moderate asthma (mean baseline FEV 1 60% of predicted).
Approximately half of the patients were also receiving inhaled corticosteroids.
Patients were randomized to receive Levalbuterol 0.63 mg, Levalbuterol 1.25 mg, racemic albuterol sulfate 1.25 mg, racemic albuterol sulfate 2.5 mg, or placebo three times a day administered via a PARI LC Plus™ nebulizer and a Dura-Neb ® portable compressor.
Racemic albuterol delivered by a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) metered-dose inhaler (MDI) was used on an as-needed basis as the rescue medication.
Efficacy, as measured by the mean percent change from baseline FEV 1 , was demonstrated for all active treatment regimens compared with placebo on day 1 and day 29.
On both day 1 (see Figure 1) and day 29 (see Figure 2), 1.25 mg of Levalbuterol demonstrated the largest mean percent change from baseline FEV 1 compared with the other active treatments.
A dose of 0.63 mg of Levalbuterol and 2.5 mg of racemic albuterol sulfate produced a clinically comparable mean percent change from baseline FEV 1 on both day 1 and day 29.
Figure 1: Mean Percent Change from Baseline FEV 1 on Day 1, Adults and Adolescents ≥12 years old Figure 2: Mean Percent Change from Baseline FEV 1 on Day 29, Adults and Adolescents ≥12 years old The mean time to onset of a 15% increase in FEV 1 over baseline for levalbuterol at doses of 0.63 mg and 1.25 mg was approximately 17 minutes and 10 minutes, respectively, and the mean time to peak effect for both doses was approximately 1.5 hours after 4 weeks of treatment.
The mean duration of effect, as measured by a >15% increase from baseline FEV 1 , was approximately 5 hours after administration of 0.63 mg of levalbuterol and approximately 6 hours after administration of 1.25 mg of levalbuterol after 4 weeks of treatment.
In some patients, the duration of effect was as long as 8 hours.
Children 6-11 Years Old A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-and active-controlled study was conducted in children with mild-to-moderate asthma (mean baseline FEV 1 73% of predicted) (n=316).
Following a 1-week placebo run-in, subjects were randomized to Levalbuterol (0.31 or 0.63 mg), racemic albuterol (1.25 or 2.5 mg), or placebo, which were delivered three times a day for 3 weeks using a PARI LC Plus™ nebulizer and a Dura-Neb ® 3000 compressor.
Efficacy, as measured by mean peak percent change from baseline FEV 1 , was demonstrated for all active treatment regimens compared with placebo on day 1 and day 21.
Time profile FEV 1 curves for day 1 and day 21 are shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4, respectively.
The onset of effect (time to a 15% increase in FEV 1 over test-day baseline) and duration of effect (maintenance of a >15% increase in FEV 1 over test-day baseline) of levalbuterol were clinically comparable to those of racemic albuterol.
Figure 3: Mean Percent Change from Baseline FEV 1 on Day 1, Children 6-11 Years of Age Figure 4: Mean Percent Change from Baseline FEV 1 on Day 21, Children 6-11 Years of Age
HOW SUPPLIED
16 /STORAGE AND HANDLING Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP is supplied in 3 mL unit-dose, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) vials as a clear, colorless, sterile, preservative-free, aqueous solution, in three different strengths of levalbuterol (0.31 mg,0.63 mg, 1.25 mg).
Each strength of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP is available in a shelf-carton containing 5 foil pouches, each containing 5 unit-dose LDPE vials.
Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP, 0.31 mg (strength in foil pouch label color green) contains 0.31 mg (0.0103%) of levalbuterol (as 0.36 mg of levalbuterol HCl) and is available in the following configuration: NDC 43598-412-25 : 5 foil pouches, each containing 5 unit-dose LDPE vials, total 25 vials per carton.
Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP, 0.63 mg (strength in foil pouch label color yellow) contains 0.63 mg (0.021%) of levalbuterol (as 0.73 mg of levalbuterol HCl) and is available in following package configuration: NDC 43598-410-25 : 5 foil pouches, each containing 5 unit-dose LDPE vials, total 25 vials per carton.
Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP, 1.25 mg (strength in foil pouch label color red) contains 1.25 mg (0.042%) of levalbuterol (as 1.44 mg of levalbuterol HCl) and is available in the following package configuration: NDC 43598-409-25 : 5 foil pouches, each containing 5 unit-dose LDPE vials, total 25 vials per carton.
Store Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP in the protective foil pouch at 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Protect from light and excessive heat.
Keep unopened vials in the foil pouch.
Once the foil pouch is opened, the vials should be used within 2 weeks.
Vials removed from the pouch, if not used immediately, should be protected from light and used within 1 week.
Discard any vial if the solution is not colorless.
GERIATRIC USE
8.5 Geriatric Use Clinical studies of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 years and older to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.
Only 5 patients 65 years of age and older were treated with Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution in a 4-week clinical study [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12 ) and Clinical Studies ( 14 ) ] (n=2 for 0.63 mg and n=3 for 1.25 mg).
In these patients, bronchodilation was observed after the first dose on day 1 and after 4 weeks of treatment.
In general, patients 65 years of age and older should be started at a dose of 0.63 mg of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution.
If clinically warranted due to insufficient bronchodilator response, the dose of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution may be increased in elderly patients as tolerated, in conjunction with frequent clinical and laboratory monitoring, to the maximum recommended daily dose [see Dosage and Administration ( 2 ) ].
DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
3 Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP is supplied in 3 mL unit-dose, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) vials as a clear, colorless, sterile, preservative-free, aqueous solution, in three different strengths of levalbuterol (0.31 mg, 0.63 mg, 1.25 mg).
Each strength of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP is available in a shelf carton containing 6 foil pouches, each containing 5 unit-dose LDPE vials and shelf carton containing 5 foil pouches, each containing 5 unit-dose LDPE vials.
Inhalation Solution (unit-dose vial for nebulization): 0.31 mg/3 mL, 0.63 mg/3 mL and 1.25 mg/3 mL.
( 3 )
MECHANISM OF ACTION
12.1 Mechanism of Action Activation of beta 2 -adrenergic receptors on airway smooth muscle leads to the activation of adenylate cyclase and to an increase in the intracellular concentration of cyclic-3′, 5′-adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP).
The increase in cyclic AMP is associated with the activation of protein kinase A, which in turn inhibits the phosphorylation of myosin and lowers intracellular ionic calcium concentrations, resulting in muscle relaxation.
Levalbuterol relaxes the smooth muscles of all airways, from the trachea to the terminal bronchioles.
Increased cyclic AMP concentrations are also associated with the inhibition of release of mediators from mast cells in the airway.
Levalbuterol acts as a functional antagonist to relax the airway irrespective of the spasmogen involved, thus protecting against all bronchoconstrictor challenges.
While it is recognized that beta 2 -adrenergic receptors are the predominant receptors on bronchial smooth muscle, data indicate that there are beta-receptors in the human heart, 10% to 50% of which are beta 2 -adrenergic receptors.
The precise function of these receptors has not been established [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 ) ].
However, all beta-adrenergic agonist drugs can produce a significant cardiovascular effect in some patients, as measured by pulse rate, blood pressure, symptoms, and/or electrocardiographic changes.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
1 Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP is indicated for the treatment or prevention of bronchospasm in adults, adolescents, and children 6 years of age and older with reversible obstructive airway disease.
Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP is a beta 2 -adrenergic agonist indicated for: Treatment or prevention of bronchospasm in adults, adolescents, and children 6 years of age and older with reversible obstructive airway disease.
( 1 )
PEDIATRIC USE
8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and efficacy of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution have been established in pediatric patients 6 years of age and older in an adequate and well-controlled clinical trial [see Adverse Reactions (6) and Clinical Studies ( 14 ) ].
Use of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution in children is also supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution in adults, considering that the pathophysiology, systemic exposure of the drug and clinical profile in pediatric and adult patients are substantially similar.
Safety and effectiveness of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution in pediatric patients below the age of 6 years have not been established.
PREGNANCY
8.1 Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects: Pregnancy Category C .
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution in pregnant women.
Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
During worldwide marketing experience, various congenital anomalies, including cleft palate and limb defects, have been reported in newborns of women treated with racemic albuterol which contains the levalbuterol isomer (active drug substance of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution).
However, since multiple medications were taken during some of the pregnancies and there was no consistent pattern of anomalies, it was not possible to establish a relationship between racemic albuterol use and the occurrence of these congenital anomalies.
In animal studies, oral administration of levalbuterol HCl to pregnant New Zealand White rabbits found no evidence of teratogenicity at doses up to 25 mg/kg/day (approximately 108 times the maximum recommended daily inhalation [MRDI] dose of levalbuterol HCl for adults on a mg/m 2 basis).
However, other studies demonstrated that racemic albuterol sulfate was teratogenic in mice and rabbits at doses comparable to the human therapeutic range.
Pregnant mice administered racemic albuterol sulfate subcutaneously had a dose-related increased incidence of cleft palate in their fetuses (4.5% of fetuses at 0.25 mg/kg/day or greater, corresponding to approximately 0.3 times the MRDI dose, 9.3% of fetuses at 2.5 mg/kg/day, approximately 3 times the MRDI dose of levalbuterol HCl for adults on a mg/m 2 basis).
The drug did not induce cleft palate formation when administered subcutaneously at a dose of 0.025 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.03 times the MRDI dose of levalbuterol HCl for adults on a mg/m 2 basis).
In addition, oral administration of racemic albuterol sulfate to pregnant rabbits resulted in an increased incidence of cranioschisis in fetuses (approximately 215 times the MRDI dose of levalbuterol HCl for adults on a mg/m 2 basis).
Non-Teratogenic Effects: A study in which pregnant rats were dosed with radiolabeled racemic albuterol sulfate demonstrated that drug-related material is transferred from the maternal circulation to the fetus.
NUSRING MOTHERS
8.3 Nursing Mothers Plasma concentrations of levalbuterol after inhalation of therapeutic doses are very low in humans.
It is not known whether levalbuterol is excreted in human milk.
Because of the potential for tumorigenicity shown for racemic albuterol in animal studies and the lack of experience with the use of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution by nursing mothers, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Caution should be exercised when Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution is administered to a nursing woman.
WARNING AND CAUTIONS
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Life-threatening paradoxical bronchospasm may occur.
Discontinue Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution immediately and treat with alternative therapy.
( 5.1 ) Need for more doses of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution than usual may be a sign of deterioration of asthma and requires reevaluation of treatment.
( 5.2 ) Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution is not a substitute for corticosteroids.
( 5.3 ) Cardiovascular effects may occur.
Consider discontinuation of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution if these effects occur.
Use with caution in patients with underlying cardiovascular disorders.
( 5.4 ) Excessive use may be fatal.
Do not exceed recommended dose.
( 5.5 ) Immediate hypersensitivity reactions may occur.
Discontinue Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution immediately.
( 5.6 ) Hypokalemia and changes in blood glucose may occur.
( 5.7 , 5.8 ) 5.1 Paradoxical Bronchospasm Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution can produce paradoxical bronchospasm, which may be life-threatening.
If paradoxical bronchospasm occurs, Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution should be discontinued immediately and alternative therapy instituted.
It should be recognized that paradoxical bronchospasm, when associated with inhaled formulations, frequently occurs with the first use of a new vial.
5.2 Deterioration of Asthma Asthma may deteriorate acutely over a period of hours or chronically over several days or longer.
If the patient needs more doses of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution than usual, this may be a marker of destabilization of asthma and requires reevaluation of the patient and treatment regimen, giving special consideration to the possible need for anti-inflammatory treatment, e.g., corticosteroids.
5.3 Use of Anti-Inflammatory Agents Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution is not a substitute for corticosteroids.
The use of beta-adrenergic agonist alone may not be adequate to control asthma in many patients.
Early consideration should be given to adding anti-inflammatory agents, e.g., corticosteroids, to the therapeutic regimen.
5.4 Cardiovascular Effects Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, like other beta-adrenergic agonists, can produce clinically significant cardiovascular effects in some patients, as measured by heart rate, blood pressure, and symptoms.
Although such effects are uncommon after administration of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution at recommended doses, if they occur, the drug may need to be discontinued.
In addition, beta-agonists have been reported to produce electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, such as flattening of the t-wave, prolongation of the QTc interval, and ST segment depression.
The clinical significance of these findings is unknown.
Therefore, Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, like all sympathomimetic amines, should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular disorders, especially coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypertension.
5.5 Do Not Exceed Recommended Dose Do not exceed the recommended dose.
Fatalities have been reported in association with excessive use of inhaled sympathomimetic drugs in patients with asthma.
The exact cause of death is unknown, but cardiac arrest following an unexpected development of a severe acute asthmatic crisis and subsequent hypoxia is suspected.
5.6 Immediate Hypersensitivity Reactions Immediate hypersensitivity reactions may occur after administration of levalbuterol or racemic albuterol.
Reactions have included urticaria, angioedema, rash, bronchospasm, anaphylaxis, and oropharyngeal edema.
The potential for hypersensitivity must be considered in the clinical evaluation of patients who experience immediate hypersensitivity reactions while receiving Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution.
5.7 Coexisting Conditions Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, like all sympathomimetic amines, should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular disorders, especially coronary insufficiency, hypertension, and cardiac arrhythmias; in patients with convulsive disorders, hyperthyroidism, or diabetes mellitus; and in patients who are unusually responsive to sympathomimetic amines.
Clinically significant changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure have been seen in individual patients and could be expected to occur in some patients after the use of any beta-adrenergic bronchodilator.
Changes in blood glucose may occur.
Large doses of intravenous racemic albuterol have been reported to aggravate preexisting diabetes mellitus and ketoacidosis.
5.8 Hypokalemia As with other beta-adrenergic agonist medications, Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution may produce significant hypokalemia in some patients, possibly through intracellular shunting, which has the potential to produce adverse cardiovascular effects.
The decrease is usually transient, not requiring supplementation.
INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION See FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information and Instructions for Using Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP).
Patients should be given the following information: Hypersensitivity Query patients about previously experienced hypersensitivity to levalbuterol or racemic albuterol and counsel patients to report any hypersensitivity reactions to their physician.
Frequency of Use Inform patients not to increase the dose or use Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP more frequently than recommended without consulting their physician.
If patients find that treatment with Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP becomes less effective for symptomatic relief, symptoms become worse, or they need to use the product more frequently than usual, they should seek medical attention immediately.
Paradoxical Bronchospasm Inform patients that Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP can produce paradoxical bronchospasm.
Instruct patients to discontinue Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP if paradoxical bronchospasm occurs.
Concomitant Drug Use Inform patients using Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP, that other inhaled drugs and asthma medications should be taken only as directed by their physician.
Common Adverse Reactions Advise patients of the common adverse reactions of treatment with Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP include palpitations, chest pain, fast heart rate, headache, dizziness, tremor and nervousness.
Pregnancy Advise patients who are pregnant or nursing to contact their physician about the use of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP.
General Information on Use Advise patients to store Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP in the foil pouch between 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 77°F) protected from light and excessive heat.
Do not use after the expiration date stamped on the container.
Unused vials should be stored in the protective foil pouch.
Once the foil pouch is opened, the vials should be used within 2 weeks.
Vials removed from the pouch, if not used immediately, should be protected from light and used within 1 week.
Discard any vial if the solution is not colorless.
Advise patients not to mix Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP with other drugs in a nebulizer.
Manufactured by: Cipla Ltd.
Plot 9 & 10, Indore SEZ Pithampur, M.P.-454 775, India Manufactured for: Dr.
Reddy’s Laboratories, Inc.
Princeton, NJ 08540 Revised: 6/2014
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
2 Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP is for oral inhalation only.
Administer by nebulization using with a standard jet nebulizer (with a face mask or mouthpiece) connected to an air compressor.
Do not exceed recommended dose.
Children 6-11 years old: The recommended dosage of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP for patients 6-11 years old is 0.31 mg administered three times a day, by nebulization.
Routine dosing should not exceed 0.63 mg three times a day.
Adults and Adolescents ≥12 years old: The recommended starting dosage of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP for patients 12 years of age and older is 0.63 mg administered three times a day, every 6 to 8 hours, by nebulization.
Patients 12 years of age and older with more severe asthma or patients who do not respond adequately to a dose of 0.63 mg of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP may benefit from a dosage of 1.25 mg three times a day.
Patients receiving the highest dose of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP should be monitored closely for adverse systemic effects, and the risks of such effects should be balanced against the potential for improved efficacy.
The use of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP can be continued as medically indicated to help control recurring bouts of bronchospasm.
During this time, most patients gain optimal benefit from regular use of the inhalation solution.
If a previously effective dosage regimen fails to provide the usual response this may be a marker of destabilization of asthma and requires reevaluation of the patient and the treatment regimen, giving special consideration to the possible need for anti-inflammatory treatment, e.g., corticosteroids.
The drug compatibility (physical and chemical), efficacy, and safety of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP when mixed with other drugs in a nebulizer have not been established.
The safety and efficacy of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP have been established in clinical trials when administered using the PARI LC Jet™ and PARI LC Plus™ nebulizers, and the PARI Master ® Dura-Neb ® 2000 and Dura-Neb ® 3000 compressors.
The safety and efficacy of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP when administered using other nebulizer systems have not been established.
FOR ORAL INHALATION ONLY ( 2 ) Children 6-11 years old: 0.31 mg administered three times a day, by nebulization.
Routine dosing should not exceed 0.63 mg three times a day.
( 2 ) Adults and Adolescents ≥12 years old: 0.63 mg administered three times a day, every 6 to 8 hours, by nebulization.
The maximum recommended dose is 1.25 mg three times a day.
( 2 ) For use with a standard jet nebulizer (with a face mask or mouthpiece) connected to an air compressor.
( 2 )