Question

A 10-year-old boy presented to a new pulmonary physician for evaluation. His mother stated that his primary condition was asthma. He had developed respiratory symptoms at 2 months of age, had been seen by many specialists, and had been on multiple medications since that time. The pregnancy was uneventful. When he was 2 months old, he developed a recurrent cough. He was started on albuterol and then, at 6 years of age, switched to levalbuterol hydrochloride. At various times he has also been treated with cromolyn sodium, fluticasone proprionate and salmeterol, and montelukast as well as with a short course of prednisolone for exacerbations. His last course of oral steroids was 9 months ago. The hallmark of his illness was that a cold would always trigger his asthma. He had approximately one emergency department visit per year, but he had never been hospitalized. His asthma symptoms would typically worsen with the weather changes in the spring and fall; the cold winter months were often particularly difficult. In addition to his asthma, his medical history was remarkable for several events of otitis media, seasonal mold allergies, occasional headaches, and croup. One or more of the events occurred about three times a year, lasting approximately 3 days for each episode. His current medications include 1 inhalation of com- bination fluticasone proprionate and salmeterol in the 250/50 strength twice daily and 2 to 4 inhalations of levalbuterol as needed. This visit was scheduled in the hopes of decreasing this child’s episodes of illness, assessing the current medication regimen, and discussing new treatment opportunities.

1. What is the difference between albuterol and levalbuterol?

Answer 1

According to various research results, there is no specific difference in albuterol and levalbuterol except for few which are as follows:-

1. Albuterol contains a racemic mixture in an equal part of S-enantiomers and R-enantiomers

whereas levalbuterol contains R-enantiomers.

2. Albuterol comes in oral tablets, syrups and also for inhalation purpose whereas levalbuterol comes for inhalation purpose only.

3. Albuterol is much times cheaper than levalbuterol for cost.