Free lookups: 2/3 Unlock Pro
Clinical reference Find a medicine
Ctrl K
2 of 3 free lookups remaining Upgrade
New search Medicine profile Levosalbutamol

Clinical medicine profile

Levosalbutamol

Beta-2 adrenergic agonist (bronchodilator)

POM
Evidence state Source not available Reviewed 14 Aug 2026
Route
INHALATION / ORAL / NEB / IV (rare)
Schedule
POM
ATC
Not assigned
PPB status
registered
Patient advice Check interactions
Verification required

This profile needs source confirmation

A traceable source link is not attached to this profile. Confirm prescribing decisions against the current SmPC and Kenya STG/EML.

01 Risk first

Safety essentials

The information most likely to change a prescribing or dispensing decision.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity.
  • LABA monotherapy in asthma is contraindicated — always with ICS.

Precautions

  • Paradoxical bronchospasm.
  • Hypokalaemia with high dose/nebs especially with steroids/diuretics/xanthines.
  • CV disease: tachycardia/arrhythmia risk.
  • Thyrotoxicosis caution.
02 Point of care

Dosing matrix

Population and organ-function guidance, shown together for faster comparison.

Adult

Inhaler: acute attacks- 1 or 2 puffs. Prophylaxis: 2 puffs TID or QID. Exercise induced bronchospasm: 2 puffs before exertion. Orally: Adults and Adolescents (Above 12 Years of Age) 12 mg/510 ml TID. Children (Aged 611 Years): 1 mg/5 ml TID.

Paediatric

See label paediatric section if present; otherwise use paediatric formulary — do not extrapolate adult doses.

Renal

Low for inhaled; monitor electrolytes if continuous nebs.

  • CrCl 0–120: Confirm renal dosing in product SmPC / primary label.
Hepatic

Low clinical concern for inhaled therapy.

03 Clinical use

Use, effects & interactions

Indications

  • Bronchospasm in asthma, bronchitis, chronic bronchitis, ephysema, bronchiectasis.
  • Clinical selection for Levosalbutamol should follow culture results where relevant, Kenya STG/EML recommendations, and the current product SmPC.
  • Class context: Beta-2 adrenergic agonist (bronchodilator).
  • Confirm site-specific dose, duration and monitoring before prescribing.

Adverse effects

  • Tachycardia, skeletal muscle cramp, palpitation, headaches, severe emotional disturbances, resistance after prolonged use, acidosis, GI disturbances, hypokaleamia, sweat
  • Levosalbutamol is a pure R-enantiomer of salbumol with similar pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties to salbutamol with a claim of less side effects than salbutamol.
04 Pharmacology

Mechanism & disposition

Stimulate airway smooth muscle beta-2 receptors, increasing cAMP and causing bronchodilation.

Stimulate β2 receptors↑ cAMPBronchodilation
Read complete mechanism

Stimulate airway smooth muscle beta-2 receptors, increasing cAMP and causing bronchodilation. Also improve mucociliary clearance and may stabilise mast cells. SABA for rescue; LABA for maintenance with ICS.

Onset

Minutes (SABA)

Duration

3–6 h SABA; 12 h LABA

Route

INHALATION / ORAL / NEB / IV (rare)

Absorption

causes tremor/tachycardia. Hepatic

Metabolism

of many agents.

05 Special populations

Pregnancy, lactation & diet

Pregnancy

Inhaled salbutamol widely used; uncontrolled asthma risk > drug risk.

Lactation

Inhaled therapy generally compatible.

06 Kenya market

Brands & loaded prices

From
Median
Listings0
BrandManufacturerPackObserved price
No reviewed brand listings are linked yet.
07 Provenance

Sources & review state

Primary sourceLocal active-ingredient clinical extract; Professional class pharmacology (Beta-2 adrenergic agonist (bronchodilator))
Last reviewed14 Aug 2026
EvidenceSource not available

Decision support only. Confirm patient-specific decisions against the current product SmPC, Kenya STG/EML, and professional judgement.