Levosalbutamol

Levosalbutamol or levalbuterol is a short-acting β₂ adrenergic receptor agonist used in the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is marketed under the brand name Xopenex by Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc. The drug is the (R)-(−)-enantiomer of its prototype drug salbutamol (INN) or albuterol (USAN). It is available in some countries in generic formulations from pharmaceutical companies including Cipla, Teva, and Dey, among others.

Evidence does not show that levosalbutamol works better than salbutamol, thus there may not be sufficient justification for prescribing it.

Medical use

Levosalbutamol's bronchodilator properties give it indications in treatment of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as chronic obstructive lung disease) and asthma. Like other bronchodilators, it acts by reducing inflammation in the bronchial tubes, and thus shortening or reversing an acute "attack" of shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Unlike some slower-acting bronchodilators, it is not indicated as a preventative of chronic bronchial inflammation.