[Radix]

Years ago the price difference between a single dose of Albuterol and Xopenex was staggering. One dose of Albuterol (or Atrovent) was about 23 cents. Xopenex was 13 Dollars. Xopenex (Levalbuterol) is Racemic Albuterol, chemically the same stuff. If Xopenex is exposed to regular light for any length of time, I understand that it will revert to regular Albuterol. It must be kept in its foil package until usage.

Albuterol does have the potential to cause tachycardia, but I have witnessed that very few times. The laboratory ‘twisting’ into ‘Levalbuterol’ reduces that effect. I have never really been convinced of the validity of this, but it is after all, not my area. I just watch the Vitals when administering these meds, and respond to undesired reactions.

[Bob Ireland]

***Albuterol does have the potential to cause tachycardia, but I have witnessed that very few times. The laboratory ‘twisting’ into ‘Levalbuterol’ reduces that effect. I have never really been convinced of the validity of this***

As rare as it might be, that is my issue; I am not very tolerant of βeta blocker heart medicine to slow my heart rate. If I am in ER then an overnight stay is necessary to normalize my heart rate. Thus I always request Xopenex if indicated.

My point however is: if albuterol becomes unavailable and an individual badly needs it, Xopenex is available; also, its effective half life is substantially longer than albuterol. The price difference is not enough IMO to deny access to the nebulizer. :)