Levosalbutamol+budesonide
About
Levosalbutamol+budesonide is a combination medication primarily used to prevent or treat symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) such as shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing (whistling sound while breathing). Asthma is a chronic (long-term) respiratory condition in which airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus, leading to difficulty in breathing. COPD is a group of lung diseases with emphysema (shortness of breath) and chronic bronchitis (inflammation of the lining of bronchial tubes).
Levosalbutamol+budesonide is a combination of two drugs, namely: Levosalbutamol (bronchodilator) and Budesonide (corticosteroid). Levosalbutamol belongs to the class of bronchodilators that works by relaxing muscles and widening the airways of the lungs. Thus, it makes breathing easier. Budesonide belongs to the class of corticosteroids that works by acting inside cells of the nasal lining and stops the release of certain chemicals in the body that cause inflammatory reactions. Thereby, it provides relief from sneezing, runny or blocked nose, and sinus discomfort.
Levosalbutamol+budesonide is for inhalation only. Use Levosalbutamol+budesonide as advised by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you how often you take Levosalbutamol+budesonide based on your medical condition. Some people may experience fungal infection in the mouth, headache, sore throat, hoarse voice, back pain, fast heartbeat, muscle cramps, or shaking. Most of these side effects of Levosalbutamol+budesonide do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to lactose, Levosalbutamol+budesonide, or any other ingredients, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is advised to inform your doctor before using Levosalbutamol+budesonide. Levosalbutamol+budesonide is not recommended for children below 6 years of age. Avoid contact with people who have infections or who are sick as Levosalbutamol+budesonide may weaken the immune system causing infections easily. If you have Lapp lactase deficiency, galactose intolerance or glucose-galactose malabsorption, high blood pressure, diabetes, hypokalemia (low potassium levels in the blood), glaucoma, cataracts, osteoporosis (weak bones), fits, immune system problems, chickenpox, measles, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), tuberculosis, stomach ulcer, eczema, heart or liver problems, inform your doctor before taking Levosalbutamol+budesonide.
Uses of Levosalbutamol+budesonide
Medicinal Benefits
Levosalbutamol+budesonide contains Levosalbutamol and Budesonide which are used to prevent or treat symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) such as shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing (whistling sound while breathing). Levosalbutamol is a bronchodilator that relaxes muscles and widens the airways of the lungs. Thus, it makes breathing easier. Budesonide is a corticosteroid that acts inside cells of the nasal lining and stops the release of certain chemicals in the body that cause inflammatory reactions. Thereby, it provides relief from sneezing, runny or blocked nose, and sinus discomfort.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Levosalbutamol+budesonide
- Fungal infection in the mouth
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Hoarse voice
- Back pain
- Fast heartbeat
- Muscle cramps
- Shaking
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to lactose, Levosalbutamol+budesonide, or any other ingredients, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is advised to inform your doctor before using Levosalbutamol+budesonide. Levosalbutamol+budesonide is not recommended for children below 6 years of age. If wheezing or chest tightness worsens, please consult a doctor immediately as these might be signs indicating that your asthma is not controlled properly and requires an alternate or additional treatment. Regular monitoring of potassium levels is recommended while taking Levosalbutamol+budesonide as it may cause low potassium levels in the blood. Avoid contact with people who have infections or who are sick as Levosalbutamol+budesonide may weaken the immune system causing infections easily. If you have Lapp lactase deficiency, galactose intolerance or glucose-galactose malabsorption, high blood pressure, diabetes, hypokalemia (low potassium levels in the blood), glaucoma, cataracts, osteoporosis (weak bones), fits, immune system problems, chickenpox, measles, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), tuberculosis, stomach ulcer, eczema, heart or liver problems, inform your doctor before taking Levosalbutamol+budesonide.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Levosalbutamol+budesonide may interact with bronchodilators (formoterol, salmeterol, arformoterol), steroids (prednisone), water pills (furosemide), pain killers (aspirin, ibuprofen), antibiotic (azithromycin), antidepressant (duloxetine), laxative (polyethylene glycol 3350), medicines used to lower high blood pressure (metoprolol), central nervous system stimulants (amphetamine).
Drug-Food Interaction: Levosalbutamol+budesonide may interact with grapefruit and grapefruit juice. Therefore, avoid intake of grapefruit or its juice with Levosalbutamol+budesonide as it may lead to severe adverse effects.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have Lapp lactase deficiency, galactose intolerance or glucose-galactose malabsorption, high blood pressure, diabetes, hypokalaemia (low potassium levels in the blood), glaucoma, cataracts, osteoporosis (weak bones), fits, immune system problems, chickenpox, measles, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), tuberculosis, stomach ulcer, eczema, heart or liver problems, inform your doctor before taking Levosalbutamol+budesonide.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionThe interaction of Levosalbutamol+budesonide with alcohol is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol with Levosalbutamol+budesonide.
Pregnancy
cautionThe safety of Levosalbutamol+budesonide in pregnant women is unknown. Therefore, it is given to pregnant women only if the doctor thinks the benefits outweigh risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is unknown whether Levosalbutamol+budesonide is excreted in human milk. It is given to breastfeeding mothers only if the doctor thinks benefits are greater than risks.
Driving
cautionLevosalbutamol+budesonide may cause changes in vision, dizziness or shakiness in some people. Therefore, avoid driving if you experience any of these symptoms after taking Levosalbutamol+budesonide.
Liver
cautionUse Levosalbutamol+budesonide with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
safe if prescribedIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Levosalbutamol+budesonide in patients with kidney problems, please consult a doctor.
Children
cautionLevosalbutamol+budesonide is not recommended for children below 6 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established. However, please consult a doctor before giving Levosalbutamol+budesonide to children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to strengthen your breathing muscles and boost your immune system.
- Avoid foods such as cabbage, beans, garlic, onions, shrimp, pickled food, dried fruits, fried foods, carbonated drinks, wine, and bottled lemon and lime juice as it may worsen asthma symptoms.
- Do meditation, deep breathing, regular exercise, and try progressive muscle relaxation techniques to get relief from stress and reduce the risk of an asthma attack.
- Quit smoking as it may reduce the effectiveness of the Levosalbutamol+budesonide and irritate the lungs worsening breathing problems.
- Learning breathing exercises will help you move more air in and out of your lungs.
Special Advise
You are advised to rinse your mouth with water after each dose of Levosalbutamol+budesonide because it not only removes the taste of medicine inhaled but also helps to avoid fungal infections in the mouth and throat. After rinsing your mouth thoroughly, you may drink water, milk or any liquids.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Asthma: It is a chronic (long-term) respiratory condition in which airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus, leading to difficulty in breathing. The symptoms of asthma include wheezing (whistling sound while breathing), shortness of breath, chest tightness, and cough, especially at night. The symptoms of mild persistent asthma may occur more than 2 times a week and up to 4 nights in a month, whereas, in the case of severe persistent asthma, the symptoms occur several times every day and most nights. The treatment for asthma includes medication, breathing exercises, and self-care.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): It is a group of lung diseases with emphysema (shortness of breath) and chronic bronchitis (inflammation of the lining of bronchial tubes). The major cause of COPD is smoking tobacco. Also, long-term exposure to fumes and chemicals may lead to COPD. The symptoms include chronic cough, shortness of breath, or wheezing (whistle sound while breathing).
FAQs
Levosalbutamol+budesonide contains Levosalbutamol and Budesonide. Levosalbutamol works by relaxing muscles and widening the airways of the lungs. Thus, makes breathing easier. Budesonide works by acting inside cells of nasal lining and stops the release of certain chemicals in the body that cause inflammatory reactions. Thereby, provides relief from sneezing, runny or blocked nose and sinus discomfort.
Levosalbutamol+budesonide may cause fungal infection in the mouth as a common side effect. It is not necessary for everyone taking Levosalbutamol+budesonide to experience this side effect. However, to avoid such side effects, brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water after using Levosalbutamol+budesonide every time.
Levosalbutamol+budesonide should be used with caution in osteoporosis (low bone density resulting in weak and brittle bones) patients as it may worsen the condition. Therefore, inform your doctor if you have osteoporosis before taking Levosalbutamol+budesonide so that the dose may be adjusted or an alternate medicine may be prescribed.
Levosalbutamol+budesonide may cause blurred vision or cloudy lens in the eye in some patients. It is not necessary for everyone taking Levosalbutamol+budesonide to experience this side effect. However, if you notice any of these signs, please consult a doctor immediately as they might be signs of glaucoma (increased pressure in the eyes) or cataract.
Levosalbutamol+budesonide is not recommended for children below 6 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established. However, please consult a doctor before using Levosalbutamol+budesonide in children.
You are not recommended to take more than the prescribed dose of Levosalbutamol+budesonide as it may cause adverse effects such as irregular heartbeat, fits, light-headedness, nausea, fainting, dry mouth, tremors, chest pain, skin thinning, cataracts, excessive growth of facial hair or acne, easy bruising and abnormal distribution of body fat, especially in the waist, back, neck and face. However, if you experience any of these symptoms while taking Levosalbutamol+budesonide, please consult a doctor immediately.
No, Levosalbutamol+budesonide does not relieve a sudden asthma attack. Therefore, it is advised to carry a rescue inhaler always to treat sudden asthma symptoms.
