Difference Between Albuterol and Levalbuterol

Asthma is a major health problem in the world. It relates to perhaps the most important function in the human body which is breathing. In some cases, it can be a problem from the very start while in others, a person can develop it over a period of time.

Medications can be in the form of tablets as well as inhalers. The latter are often used  more because they are able to provide relief faster. Albuterol and Levalbuterol are two of the most used inhalers around.

They both have a similar affect though there is a difference in duration for which they have the effect as well as on the price of the two products.

Both are good for the patients who can, with the help of them, lead normal lives to a great extent. Albuterol has effects on the person using it in comparison with the Levalbuterol whose effect can last for 2-3 hours longer.

The price difference between the two is also pretty obvious and Levalbuterol costs many times more than Albuterol. Depending on the brand, this difference can be up to six times.

Instructions

  • 1

    Albuterol

    The main purpose of the rug is to remove the constriction from the airways of the person using it in order to help him or her improve breathing.  It is one of the more commonly used medication for such breathing conditions.

    The time span in which it is effective lasts from four to six hours. It has to be used on a regular basis in most cases though for some patient, it is prescribed as just a precaution and needs to be used only in case of an asthma attack.

    The medication has to have 50% of S-Albuterol and 50% of R-Albuterol. It is reasonably priced and one can get an inhaler under 20 dollars. If you are buying a branded one, it will cost more.

    - Image Courtesy: healthtap.com

  • 2

    Levalbuterol

    The drug is better known by its trade name which is Xopenex. The purpose of the medication is to improve the breathing conditions of the patients, much like other asthma medicines.

    It has a five to eight hours of effective relief. It is said to be composed of R-Albuterol completely which supposedly gives it edge of traditional asthma medications.

    The price of the medication is quite high and generally an inhaler costs quite a bit more. The amount of medication is also less than that in a standard inhaler.

    - Image Courtesy: drugline.org

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