Effects of Albuterol vs. Levalbuterol on Pulmonary Function in Moderate to Severe Bronchial Asthma: A Comparative Study

Abstract

β2 - adrenoceptor stimulants play a key role in the management of bronchial asthma. This study was 
carried out on 80 patients of moderate to severe bronchial asthma. Group I (n = 40) received Albuterol 
2.5 mg/2.5 ml and Group II (n = 40) received Levalbuterol 0.63 mg/2.5 ml TDS for 4 weeks. Baseline and 
post-treatment evaluation of lung function, respiratory rate, Total leukocytes Count, Total eosinophil 
Count, Serum potassium and Heart rate were carried out. In group I, Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 s 
was increased from 1.565±0.53 to 1.74±0.64 L (p>0.05) and in group II it was increased from 1.48±0.91 to 
2.10±0.70 L (p<0.05). Forced vital capacity and Peak Expiratory Forced Rate were also increased in both 
groups (p<0.05). Respiratory rate and Total eosinophil count were significantly decreased by both 
drugs. Total leukocyte count was decreased non-significantly by both drugs (p>0.05). Serum potassium 
was decreased in group I from 3.77±0.38 to 2.96±0.49 mEq/L (p = 0.001) and in group II from 3.79±0.57 to 
3.51±0.56 mEq/L (P = 0.017). Heart rate was significantly increased by both drugs, but it was greater with 
Albuterol. Levalbuterol appears to be more effective with better tolerability in low dose as compare to 
Albuterol.