Volume 32 Number 1 (2023)

Comparative Efficacy of Levosalbutamol and Racemic Salbutamol in the Treatment of Acute Exacerbation of Asthma

Rabbany MA1 , Saha BK2 , Subha N3 , Sultana I4 , Islam MS5 , Hossain AJ6 , Seraj S7 , Farzana S8 , Sharmin M9 , Ali MM10 , Nahar A11 , Siddiqui KA12

Mymensingh Med J 2023 Jan; 32 (1): 10-17

PMID: 36594293

Abstract

Asthma is a major noncommunicable disease (NCD), affecting both children and adults, and is the most common chronic disease among children. It is common in all ages and the prevalence is increasing in most countries, especially among children as because of urbanization. Multiple therapeutic modalities are available for management of acute asthma. The commonly used formulation is Racemic Salbutamol which contains equal amounts of both R and S isomers. Levosalbutamol contains only R isomer. The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of levosalbutamol and racemic salbutamol for the treatment of acute exacerbation of asthma in children (5 to 15 years). A randomized double blind clinical trial was conducted in the Department of Paediatrics, Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, Sylhet, Bangladesh from October 2013 to March 2014. In this study randomization was done in two groups. Group A received nebulized levosalbutamol (LEV) and Group B received nebulized racemic salbutamol (RAC). The study parameters were respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation in room air (SpO2), PEFR, asthma score and serum K+ level. The results of treatment outcome were compared between two groups. After treatment the respiratory rate was 24.4±5.6 per minute versus 27.6±5.3 per minute (p<0.05); heart rate was 115.5±16.4 per minute versus 124.5±12.0 per minute (p<0.05); SpO2 was 97.2±1.8% vs 95.0±1.6% (p<0.05); PEFR was found 159.6±30.7L/min versus 143.8±27.1L/min (p<0.05) in the LEV and RAC group respectively. LEV is more effective than RAC in respect to significant improvement of asthma score. Regarding adverse events racemic salbutamol causes significant tachycardia. The study concluded that nebulized levosalbutamol is superior to racemic salbutamol in children in the treatment of acute exacerbation of asthma.

Keywords: Levosalbutamol, Racemic salbutamol, Acute asthma


  1. Junior Consultant

    Department of Paediatrics, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH), Mymensingh, Bangladesh

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Volume 32, Number 1 (2023)
Page: 10-17