Summary of Use during Lactation

Levalbuterol is the R-enantiomer of the beta-2 adrenergic agonist, albuterol (salbutamol). Although no published data exist on the use of levalbuterol by mouth or inhaler during lactation, data from the related drug, terbutaline, indicate that very little is expected to be excreted into breastmilk.[1] The authors of several reviews and expert guidelines agree that use of inhaled bronchodilators is acceptable during breastfeeding because of the low bioavailability and maternal serum levels after use.[2-5]

Drug Levels

Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects in Breastfed Infants

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Alternate Drugs to Consider

Terbutaline

References

1.

Lindberg C, Boréus LO, de Château P, et al. Transfer of terbutaline into breast milk. Eur J Respir Dis Suppl 1984;134:87-91 [PubMed: 6586490]

2.

McDonald CF, Burdon JGW. Asthma in pregnancy and lactation. A position paper for the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand. Med J Aust 1996;165:485-8 [PubMed: 8937369]

3.

Nelson-Piercy C. Asthma in pregnancy. Thorax 2001;56:325-8 [PMC free article: PMC1746013] [PubMed: 11254828]

4.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood, Institute, et al. NAEPP expert panel report. Managing asthma during pregnancy: recommendations for pharmacologic treatment-2004 update. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2005;115:34-46 [PubMed: 15637545]

5.

Bendien SA, de Kruif MD, Feitsma H, et al. Summary of the Dutch Multidisciplinary Practice Guideline on Asthma and Pregnancy. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract 2024;12:1751-62 [PubMed: 38513758]

Substance Name

Levalbuterol

CAS Registry Number

34391-04-3

Drug Class

Breast Feeding

Lactation

Milk, Human

Anti-Asthmatic Agents

Bronchodilator Agents

Beta Adrenergic Agonists