Summary of Use during Lactation

Levalbuterol is the R-enantiomer of the beta-2 adrenergic agonist, albuterol. 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 an expert panel 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, Boreus LO, de Chateau 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.

Taddio A, Ito S. Drugs and breast-feeding. In, Koren G, ed. Maternal-fetal toxicology. A clinician's guide. 3rd ed. New York. Marcel Dekker. 2001:177-32.

5.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood, Institute, et al. NAEPP expert panel report. Managing asthma during pregnancy: recommendations for pharmacologic treatment-2004 update. 2004:1-57. http://www​.nhlbi.nih​.gov/health/prof/lung/asthma/astpreg.htm. [PubMed: 15637545]

Substance Name

Levalbuterol

CAS Registry Number

34391-04-3

Drug Class

Breast Feeding

Lactation

Anti-Asthmatic Agents

Bronchodilator Agents

Beta Adrenergic Agonists