Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Levalbuterol as follows:
- Check the medication in the nebulizer cup for any cloudiness or floating particles, before you use it. If you notice these findings, discard the medication in the cup and use a fresh vial of medication for inhalation.
- Closely watch for any worsening of asthmatic symptoms, such as, increasing wheezing, increased frequency of exacerbation of shortness of breath, reducing endurance, and feeling tiresome. Any worsening of asthmatic symptoms must be reported immediately.
- Observe compliance with taking BP readings every day and maintain a log of the same. Any consistent drop in blood pressure, while using Levalbuterol must be reported to the physician. Be watchful about signs and symptoms of hypotension, such as dizziness and altered levels of consciousness. One should stay away from activities that require alertness, such as, driving and operating heavy machinery, until they are used to the side effects caused by Levalbuterol. Try changing the positions very slowly, as sudden change of positions can make the hypotensive episodes even worse and precipitate accidents and falls.
- The effect of Levalbuterol on blood sugars is highly varied, as they can lead to increased release of both glucagon and insulin and thus can contribute to both elevated and reduced blood sugars. Diabetic patients taking Levalbuterol must observe compliance with every day reading of blood sugars and maintain a log of the same. Any consistent gross deviations from the normal blood sugar range should be reported to the physician.
- Watch closely for any deteriorating signs and symptoms of headache, dizziness, cough, throat irritation, nasal congestion, and muscle pain, and report them accordingly.
