Product Description
The Legasp Inhaler is a prescription-only, pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) from Healthgate. It is a short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA) bronchodilator used for the quick relief of acute bronchospasm (sudden narrowing of the airways). It is primarily used to treat asthma symptoms, prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm, and can also provide rapid relief in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). It works by rapidly relaxing the smooth muscles in the airways. Regular, long-term maintenance is often achieved with separate maintenance medications. The Legasp inhaler is CFC-free.
Product Composition: This pressurized metered-dose inhaler delivers:
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Active Ingredient: Levo-Salbutamol.
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Strength: 50 mcg (micrograms) per puff.
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Quantity: 200 Metered Doses (200 puffs).
Summary: Legasp 50 mcg Inhaler provides fast-acting relief for sudden breathing problems in adults and children with asthma or COPD. It acts rapidly to relax airways, making it easier to breathe. Regular twice-daily use is typical to prevent symptoms in a non-emergency. It should only be used as a rescue inhaler for quick relief or as directed by a doctor to prevent symptoms before known triggers (like exercise). It is not intended for long-term daily maintenance on its own. A doctor determines the precise dose.
Pros:
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Rapid Action: Provides very fast relief of sudden bronchospasm, often within minutes, making it highly effective during an acute attack.
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Prophylactic Use: Can be used before known triggers (such as exercise) to help prevent symptoms from occurring.
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Compact Device: Pressurized device is small, portable, and contains hundreds of doses.
Cons:
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Not a Long-Term Maintenance Medication: It only provides temporary relief and does not treat the underlying inflammation associated with asthma or severe COPD. Overuse can lead to decreased effectiveness or indicate a need for a changes in a long-term control plan. A separate, long-acting controller inhaler (such as a corticosteroid) is typically prescribed for daily maintenance.
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Technique Dependent: Correct inhalation technique (coordinate pressing and deep breathing) is crucial to ensure medication reaches the lungs. Poor technique can result in ineffective delivery.
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Side Effects: Side effects are generally mild, but can include tachycardia (racing heartbeat), palpitations, nervousness, dizziness, muscle cramps, and less commonly, headache, nausea, or paradoxical bronchospasm.
How to Use
Use this inhaler exactly as your doctor prescribed for acute symptoms. It is often prescribed for use as “1 to 2 puffs every 4-6 hours, as needed” or as “2 puffs 15 minutes before exercise” for patients with exercise-induced bronchospasm. Do not exceed the prescribed number of puffs.
Basic steps for using a pressurized metered-dose inhaler:
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Prepare: Wash your hands. Remove the cap from the mouthpiece and check for dust or lint. Shake the inhaler well (5-10 seconds) before use.
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Test Spray (If necessary): If the inhaler is new or has not been used for more than 7 days, release two test sprays into the air.
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Position: Stand up straight or sit upright.
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Breathe Out: Breathe out as completely as possible.
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Seal and Actuate: Place the mouthpiece of the inhaler in your mouth, sealing your lips tightly around it. Do not bite the mouthpiece. Start breathing in slowly and deeply through your mouth. Immediately after you begin to breathe in, press down firmly once on the top of the canister.
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Hold Your Breath: Continue breathing in slowly until your lungs are full. Remove the inhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for about 10 seconds, or for as long as is comfortable.
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Exhale and Rinse: Breathe out slowly. Replace the cap. After your required dose, rinsing your mouth thoroughly with water and spitting it out is generally recommended for all chronic inhaler use to minimize throat side effects. Do not swallow the water.
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Repeat (if prescribed): If your doctor prescribed more than one puff, wait about 1 minute before repeating steps 3 through 6. Shake the inhaler again before the next puff.
