Product Description
This product, marketed by Healthgate, is Levosalbutamol Inhalation Solution, branded as Legasp 0.63. The medication is presented in a white box with a vertical light green band and colored ring graphics. The packaging indicates it contains 4 strips of 5 single-use ampoules (respules), each holding 2.5 ml of solution (a total of 20 respules). The label explicitly specifies “For Inhalation Only” and “Preservative Free.”
Product Composition
This medication is an inhalation solution containing a single active ingredient:
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Levosalbutamol (0.63 mg): Also known as levalbuterol. This is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) and is the pure, active R-isomer of the drug racemic salbutamol. It works by stimulating specific receptors (beta-2 receptors) in the lungs, which causes the smooth muscles surrounding the airways to relax. This relaxation rapidly opens the airways (bronchodilation), making it easier to breathe.
Summary
Legasp 0.63 is a prescription-only inhalation solution containing the rapid-acting bronchodilator Levosalbutamol. It is a “rescue” medication used for the quick relief of acute bronchospasm—sudden narrowing of the airways—in conditions such as asthma, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), and other respiratory illnesses characterized by wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Levosalbutamol is often preferred over racemic salbutamol as it is the pure active isomer and may provide more effective bronchodilation with potentially fewer cardiovascular side effects (like rapid heartbeat) at comparable doses in some patients. This medication provides rapid relief from breathing difficulties but is not intended as a long-term maintenance treatment on its own.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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Rapid Relief: Begins to work within minutes, providing quick relief from acute breathing difficulties.
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Highly Effective Bronchodilator: Efficiently opens narrowed airways.
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Active Isomer Formulation: Being the pure active isomer, it may offer better efficacy with a potentially improved safety profile compared to racemic salbutamol for some individuals.
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Preservative-Free: May be better tolerated by patients who have sensitivities to preservatives.
Cons
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Requires Equipment: Demands the use of a nebuliser machine, which is less portable than a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) for immediate “rescue.”
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Common Side Effects: Can still cause side effects such as rapid heartbeat, tremors, palpitations, and nervousness, although potentially less than racemic salbutamol.
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Potential for Tolerance with Overuse: Repeated and excessive use over time can reduce its effectiveness (tolerance).
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Not a Long-Term Cure: Primarily treats symptoms, not the underlying cause of the respiratory condition.
How to Use
This medication is available by prescription only and must be used with a nebuliser machine strictly under medical supervision. Below is a general guide. Follow your doctor’s specific instructions and the nebuliser manufacturer’s guidelines precisely.
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Preparation: Wash your hands thoroughly. Prepare your nebuliser machine for use according to its specific manual.
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Open the Ampoule (Respule): Twist off the top of one (1) single-use Legasp 0.63 ampoule.
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Transfer the Medicine: Carefully squeeze the entire contents of the single ampoule into the nebuliser medication cup. Do not mix this medication with any other medicines in the cup unless directed by your doctor.
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Administer the Treatment: Assemble the nebuliser cup with the mouthpiece or face mask. Turn on the nebuliser machine. Breathe in and out slowly and deeply through your mouth until all the medication mist is gone (typically 10-15 minutes).
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Post-Treatment: After the treatment is complete, rinse your mouth with water to reduce potential side effects like throat irritation. Clean the nebuliser components according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Discard Used Ampoule: Safely discard the empty single-use ampoule. Use a fresh ampoule for each treatment.
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Frequency: Take this medication only when needed for relief of symptoms (PRN), exactly as prescribed. Do not exceed the maximum daily dosage recommended by your doctor.
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Inform Your Doctor: Tell your doctor about any pre-existing medical conditions, especially heart disease, high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid, diabetes, or any history of irregular heartbeats. Inform them of all other medications you are taking.
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Seek Medical Help Immediately: Contact your healthcare provider at once if your breathing difficulties are not relieved or get worse after a treatment, or if you experience serious side effects such as a very rapid or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, or severe dizziness. If this “rescue” medication needs to be used more often than usual, it is a sign that your respiratory condition is not well-controlled and requires urgent medical review.
