Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Employing the Forced Oscillation Technique for the Assessment of Respiratory Mechanics in Adults
Published on: February 9, 2022
Paradoxical response to levalbuterol
Sarah E Broski1, Dennis E Amundson
1Pulmonary and Critical Care Department, Naval MedicalCenter San Diego, San Diego, Calif., USA.
Abstract:
Asthma is a common condition that can substantially affect patients' quality of life. Although several drugs, most commonly beta-adrenergic agonists, alleviate symptoms of asthma, they may cause paradoxical bronchospasm or paradoxical bronchoconstriction. Levalbuterol hydrochloride-a pure form of the (R)-stereoisomer in racemic albuterol-eliminates the adrenergic properties that can cause such adverse effects. However, we report a case of paradoxical bronchoconstriction in a 36-year-old man who was recently diagnosed as having new-onset asthma and was treated with levalbuterol.
Related Concept Videos
Antiasthma Drugs: β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists
One class of bronchodilators includes β2-adrenoceptor agonists. These agents target the β2-adrenoceptors located on bronchial smooth muscle cells. By stimulating these receptors, β2-agonists induce relaxation in these...
Adrenergic Agonists: Mixed-Action Agents
Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine lack a catecholamine group, making them less susceptible to degradation by metabolic enzymes. They have increased oral bioavailability and lipophilicity, resulting in a longer duration of action. Their response is reduced by...
Adrenergic Agonists: Therapeutic Uses
Emergency and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) applications: Pressor agents increase blood pressure, heart rate, and contractility in shock and organ failure situations. Dopamine can induce vasodilation and stimulate adrenoceptors. Endogenous catecholamines are effective in treating cardiogenic shock. α2-agonists like clonidine can reverse anesthesia-induced hypertension.
Allergies and anaphylaxis:...
Antiasthma Drugs: Muscarinic Receptor Antagonists
Antimuscarinic agents compete with ACh for the same binding site on the muscarinic receptors. By binding to these receptors, they inhibit the downstream effects of ACh and block the parasympathetic...
Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids