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Assessing the cardiovascular and potassium lowering effects of levalbuterol compared to albuterol: a randomized

Baraa Shebli1, Mike Ghabally1, Muhammad Besher Shabouk2

  • 1Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Aleppo, Aleppo University Hospital, Aleppo, Syria.

Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine
|December 24, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Levalbuterol and Albuterol show similar effects on heart rate and potassium levels in hyperkalemic patients. This study offers key insights for treating hyperkalemia, especially in heart failure patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Nephrology

Background:

  • Beta-agonists, including Levalbuterol and Albuterol, are used for hyperkalemia treatment.
  • Limited comparative studies exist on their cardiac effects and potassium-lowering efficacy.
  • Understanding these effects is crucial for safe and effective hyperkalemia management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the cardiovascular effects and potassium-lowering efficacy of Levalbuterol versus Albuterol in hyperkalemic patients.
  • To provide direct comparative data on these commonly used medications.
  • To inform treatment strategies for hyperkalemia, particularly in vulnerable patient populations.

Main Methods:

  • A single-center, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial.
  • Patients with hyperkalemia were randomized to receive either Levalbuterol or Albuterol.
  • Data on heart rate, blood pressure, and serum potassium levels were collected at specified intervals.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in mean heart rate change at 30 minutes between the two groups.
  • No significant difference in serum potassium level change at 90 minutes.
  • Both drugs demonstrated similar patterns in heart rate and blood pressure variations; common side effects included tremors and nervousness.

Conclusions:

  • Levalbuterol and Albuterol exhibit comparable cardiovascular effects and potassium-lowering efficacy in hyperkalemic patients.
  • The findings are particularly relevant for patients with co-existing conditions like heart failure.
  • Both medications present similar safety profiles regarding common beta-agonist side effects.
Abstract

Keywords:
albuterolbeta2-agonistscardiovascular side effectshyperkalemialevalbuterol

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