nebulizing albuterol and saline

I had a terrible reaction with albuterol. My sitting heart rate went to 101, when it is normally 68. I was shaking all over and my heart was pounding out of my chest. My Dr. Put me on levalbuterol. Albuterol has two types of albuterol and levabuterol removes one type of albuterol that cause the shaking, heart rate increase, and heart palpitations.

I had the same reaction the first few times with albuterol. When I had no choice but to use it, with time, it did get better. Best to all,

How do you feel with the levabuterol?

I have no problem with the levabuterol.

Thank you so much for the advice. I will talk to my pulmo about it the next time I see him. Donna

I also had very bad reaction when I first used Albuterol, I could not sleep because my hear rate was too fast. But it didn't take long, maybe a few days, I had no reaction at all. nowI am using it everyday.
Hope it is the same case with you.

Ling

Hi Donna -
I am a firm believer in not waiting until "next time I see him." With the miracles of modern communication, call or send a message asking for the change now. Why suffer unnecessary side effects?

Do you have an electronic patient portal? In ours, if you use "ask a question about a current med" there is no charge for an e-appointment. A message to the office can work if you don't have that option.
Sue

Hi Donna,
Were you tested during your Pulmonary Function Tests to see if albuterol/levalbuterol is necessary? Whether it does in fact make a significant difference in opening your airways? I recently had PFTs and there was no significant improvement with albuterol so I do not use it.

Regarding the hypertonic saline, my doctor who is a BE/NTM expert, doesn't say 7% is better than 3% or for that matter .9% as there is little research to support this claim. There seems to be a feeling that hypertonic saline not only thins mucus but might be anti-microbial. Isotonic solution, like .9%, has the lowest amount of sodium chloride so perhaps it thins mucus, but is not anti-microbial.

I have all three and depending on if my voice is hoarse or if my throat is sore, I might step down from 7% to 3% or .9%. However, generally speaking, I tolerate the 7% well and might cough once or twice when I first start nebulizing but not throughout the session.

What's important is to find what is tolerable for you at this point in time and with your doctor's consent, go with that. From time to time, you can revisit your options.

Best,
Linda Esposito

Donna, I had same problem with Albuterol, so I was switched to Levabuterol, and it works the same without the shakiness. I also have all three percents of saline and use them where appropriate— I.e. if my lungs are irritated I use the .9% and if real mucusy I use the 7% but mostly use 3%.

Linda, that is so interesting that you were tested via PFT for a bronchodilator’s effect!! I read that even levabuterol can cause lung irritation. I am going to ask for that test! Thanks

Lung,
I am using levabuterol. I have no reactions with that!
Sally