Evaluation of the Effect of Levalbuterol on Allergen Induced Airway Inflammation In Subjects With Atopic Asthma
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2009-11-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
The most commonly used drug for immediate relief of symptoms of asthma is the blue puffer,
albuterol or salbutamol (Ventolin). Racemic albuterol is a mixture of two forms of albuterol
which are mirror images of each other i.e. R-and S- isomers. The investigational treatments
are R-albuterol and S-albuterol.
R-albuterol ( levalbuterol) has been shown to have a slightly better bronchodilator effect as
compared to the racemic albuterol and is well- tolerated in patients. However it is still not
clear whether the S-isomer has no effect or has a harmful effect on the airways.
The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of the R- and S- isomers on allergen
induced airway inflammation in subjects with mild atopic asthma. This will give us a better
idea as to whether the routine use of levalbuterol is superior to racemic albuterol.