The objective to the present study is to compare the efficacy and tolerability of levosalbutamol (i.e., Group 1) and racemic salbutamol (i.e., Group 2) for the treatment and management of acute exacerbation of asthma in children between age 5 to 18 years.

A double-blind, randomized clinical study including 60 children was selected between October 2006 to December 2007. The baseline clinical characteristics were documented primarily and after giving three nebulization at 20 min intervals in the 1^st hour of demonstration of respiratory rate (RR), oxygen saturation in room air (SPO2), heart rate (HR), PEFR (peak expiratory flow rate), asthma score and serum K+ level.

In Group 1 patients (i.e., levosalbutamol), a significant increment in SPO2 and PEFR values with reduction in tachypnoea and asthma score was observed. No significant difference was seen in pre- and post-treatment HR and serum K+ levels. In Group 2 patients (i.e., racemic salbutamol) there was clinical improvement in RR, SPO2, PEFR and asthma score, however it resulted in significant tachycardia and reduction in K+ levels.

The study concluded that levosalbutamol seems to be more effective than racemic salbutamol in improvement of SPO2, PEFR, and asthma score whereas the harmful effects of tachycardia and decrease in serum K+ levels were observed with racemic salbutamol.

Source: Punj A, Prakash A, Bhasin A. Levosalbutamol vs racemic salbutamol in the treatment of acute exacerbation of asthma. Indian J Pediatr. 2009 Nov;76(11):1131-5. doi: 10.1007/s12098-009-0245-4. PMID: 20012785.