LEVALBUTEROL

Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP is a sterile, clear, colorless, preservative-free solution of the hydrochloride salt of levalbuterol, the (R)-enantiomer of the drug substance racemic albuterol. Levalbuterol HCl is a relatively selective beta 2 -adrenergic receptor agonist [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12 ) ]. The chemical name for levalbuterol HCl is (R)-α 1 -[[(1,1-dimethylethyl)amino]methyl]-4-hydroxy-1,3-benzenedimethanol hydrochloride, and its established chemical structure is as follows: The molecular weight of levalbuterol HCl is 275.8, and its empirical formula is C 13 H 21 NO 3 •HCl. It is a white to off-white, crystalline solid, with a melting point of approximately 187°C and solubility of approximately 180 mg/mL in water. Levalbuterol HCl is the USAN modified name for (R)-albuterol HCl in the United States. Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP is supplied in unit-dose vials and requires no dilution before administration by nebulization. Each 3 mL unit-dose vial contains 0.31 mg/3 mL (0.0103%) of levalbuterol (as 0.36 mg/3 mL of levalbuterol HCl) or 0.63 mg/3 mL (0.021%) of levalbuterol (as 0.73 mg/3 mL of levalbuterol HCl) or 1.25 mg/3 mL (0.042%) of levalbuterol (as 1.44 mg/3 mL of levalbuterol HCl), sodium chloride to adjust tonicity, edetate disodium (EDTA) as a stabilizer for the active pharmaceutical ingredient, and sulfuric acid to adjust the pH to 4.0 (3.3 to 4.5). Chem Structure

Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP is indicated for the treatment or prevention of bronchospasm in adults, adolescents, and children 6 years of age and older with reversible obstructive airway disease. Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP is a beta 2 -adrenergic agonist indicated for: Treatment or prevention of bronchospasm in adults, adolescents, and children 6 years of age and older with reversible obstructive airway disease. ( 1 )

Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP is for oral inhalation only. Administer by nebulization using with a standard jet nebulizer (with a face mask or mouthpiece) connected to an air compressor. Do not exceed recommended dose. Children 6-11 years old: The recommended dosage of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP for patients 6-11 years old is 0.31 mg administered three times a day, by nebulization. Routine dosing should not exceed 0.63 mg three times a day. Adults and Adolescents ≥ 12 years old: The recommended starting dosage of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP for patients 12 years of age and older is 0.63 mg administered three times a day, every 6 to 8 hours, by nebulization. Patients 12 years of age and older with more severe asthma or patients who do not respond adequately to a dose of 0.63 mg of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP may benefit from a dosage of 1.25 mg three times a day. Patients receiving the highest dose of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP should be monitored closely for adverse systemic effects, and the risks of such effects should be balanced against the potential for improved efficacy. The use of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP can be continued as medically indicated to help control recurring bouts of bronchospasm. During this time, most patients gain optimal benefit from regular use of the inhalation solution. If a previously effective dosage regimen fails to provide the usual response this may be a marker of destabilization of asthma and requires reevaluation of the patient and the treatment regimen, giving special consideration to the possible need for anti-inflammatory treatment, e.g., corticosteroids. The drug compatibility (physical and chemical), efficacy, and safety of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP when mixed with other drugs in a nebulizer have not been established. The safety and efficacy of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP have been established in clinical trials when administered using the PARI LC Jet™ and PARI LC Plus™ nebulizers, and the PARI Master ® Dura-Neb ® 2000 and Dura-Neb ® 3000 compressors. The safety and efficacy of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP when administered using other nebulizer systems have not been established. FOR ORAL INHALATION ONLY ( 2 ) Children 6-11 years old: 0.31 mg administered three times a day, by nebulization. Routine dosing should not exceed 0.63 mg three times a day. ( 2 ) Adults and Adolescents ≥ 12 years old: 0.63 mg administered three times a day, every 6 to 8 hours, by nebulization. The maximum recommended dose is 1.25 mg three times a day. ( 2 ) For use with a standard jet nebulizer (with a face mask or mouthpiece) connected to an air compressor. ( 2 )

Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to levalbuterol or racemic albuterol. Reactions have included urticaria, angioedema, rash, bronchospasm, anaphylaxis, and oropharyngeal edema [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 ) ]. Hypersensitivity to levalbuterol or racemic albuterol. ( 4 )

The following serious adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in the labeling: Paradoxical bronchospasm [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1) ] Cardiovascular effects [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 ) ] Immediate hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 ) ] Hypokalemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 ) ] Most common adverse reactions are: palpitations, chest pain, tachycardia, headache, dizziness, tremor and nervousness. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact The Ritedose Corporation, LLC at 1-855-806-3300 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of the drug cannot be directly compared with rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adults and Adolescents 12 Years of Age and Older Adverse reaction information concerning Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP in adults and adolescents is derived from one 4-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, active-, and placebo-controlled trial in 362 patients with asthma 12 years of age and older. Adverse reactions reported in ≥ 2% of patients receiving Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP or racemic albuterol and more frequently than in patients receiving placebo are listed in Table 1. Table 1 - Adverse Reactions Reported in a 4-Week, Controlled Clinical Trial in Adults and Adolescents ≥ 12 Years Old Percent of Patients a Body System Preferred Term Placebo (n = 75) Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP 1.25 mg (n = 73) Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP 0.63 mg (n = 72) Racemic albuterol 2.5 mg (n = 74) Body as a Whole Allergic reaction 1.3 0 0 2.7 Flu syndrome 0 1.4 4.2 2.7 Accidental injury 0 2.7 0 0 Pain 1.3 1.4 2.8 2.7 Back pain 0 0 0 2.7 Cardiovascular System Tachycardia 0 2.7 2.8 2.7 Migraine 0 2.7 0 0 Digestive System Dyspepsia 1.3 2.7 1.4 1.4 Musculoskeletal System Leg cramps 1.3 2.7 0 1.4 Central Nervous System Dizziness 1.3 2.7 1.4 0 Hypertonia 0 0 0 2.7 Nervousness 0 9.6 2.8 8.1 Tremor 0 6.8 0 2.7 Anxiety 0 2.7 0 0 Respiratory System Cough increased 2.7 4.1 1.4 2.7 Infection viral 9.3 12.3 6.9 12.2 Rhinitis 2.7 2.7 11.1 6.8 Sinusitis 2.7 1.4 4.2 2.7 Turbinate edema 0 1.4 2.8 0 a One treatment group, racemic albuterol 1.25 mg, with 68 subjects is omitted. The incidence of certain systemic beta-adrenergic adverse reactions (e.g., tremor, nervousness) was slightly less in the Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP 0.63 mg group compared with the other active treatment groups. The clinical significance of these small differences is unknown. Changes in heart rate 15 minutes after drug administration and in plasma glucose and potassium 1 hour after drug administration on day 1 and day 29 were clinically comparable in the Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP 1.25 mg and racemic albuterol 2.5 mg groups (see Table 2). Changes in heart rate and plasma glucose were slightly less in the Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP 0.63 mg group compared with the other active treatment groups (see Table 2). The clinical significance of these small differences is unknown. After 4 weeks, effects on heart rate, plasma glucose, and plasma potassium were generally diminished compared with day 1 in all active treatment groups. Table 2 - Mean Changes from Baseline Heart Rate at 15 Minutes and Glucose and Potassium at 1 Hour after First Dose (Day 1) in Adults and Adolescents ≥ 12 Years Old Mean Changes (Day 1) Treatment Heart Rate (bpm) Glucose (mg/dL) Potassium (mEq/L) Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP 0.63 mg, n = 72 2.4 4.6 -0.2 Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP 1.25 mg, n = 73 6.9 10.3 -0.3 Racemic albuterol 2.5 mg, n = 74 5.7 8.2 -0.3 Placebo, n = 75 -2.8 -0.2 -0.2 No other clinically relevant laboratory abnormalities related to administration of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP were observed in this study. In the clinical trials, a slightly greater number of serious adverse events, discontinuations due to adverse events, and clinically significant ECG changes were reported in patients who received Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP 1.25 mg compared with the other active treatment groups. The following adverse reactions, considered potentially related to Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP, occurred in less than 2% of the 292 subjects who received Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP and more frequently than in patients who received placebo in any clinical trial: Body as a Whole: chills, pain, chest pain Cardiovascular System: ECG abnormal, ECG change, hypertension, hypotension, syncope Digestive System: diarrhea, dry mouth, dry throat, dyspepsia, gastroenteritis, nausea Hemic and Lymphatic System: lymphadenopathy Musculoskeletal System: leg cramps, myalgia Nervous System: anxiety, hyperesthesia of the hand, insomnia, paresthesia, tremor Special Senses: eye itch The following reactions, considered potentially related to Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP, occurred in less than 2% of the treated subjects but at a frequency less than in patients who received placebo: asthma exacerbation, cough increased, wheezing, sweating, and vomiting. Pediatric Patients 6 to 11 Years of Age Adverse reaction information concerning Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP in pediatric patients is derived from one 3-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, active-, and placebo-controlled trial in 316 pediatric patients 6 to 11 years of age. Adverse reactions reported in ≥ 2% of patients in any treatment group and more frequently than in patients receiving placebo are listed in Table 3. Table 3 - Most Frequently Reported Adverse Reactions ( ≥ 2% in Any Treatment Group) and Those Reported More Frequently Than in Placebo during the Double-Blind Period (ITT Population, 6-11 Years Old) Percent of Patients Body System Preferred Term Placebo (n = 59) Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP 0.31 mg (n = 66) Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP 0.63 mg (n = 67) Racemic albuterol 1.25 mg (n = 64) Racemic albuterol 2.5 mg (n = 60) Body as a Whole Abdominal pain 3.4 0 1.5 3.1 6.7 Accidental injury 3.4 6.1 4.5 3.1 5.0 Asthenia 0 3.0 3.0 1.6 1.7 Fever 5.1 9.1 3.0 1.6 6.7 Headache 8.5 7.6 11.9 9.4 3.3 Pain 3.4 3.0 1.5 4.7 6.7 Viral infection 5.1 7.6 9.0 4.7 8.3 Digestive System Diarrhea 0 1.5 6.0 1.6 0 Hemic and Lymphatic Lymphadenopathy 0 3.0 0 1.6 0 Musculoskeletal System Myalgia 0 0 1.5 1.6 3.3 Respiratory System Asthma 5.1 9.1 9.0 6.3 10.0 Pharyngitis 6.8 3.0 10.4 0 6.7 Rhinitis 1.7 6.1 10.4 3.1 5.0 Skin and Appendages Eczema 0 0 0 0 3.3 Rash 0 0 7.5 1.6 0 Urticaria 0 0 3.0 0 0 Special Senses Otitis media 1.7 0 0 0 3.3 Note: Subjects may have more than one adverse event per body system and preferred term. Changes in heart rate, plasma glucose, and serum potassium are shown in Table 4. The clinical significance of these small differences is unknown. Table 4: Mean Changes from Baseline Heart Rate at 30 Minutes and Glucose and Potassium at 1 Hour after First Dose (Day 1) and Last Dose (Day 21) in Children 6-11 Years Old Mean Changes (Day 1) Treatment Heart Rate (bpm) Glucose (mg/dL) Potassium (mEq/L) Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP 0.31 mg, n = 66 0.8 4.9 -0.31 Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP 0.63 mg, n = 67 6.7 5.2 -0.36 Racemic albuterol 1.25 mg, n = 64 6.4 8.0 -0.27 Racemic albuterol 2.5 mg, n = 60 10.9 10.8 -0.56 Placebo, n = 59 -1.8 0.6 -0.05 Mean Changes (Day 21) Treatment Heart Rate (bpm) Glucose (mg/dL) Potassium (mEq/L) Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP 0.31 mg, n = 60 0 2.6 -0.32 Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP 0.63 mg, n = 66 3.8 5.8 -0.34 Racemic albuterol 1.25 mg, n = 62 5.8 1.7 -0.18 Racemic albuterol 2.5 mg, n = 54 5.7 11.8 -0.26 Placebo, n = 55 -1.7 1.1 -0.04 6.2 Post-marketing Experience In addition to the adverse reactions reported in clinical trials, the following adverse reactions have been observed in postapproval use of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. These events have been chosen for inclusion due to their seriousness, their frequency of reporting, or their likely beta-mediated mechanism: angioedema, anaphylaxis, arrhythmias (including atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, extrasystoles), asthma, chest pain, cough increased, dysphonia, dyspnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), metabolic acidosis, nausea, nervousness, rash, tachycardia, tremor, urticaria. In addition, Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP, like other sympathomimetic agents, can cause adverse reactions such as hypertension, angina, vertigo, central nervous system stimulation, sleeplessness, headache, and drying or irritation of the oropharynx.

Other short-acting sympathomimetic aerosol bronchodilators and adrenergic drugs: May potentiate effect. ( 7.1 ) Beta-blockers: May block bronchodilatory effects of beta-agonists and produce severe bronchospasm. Patients with asthma should not normally be treated with beta-blockers. ( 7.2 ) Diuretic: May worsen electrocardiographic changes or hypokalemia associated with diuretic may worsen. Consider monitoring potassium levels. ( 7.3 ) Digoxin: May decrease serum digoxin levels. Consider monitoring digoxin levels. ( 7.4 ) Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOs) or tricyclic antidepressants: May potentiate effect of albuterol on the cardiovascular system. ( 7.5 ) 7.1 Short-Acting Bronchodilators Avoid concomitant use of other short-acting sympathomimetic bronchodilators or epinephrine in patients being treated with Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP. If additional adrenergic drugs are to be administered by any route, they should be used with caution to avoid deleterious cardiovascular effects. 7.2 Beta-blockers Beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents not only block the pulmonary effect of beta-adrenergic agonists such as Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP, but may produce severe bronchospasm in asthmatic patients. Therefore, patients with asthma should not normally be treated with beta-blockers. However, under certain circumstances, e.g., prophylaxis after myocardial infarction, there may be no acceptable alternatives to the use of beta-adrenergic blocking agents in patients with asthma. In this setting, cardioselective beta-blockers should be considered, although they should be administered with caution. 7.3 Diuretics The ECG changes or hypokalemia that may result from the administration of non-potassium-sparing diuretics (such as loop and thiazide diuretics) can be acutely worsened by beta-agonists, especially when the recommended dose of the beta-agonist is exceeded. Although the clinical significance of these effects is not known, caution is advised in the coadministration of beta-agonists with non-potassium-sparing diuretics. Consider monitoring potassium levels. 7.4 Digoxin Mean decreases of 16% and 22% in serum digoxin levels were demonstrated after single-dose intravenous and oral administration of racemic albuterol, respectively, to normal volunteers who had received digoxin for 10 days. The clinical significance of these findings for patients with obstructive airway disease who are receiving Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP and digoxin on a chronic basis is unclear. Nevertheless, it would be prudent to carefully evaluate the serum digoxin levels in patients who are currently receiving digoxin and Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP. 7.5 Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors or Tricyclic Antidepressants Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP should be administered with extreme caution to patients being treated with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants, or within 2 weeks of discontinuation of such agents, because the action of levalbuterol on the vascular system may be potentiated. Consider alternative therapy in patients taking MAO inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants.