Evaluation of the Effect of Levalbuterol on Allergen Induced Airway Inflammation In Subjects With Atopic Asthma

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.