Levalbuterol Tartrate: Characteristics, Structure, and Safety Overview

What is Levalbuterol Tartrate?

Levalbuterol Tartrate stands out in respiratory medicine, especially for people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The compound shows up as a solid at room temperature, often found as a crystalline powder or flakes, sometimes appearing almost pearl-like in its purest form. Its nature as a chiral beta2-adrenergic agonist gives it a distinct therapeutic edge, targeting bronchospasm specifically. The chemical itself holds the CAS number 138028-44-3, which identifies it for global trade, research, and pharmaceutical use.

Molecular Structure and Formula

The molecular formula of Levalbuterol Tartrate is C13H21NO3·C4H6O6, combining the active levalbuterol base with tartaric acid to improve stability and solubility. Breaking down its structure, the levalbuterol component binds with tartrate ions by ionic and hydrogen bonds, creating a salt that offers both transport convenience and enhanced shelf life. On the microscopic level, the molecule features a benzene ring, hydroxyl groups, and an amine side chain, producing properties that are key to its pharmaceutical action. The substance appears as a fine, often white-to-off-white powder, but crystallizes when subjected to the right conditions.

Physical Properties and Density

Levalbuterol Tartrate has a specific density close to 1.3 g/cm³, quite typical for this kind of organic salt. The melting point ranges around 113–117°C, which influences its processing and storage requirements. It's soluble in water, producing a clear solution for intravenous or inhalation use. In the pharmaceutical lab, that means dissolution comes easy, without need for harsh solvents or lengthy preparation. Levalbuterol Tartrate doesn’t dissolve well in most nonpolar organic solvents, which helps prevent accidental absorption into packaging materials—a real-world plus for long-term storage. The dry solid resists clumping when kept away from humidity, though prolonged exposure to air encourages slight caking, something most technicians notice from experience.

Product Specifications and Commercial Presentation

Drug manufacturers formulate Levalbuterol Tartrate in purity grades surpassing 99%, meeting regulatory standards for pharmaceutical raw materials. Lots are released with certificates confirming absence of harmful heavy metals and common impurities, since contamination could risk patient safety. The raw chemical finds use in metered-dose inhalers and nebulizer solutions, so the product is available both as a dry active pharmaceutical ingredient and as a prepared sterile solution. Each form, from bulk powder to sterile ampoule, carries clear documentation—batch origin, storage recommendations, chemical identity—to maintain trust across the supply chain. Commercial shippers move Levalbuterol Tartrate under the HS Code 2933.39, a category for heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen hetero-atom(s) only, aligning with international customs requirements and reducing confusion at logistical checkpoints.

Safety, Hazards, and Best Handling Practices

Few materials demand as much care as active pharmaceutical chemicals. Levalbuterol Tartrate earns both respect and attention in the lab. Although it’s designed for patient safety, the raw form causes throat irritation, headache, or palpitations if mishandled or inhaled during handling. Long-term storage calls for tight-sealing containers, cool dark spaces away from strong acids or oxidizers, and routine monitoring for any signs of degradation. Safety data sheets list the powder as harmful if swallowed or if large quantities disperse in air, triggering symptoms in sensitive individuals. Proper protective gear—gloves, goggles, lab coats—remains a must, even for veteran chemists who know the ropes. Exhaust extraction and spill containment systems reduce risk, showing why every laboratory needs robust protocols, updated for every new product batch.

Solutions and Suggestions for Safe, Sustainable Use

Production and consumption of Levalbuterol Tartrate call for responsibility, from factory to pharmacy. Regulatory oversight, especially from agencies like the FDA, not only creates safety but fosters public trust in the drugs people depend on daily. Waste disposal, including expired stock and off-spec batches, must avoid waterways and landfill contamination, adopting incineration following hazardous waste guidelines. Equipment used to process, transport, or store this chemical requires regular decontamination to prevent cross-contamination with other pharmaceutical ingredients. Ongoing investment in worker education, strict documentation, and transparency about test results cements credibility in both local manufacturing and global markets. As someone who’s seen firsthand how small oversights can become large problems, commitment to these practices preserves both health and professional reputation. The pathway from chemical synthesis to patient relief relies on careful stewardship, every step reinforced by facts, vigilance, and honest accountability.