Xopenex

Xopenex

Generic Name: levalbuterol (leh val BYOO ter all)

Brand Names: Xopenex, Xopenex Concentrate, Xopenex HFA

What is Xopenex?

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Xopenex is a bronchodilator. It works by relaxing muscles in the airways to improve breathing.

Xopenex is used to treat reversible obstructive airway conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema.

Xopenex may also be used for conditions other than those listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Xopenex

Do not use more of this medication, or use doses more frequently, than directed by your doctor. Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the maximum amount of any asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.

It is very important that you use nebulized Xopenex properly, so that the medicine gets into the lungs. Talk to your doctor about proper nebulizer use.

Before using Xopenex

Before using Xopenex, tell your doctor if you have

heart disease, an irregular heartbeat, or high blood pressure;

a seizure disorder;

diabetes; or

an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).

You may not be able to use Xopenex or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Xopenex is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Xopenex will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether Xopenex passes into breast milk. Do not use Xopenex without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Xopenex is not approved for use by children younger than 6 years of age.

How should I use Xopenex?

Use Xopenex exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

To use the solution for nebulization:

Open one vial by tearing on the serrated edge along the seam of the foil pouch. Remove one unit-dose vial for immediate use. Keep the rest of the unused unit-dose vial in the foil pouch to protect them from light. Carefully twist open the top of one unit-dose vial and squeeze the entire contents into the nebulizer reservoir (drug chamber).

Attach the nebulizer reservoir to the mouthpiece or face mask. Then, attach the nebulizer to the compressor. Sit upright, in a comfortable position, and put the mouthpiece into your mouth or put the face mask on, covering the nose and mouth. Turn on the compressor. Breathe slowly, deeply, and evenly until all of the medicine has been inhaled (usually 5 to 15 minutes). The treatment is complete when no more mist is formed by the nebulizer and the drug chamber is empty.

Clean the nebulizer after a treatment as directed by the manufacturer.

If you also use a steroid inhaler, use your Xopenex nebulization solution first to open up your airways, then use the steroid inhaler as directed.

Do not mix other medicines for nebulization with a dose of Xopenex unless specifically directed to do so by your doctor.

It is very important that you use nebulized Xopenex properly, so that the medicine gets into your lungs. Talk to your doctor about proper nebulizer use.

Do not use more of this medication, or use doses more frequently, than directed by your doctor. Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the maximum amount of any asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack. Store Xopenex in the protective foil pouch at room temperature, protected from light and excessive heat. Once the foil pouch is opened, the vials should be used within two weeks. Once an individual vial is removed from the foil pouch, if it is not to be used immediately, it should be protected from light and used within one week. Once an individual vial is opened, it should be used immediately or discarded. Discard the vial if the solution is not colorless.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a Xopenex overdose include angina or chest pain, irregular heartbeats or a fluttering heart, seizures, tremor, nervousness, weakness, headache, dry mouth, dizziness, sleeplessness, nausea, and vomiting.

What should I avoid while using Xopenex?

Avoid situations that may make your condition worse such as exercising in cold, dry air; smoking; breathing in dust; and exposure to allergens such as pet fur.

Xopenex side effects

Stop using Xopenex and seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of the following serious side effects:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

worsening of respiratory symptoms (shortness of breath, wheezing); or

chest pain or irregular heartbeats.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use Xopenex and talk to your doctor if you experience

dizziness;

tremor or nervousness;

anxiety;

headache;

cough or runny nose;

upset stomach; or

leg cramps.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Xopenex side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Xopenex?

Before using Xopenex, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

a beta-blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin),acebutolol (Sectral), bisoprolol (Zebeta), carteolol (Cartrol), carvedilol (Coreg), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal), and others;

a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), amoxapine (Asendin), doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others;

a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate);

a diuretic (water pill) such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Microzide, others), chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Hygroton, Thalitone), furosemide (Lasix), bumetanide (Bumex), ethacrynic acid (Edecrin), torsemide (Demadex), and others;

digoxin (Lanoxin);

another inhaled bronchodilator; or

caffeine, diet pills, or decongestants.

You may not be able to use Xopenex, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Xopenex or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

More Xopenex resources

Xopenex Side Effects (in More Detail)

Xopenex Dosage

Xopenex Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Xopenex Drug Interactions

Xopenex Support Group

8 Reviews for Xopenex - Add your own review/rating

Xopenex Prescribing Information (FDA)

Xopenex Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

Xopenex Monograph (AHFS DI)

Xopenex Solution MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Levalbuterol Aerosol MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Levalbuterol Prescribing Information (FDA)

Levalbuterol Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)

Xopenex HFA Prescribing Information (FDA)

Compare Xopenex with other medications

Asthma, acute

Asthma, Maintenance

COPD, Acute

COPD, Maintenance

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has additional information about Xopenex written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Levalbuterol inhalation is available with a prescription under the brand name Xopenex. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.