How do you use an Xopenex HFA inhaler?
Xopenex HFA (levalbuterol tartrate) Inhalation Aerosol is a bronchodilator that is used to treat and prevent respiratory conditions such as reversible obstructive airway disease, which includes asthma, certain breathing problems related to allergies, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
It is important to follow your doctor’s or healthcare provider’s specific instructions for your condition when using your Xopenex HFA inhaler. If you have any concerns or questions, always consult with your healthcare professional.
Here are the general steps for using a Xopenex HFA metered-dose inhaler (MDI):
Priming your inhaler
- You will need to prime your inhaler if it is the first time you are using it or if you haven’t used it for 3 days in a row.
- Take the cap off the mouthpiece of the actuator. Check inside the mouthpiece for objects before you use it.
- Hold the inhaler upright, point it away from your face, and shake it well.
- Press down fully on the center of the dose indicator to release a test spray of medicine from the mouthpiece.
- Avoid spraying in your eyes. Repeat these steps 3 more times to finish priming your inhaler.
Using your Xopenex HFA inhaler
- Take the cap off the mouthpiece of the actuator. Shake the canister for at least 5 seconds before each spray.
- Attach your inhaler to a spacer and then remove the mouthpiece cover from the spacer if using a spacer.
- Breathe out fully to push as much air out of your lungs as you can. Put the mouthpiece into your mouth and close your lips around it. Breathe in deeply and slowly while pushing down on the center of the targeting rings on the canister.
- Take the mouthpiece out of your mouth. Close your mouth and hold your breath for 10 seconds, then breathe out slowly.
- If you need another inhalation, wait at least 1 minute before using it again. Shake the inhaler again and repeat the previous steps. Put the cap back on right after using it.
Cleaning your Xopenex HFA inhaler
You should clean your inhaler once a week. Remove the canister and take the cap off of the mouthpiece. Then, place the actuator under the faucet and run warm water through it for at least 30 seconds. Shake out as much water as you can and allow the parts to completely air dry before putting the canister back in.
Storing your Xopenex HFA inhaler
You should store your Xopenex HFA inhaler with the mouthpiece down at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Do not use or store your inhaler near heat or open flame. Temperatures above 120°F may cause the canister to burst. Dispose of your inhaler when the expiration date has passed or the dose indicator reaches “0”. Keep Xopenex HFA and all medications out of the reach of children.
Xopenex FAQs
What is Xopenex HFA used to treat?
Xopenex HFA is a brand-name bronchodilator that is sometimes referred to as a quick relief or rescue inhaler. It is used for the treatment or prevention of bronchospasm (narrowing of the airways) in adults and pediatric patients 4 years of age and older with reversible obstructive airway disease.
What are the side effects of using Xopenex HFA?
The most common side effects of Xopenex HFA seen in clinical trials include:
- Headache
- Viral infection
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Tremor
- Dizziness
Other possible side effects of Xopenex HFA include:
- Nervousness
- Body pain
- Chest pain
- Cough
- Dry mouth
- Hoarseness
Rarely, Xopenex HFA may cause serious side effects such as:
- Serious, life-threatening allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include hives, skin rash, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, and shortness of breath. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
Worsening asthma symptoms
Although rare, Xopenex HFA can sometimes cause a paradoxical bronchospasm which can lead to trouble breathing, cough, wheezing, and chest discomfort. If you are having a hard time breathing right after using Xopenex, get medical help right away.
Heart problems
Xopenex HFA can cause an increase in your blood pressure, heart rate, and an irregular heartbeat. This does not typically occur if you take the recommended dose of this medication.
If you have heart problems such as high blood pressure, you may need to monitor your heart rate and blood pressure closely while taking Xopenex. Notify your healthcare provider right away if you experience dizziness, tiredness, tremors, increased heart rate, or weakness after using this medication.
Low potassium levels (hypokalemia)
Xopenex HFA can cause the potassium levels in your blood to drop dangerously low, especially if you use more than you are prescribed or take it with diuretics.
Symptoms of low potassium include tiredness, weakness, muscle cramps or spasms, a racing heart, and a “pins and needles” feeling in your hands and feet.
These are not all of the possible adverse effects of Xopenex HFA. You should always seek medical advice from a healthcare professional for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. You should also read all the patient information, including your Medication Guide that comes with Xopenex HFA. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
How does Xopenex HFA work?
The active ingredient in Xopenex HFA is levalbuterol tartrate. Levalbuterol tartrate is a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA). Activation of these receptors on the smooth muscle in your lungs opens up your airways, making it easier for you to breathe.
How should you use the Xopenex inhalation solution?
- Open the foil pouch and only remove one vial. The rest of the vials should be kept in the foil pouch until you are ready to use them. Check the solution to be sure it is colorless. If it is not colorless, do not use that vial.
- Twist off the top of the vial and squeeze all of the solution into the nebulizer reservoir.
- Connect the nebulizer reservoir to the mouthpiece or facemask and then connect the nebulizer to the compressor.
- Sit in a comfortable and upright position and place the mouthpiece in your mouth or put on the facemask.
- Turn on the compressor.
- Breathe calmly, evenly, and deeply until mist stops forming in the nebulizer. This will typically take between 5 and 15 minutes.
- Clean the nebulizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
What should you tell your healthcare provider before taking Xopenex HFA?
You should not take this medication if you have an allergy to albuterol, levalbuterol, or any of the inactive ingredients in the product’s formulation.
Tell your provider if you have:
- Heart disease or other heart problems such as high blood pressure, heart failure, fast heart rate, or an irregular heart rhythm.
- Diabetes.
- Seizures.
- Overactive thyroid.
- Kidney disease.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding or planning to.
Are there any drug interactions with Xopenex HFA?
Tell your healthcare provider about all your current medications, including:
- Other short-acting asthma medications such as albuterol
- Diuretics
- Beta-blockers
- Digoxin
- Certain antidepressants such as MAOIs or TCAs
This list is not complete and many other drugs may interact with Xopenex HFA.
What strengths does Xopenex HFA come in?
Xopenex HFA is an inhalation aerosol which comes in a metered-dose inhaler that contains 200 actuations (puffs). Each actuation delivers 59 mcg of levalbuterol tartrate (equivalent to 45 mcg of levalbuterol-free base) from the actuator mouthpiece.
How many times a day can you use Xopenex HFA?
For adults and children 4 years of age and older, the usual dose is 2 inhalations every 4 to 6 hours. For some patients, 1 inhalation every 4 hours may be enough.
What is the difference between Xopenex and Xopenex HFA?
Xopenex HFA is a metered-dose inhaler while Xopenex is a nebulizer solution. The active ingredient in Xopenex HFA is levalbuterol tartrate while the active ingredient for the nebulizer solution is levalbuterol hydrochloride. Both forms are short-acting beta-agonists used to treat reversible obstructive airway disease. However, Xopenex is for people ages 6 and up and given 3 times daily, while Xopenex HFA is for people ages 4 and up and given as 1 to 2 puffs every 4 to 6 hours.
How long does it take Xopenex HFA to work?
Xopenex HFA is a short-acting bronchodilator that starts working within minutes and can last up to 6 hours.
Related Medications
- ProAir HFA (albuterol)
- Proair RespiClick (albuterol)
- Ventolin HFA (albuterol)
- Albuterol CFC Free (albuterol)
- Duoneb (ipratropium/albuterol)