Xopenex

Levalbuterol Hydrochloride Drug Information

• Xopenex Overview

  Levalbuterol is used to treat wheezing and shortness of breath that commonly occur with lung problems (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). It is a quick-relief drug. Controlling these symptoms can decrease time lost from work or school. Levalbuterol is a bronchodilator (beta-2 receptor agonist) that works by opening breathing passages to make breathing easier.

• How to Use Xopenex

  Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist before you start using Xopenex and each time you get a refill. Xopenex is used with a special machine called a nebulizer that changes the solution to a fine mist that you breathe in. Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist on how to inhale Xopenex properly with this equipment. If a child is using this equipment, a parent or other responsible adult should supervise the child. Xopenex should be clear and colorless. Before using, check Xopenex visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Xopenex does not require any mixing before use unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Xopenex is inhaled into the lungs using a nebulizer as directed by your doctor, usually 3 times a day. Each treatment usually takes about 5 to 15 minutes. Use Xopenex only through a nebulizer. Do not swallow or inject the solution. Do not mix with other medications in the nebulizer. To prevent infections, clean the nebulizer and mouthpiece/face mask according to the manufacturer's directions. Dosage of Xopenex is based on your medical condition, age, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or use Xopenex more often than prescribed without your doctor's approval. Using too much of Xopenex will increase your risk of serious (possibly fatal) side effects. Learn which of your inhalers/medications you should use every day (controller drugs) and which you should use if your breathing suddenly worsens (quick-relief drugs). Ask your doctor ahead of time what you should do if you have new or worsening cough or shortness of breath, wheezing, increased sputum, worsening peak flow meter readings, waking up at night with trouble breathing, if you use your quick-relief inhaler/medication more often (more than 2 days a week), or if your quick-relief inhaler/medication does not seem to be working well. Learn when you can treat sudden breathing problems by yourself and when you must get medical help right away. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen.

• Xopenex Precautions

  Before using levalbuterol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to similar bronchodilators (such as albuterol, metaproterenol, salmeterol); or to sympathomimetic drugs (such as epinephrine, pseudoephedrine); or if you have any other allergies. Xopenex may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Xopenex, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,heart disease (such as irregular heartbeat, angina, heart attack), high blood pressure, seizures, diabetes. Xopenex may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). During pregnancy, Xopenex should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if Xopenex passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Xopenex Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Xopenex, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Xopenex Interactions

  Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Levalbuterol is very similar to albuterol. Do not use inhaled medications containing albuterol while using levalbuterol.

• Xopenex Side Effects

  What are Xopenex side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Xopenex may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Xopenex as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Xopenex

  The side effects of Xopenex may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Xopenex. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Xopenex may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Xopenex, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Xopenex.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Xopenex, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Xopenex and the side effects associated with Xopenex are described in the following:

  Common Xopenex Side Effects

  Severe

  • tachycardia

  Less Severe

  • viral infection
  • symptoms of anxiety
  • migraine
  • rhinitis
  • sinusitis
  • dyspepsia
  • hypertonia
  • cramps in legs
  • dizziness
  • flu-like symptoms
  • tremor
  • headache disorder
  • cough
  • nervousness

  Less Frequent Xopenex Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  Rare or Very Rare Xopenex Side Effects

  Severe

  • hypertension
  • hypotension
  • asthma exacerbation
  • paradoxical bronchospasm
  • urticaria
  • syncope
  • wheezing
  • dyspnea
  • chest pain
  • chest tightness
  • pharyngeal edema
  • metabolic acidosis
  • angioedema
  • anaphylaxis
  • cardiac arrhythmia

  Less Severe

  • ocular itching
  • xerostomia
  • disorder of the digestive system
  • myalgias
  • insomnia
  • hypesthesia
  • paresthesia
  • dry throat
  • lymphadenopathy
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • skin rash

• Xopenex Storage

  Store vials in the foil pouch at room temperature away from light and heat. Do not store in the bathroom. After the foil pouch is opened, use the vials within 2 weeks. Once vials are removed from the foil pouch, use right away, or protect from light and use within 1 week. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Xopenex when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.