Xopenex Inhaler: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Xopenex Inhaler (levalbuterol tartrate) is a beta2-adrenergic agonist delivered by oral inhalation. It is used to treat and prevent bronchospasm in people with reversible obstructive airway disease, such as asthma, in adults, adolescents, and children 4 years of age and older. It is available as an inhalation aerosol and as an inhalation solution concentrate for nebulization. It should be used exactly as prescribed, with attention to proper inhaler technique and storage.

What is Xopenex Inhaler

Xopenex HFA is an inhaled prescription medicine used to treat or prevent bronchospasm (airway tightening) in people with reversible obstructive airway disease, such as asthma.

Xopenex Inhaler uses

• Treatment of acute episodes of bronchospasm
• Prevention of asthmatic symptoms (bronchospasm) in adults, adolescents, and children 4 years of age and older with reversible obstructive airway disease

Benefits of Xopenex Inhaler

• Quick Bronchodilation: Helps relax narrowed airway muscles.
• Wheezing Relief: Helps relieve wheezing and shortness of breath caused by bronchospasm.
• Asthma Support: Provides short-term relief of bronchospasm.
• Exercise-Related Symptoms: Can help prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm when prescribed.
• Rapid Airway Action: Helps improve airflow by stimulating beta-2 receptors.

How Xopenex Inhaler works

The medicine activates certain receptors in the airway muscles, which causes the muscles to relax so the airways open up. It also helps reduce the release of substances in the airway that can cause tightening.

Xopenex Inhaler dosage

For oral inhalation only; use only with the actuator supplied with the product. Shake the inhaler well immediately before each use. Prime the inhaler before using it for the first time and whenever it has not been used for more than 3 days, by releasing test sprays into the air away from the face.

Breathe out fully through your mouth before placing the mouthpiece in your mouth and closing your lips around it. Breathe in deeply and slowly through your mouth while pressing down on the canister, then hold your breath for about 10 seconds if possible. If more than one inhalation is prescribed, wait about a minute between inhalations and shake the inhaler well again before repeating.

Clean the plastic actuator with warm water at least once a week and let it air-dry completely before use. An adult should help a child use the inhaler. Do not use more often or in higher amounts than your doctor tells you to. Do not mix with other medicines in your nebulizer device if using the solution form. Avoid spraying into your eyes.

Available forms and strengths

• Inhalation Aerosol (metered-dose inhaler)
• Inhalation Solution Concentrate (unit-dose vial for nebulization)

Side effects of Xopenex Inhaler

Common

• Palpitations
• Chest pain
• Fast heart rate
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Tremor
• Nervousness
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Vomiting
• Accidental injury
• Bronchitis

Serious

• Sudden shortness of breath (paradoxical bronchospasm)
• Worsening asthma
• Heart problems such as fast or irregular heartbeat, high or low blood pressure
• Serious allergic reactions including swelling of the face, throat, or tongue, hives, rash, or breathing problems
• Low potassium levels in the blood
• Death from excessive use

Warnings and precautions

• This medicine can cause a sudden, severe worsening of breathing problems (paradoxical bronchospasm), which can be life-threatening. Stop using it right away if this happens and get medical help.
• Needing to use this medicine more often than usual can be a sign that your asthma is getting worse and needs to be reevaluated by your doctor.
• This medicine is not a replacement for steroid medicines used to control asthma long-term.
• This medicine can cause heart-related effects such as changes in heart rate, blood pressure, or heart rhythm. It should be used carefully if you have heart problems.
• Do not use more than the recommended dose, since using too much can be fatal.
• Serious allergic reactions can occur, including swelling, hives, rash, and severe breathing problems. Stop use right away if this happens.
• This medicine can lower potassium levels in the blood and may affect blood sugar levels.
• Use with caution if you have heart disease, seizure disorders, overactive thyroid, or diabetes.
• There isn't enough research in pregnant women to know if this medicine is completely safe during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
• It isn't known if this medicine passes into breast milk. You and your doctor should decide together whether you will use this medicine or breastfeed.
• People with kidney problems may be at greater risk of side effects since the drug is removed from the body mainly through the kidneys. Your doctor may want to monitor your kidney function.
• The effect of liver problems on how this medicine is processed by the body has not been studied.

Storage

• Store between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C)
• Protect from freezing temperatures and direct sunlight
• Store inhaler with the actuator (mouthpiece) down
• Contents under pressure: do not puncture or incinerate
• Exposure to temperatures above 120°F may cause bursting
• Keep out of reach of children
• Discard the canister after 200 actuations (15 g canister) or 80 actuations (8.4 g canister) have been used, even if it does not feel empty
• Do not use after the expiration date on the container

When to see a doctor

• Get medical help right away if the medicine does not work as well, your asthma symptoms get worse, or you need to use it more often than usual.
• Call your doctor or go to the emergency room right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, throat, or tongue, hives, rash, or trouble breathing.
• Call your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away if you have any serious side effects or your lung symptoms get worse.

Alternatives

• Albuterol (Salbutamol) inhaler
• ProAir HFA
• Ventolin HFA