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Xopenex, Xopenex Concentrate, Xopenex HFA, |Xopenex

Xopenex

Generic Name: levalbuterol (leh val BYOO ter all)
Brand Names: Xopenex, Xopenex Concentrate, Xopenex HFA

What is levalbuterol inhalation?

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

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

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

What is the most important information I should know about levalbuterol inhalation?

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

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using levalbuterol inhalation?

Before using levalbuterol inhalation, 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 levalbuterol inhalation or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

How should I use levalbuterol inhalation?

Use levalbuterol inhalation 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 levalbuterol nebulization solution first to open up your airways, then use the steroid inhaler as directed.

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

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?

Symptoms of a levalbuterol 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 levalbuterol inhalation?

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.

Levalbuterol inhalation 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 levalbuterol inhalation 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.

What other drugs will affect levalbuterol inhalation?

Before using levalbuterol inhalation, 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 levalbuterol inhalation, 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 levalbuterol inhalation or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about levalbuterol inhalation 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.

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ("Multum") is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum"s drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum"s drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.