Levalbuterol



Xopenex®; Xopenex HFA™







Levalbuterol

(leve al BYOO ter ole)

U.S. Brand Names
Xopenex®; Xopenex HFA™
Canadian Brand Names
Xopenex®
Pharmacologic Category
Beta
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to levalbuterol or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to open the airways in lung diseases where spasm may cause breathing problems.
How does it work?
  • Levalbuterol works at sites in the airways to relax the muscles and improve oxygen delivery.
How is it best taken?
  • Follow directions given by healthcare provider. Do not use more than the maximum recommended daily dose.
  • For inhaling (puffing) only as a liquid (solution) through a special machine (nebulizer) into the lungs.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Many times this medicine is taken on an as needed basis.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • If you have heart disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have diabetes, this medicine may sometimes raise blood sugars. Talk with healthcare provider about how to adjust for this.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Limit caffeine (for example, tea, coffee, cola) and chocolate intake. Use with this medicine may cause nervousness, shakiness, and fast heartbeat.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Headache.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Monitor asthma with peak flow meter.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Signs or symptoms of infection. These include a fever of 100.5 degrees or higher, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased sputum or change in color, painful urination, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.
  • Unable to get breathing attack under control.
  • Peak flow measurement low.
  • Chest pain or pressure or fast heartbeat.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Severe dizziness or passing out.
  • Severe muscle pain or weakness.
  • Very nervous and excitable.
  • Severe headache.
  • Significant change in thinking clearly and logically.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store in foil pouch at room temperature.
  • Throw away any unused portion of opened pouch after 2 weeks.
  • Do not use if solution changes color.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: