What is Xopenex?
Xopenex is a synthetic drug used mainly in the treatment of diseases of the respiratory system, including for the provision of emergency medical care. The active ingredient is levalbuterol. When the medication penetrates the body, it has the following pharmacological effects: bronchodilator effect (relaxation of the smooth muscles of the bronchi); decreased airway resistance; increased lung capacity; suppression of bronchial reactivity (early and late); stimulation of mucus production and relief of sputum discharge; dilation of the coronary arteries; tocolytic action (reduction in the tone and contractile activity of the uterine muscle tissue). The drug is used to treat or prevent asthma attacks in adults and children over the age of 4 years. Indications include bronchial asthma, reversive bronchospasm associated with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Levalbuterol may also have other indications for use.
How to use Xopenex?
Follow all directions given in the instructions for use. Do not exceed the recommended doses of this bronchodilator and do not use it for a longer period (unless recommended by a doctor). Before you buy Xopenex inhaler, read all patient information, medication guides, and instructions. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Any child using this medication injection should be supervised by an adult. To make inhalation, you need to:
- shake the inhaler well before each spray.
- release the inhaler mouthpiece;
- exhale completely;
- place the mouthpiece in the mouth and close the lips;
- breathe slowly while pressing on the canister;
- hold your breath for 10 seconds and then slowly exhale;
- if you need to make several inhalations, wait at least 60 seconds before making the next inhalation.
Keep the inhaler with the mouthpiece down. Store levalbuterol medication in a protective film.
- Children aged 6-11 years: The recommended dose of Xopenex inhalation is 0.31 mg three times a day. Regular dosing should not exceed 0.63 mg three times a day;
- Adults and teenagers over 12 years of age: The recommended starting dose is 0.63 mg three times a day, every 6-8 hours. Patients who do not adequately respond to a dose of 0.63 mg may receive 1.25 mg three times a day.
If you miss a dose, receive it as soon as you remember. Do not use extra medicine to get a missed dose. Use the medication regularly to get the most benefit.
Contraindications
- Do not use this drug if you have a hypersensitivity to levalbuterol or albuterol;
- Before using the medication, inform your healthcare provider if you have or ever had: thyroid disorder, congestive heart failure, heart disease, high blood pressure, convulsive disorder; diabetes;
- It is not known whether this drug harms the fetus. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to have a baby;
- It is not known whether levalbuterol penetrates into breast milk. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding;
- The medication should not be used in a child under 4 years of age.
Interactions
It’s not recommended to use Xopenex inhaler simultaneously with MAO inhibitors.
Tell your doctor about all your current medications, vitamins and herbal products, especially:
- any other inhaled medications for asthma or COPD;
- antidepressant;
- diuretics;
- medicine for treating heart conditions.
Side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, labored breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor right away if you have: breathing problems (such as wheezing, choking), muscle weakness, increased urination, rapid heartbeat or fluttering in your chest, cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, great thirst, numbness or tingling, chest flutter.
Common side effects caused by Xopenex may include dizziness, nervousness, tremor, runny nose, sore throat, chest pain or tightness, irregular heartbeats, pain, vomiting.
Safety precautions
Follow all directions on the package. Tell each of your health care providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all the medicines you use. Consult your doctor if you think the drug is not working. Avoid situations that could worsen your condition, for example, cold, dry air, smoking, dust and exposure to allergens such as pet fur. Patients with diabetes should bear in mind that the use of the drug often provokes an increase in blood glucose and accelerates the breakdown of lipids.
Do not change the dose or timing of medication without consulting a doctor. Using too much Xopenex or using it too often can severe negative reactions. Increased need for levalbuterol may be an early sign of serious asthma.