Xopenex

What is Xopenex?

Xopenex is a bronchodilator that acts in a short time, relaxes muscles in the airways, and also increases the flow of air to the lungs.

Inhalation of Xopenex can be employed to manage or help prevent asthmatic bronchospasm in patients suffering from obstructive airway disease that is reversible.

The Xopenex solution can be used by children and adults aged 16 or older. Xopenex HFA aerosol is for use by children and adults who are 4 years old or older.

Warnings

It is not recommended to use Xopenex in the event that you are allergic to albuterol or levalbuterol (Accuneb, ProAir, Proventil, or Ventolin).Before you use Xopenex, consult your physician if you suffer from heart disease such as high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, a cardiac rhythm problem, a seizure disorder, diabetes, or an overactive thyroid.

Discuss with your physician the other medicines you are taking, particularly blood or heart pressure medications such as diuretics (water pills) and antidepressants, as well as other inhaled bronchodilators.Discuss this with your doctor. If any of your asthma medications do not seem to be effective in preventing or treating attacks, If you notice that you require more of any medication over the course of a 24-hour period, consult your physician. The increased demand for medications may be an early indication of a serious asthma attack.

It is crucial that you administer Xopenex in a nebulizer in a proper manner so that the medication can be absorbed into your lungs. Discuss with your doctor the proper use of nebulizers.For medical emergencies, seek emergency attention or contact the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222. Levalbuterol overdoses could be fatal.

Before you take this drug

It is not recommended to use Xopenex if you have an allergy to albuterol or levalbuterol (Accuneb, ProAir, Proventil, or Ventolin).

To ensure that Xopenex is suitable for you, inform your physician if:

• Heart disease, high blood pressure, and congestive heart failure
• A seizure disorder;
• Diabetes
• A thyroid condition.

It is unclear if Xopenex could harm an unborn baby. Consult your physician if you are expecting or planning to become pregnant.

It's not clear if levalbuterol is absorbed into breast milk or whether it affects the nursing infant. Consult your physician if you are breastfeeding.It is recommended that Xopenex inhalers not be given to children younger than four years old. Xopenex solution inside a nebulizer should not be administered to a child who is younger than six years old.

How to take Xopenex?

Make sure you use Xopenex exactly as directed by your physician. Follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Don't use this medication in greater or lesser quantities or for longer periods than the recommended time.

Take note of all patient information, such as medication guides and instruction sheets, that you receive. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor for assistance if you have concerns.

Every child who uses Xopenex must be monitored by an adult during the use of this medication.

Then, prime the Xopenex inhaler before the first use. Spray four test sprays in the air, far away from the face. Shake the inhaler at least 5 seconds prior to each spray. Re-prime the inhaler if it is not used for longer than three days.

To take the Xopenex inhaler:

• Shake the container vigorously before every spray.
• Cap the mouthpiece of your inhaler. Breathe fully. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth, and then close your lips. Slowly breathe in while pressing downward on the mouthpiece. Keep your breath in for 10 seconds, take a deep breath, and exhale slowly.
• If you take multiple inhalations at the same time, you should wait at least 1 minute prior to taking the second one and shake the inhaler once more.
• Make sure your inhaler is clean and dry, and keep it in a safe place with the cap that is on the mouthpiece. Clean your inhaler every week by removing the container and putting the mouthpiece in running warm water for at least 30 minutes. Shake the excess water out and let the components dry completely before placing the inhaler back together.

Keep the Xopenex inhaler with the mouthpiece closed. The inhaler should be stored at room temperature, away from the sun, heat, or temperatures that are freezing.If the inhaler you are using has an indicator for dose numbers on it, dispose of the inhaler once the indicator shows "0" to show that the sprays are all employed.

Make sure to keep the inhaler container out of direct flames or extreme heat, like in an automobile during a hot summer day. The canister might blow up if it is too hot. Don't puncture or burn an empty inhaler container.Xopenex Concentrate Solution can be delivered with the aid of a nebulizer. The concentrate should be mixed with liquid (diluent) prior to use. Talk to your pharmacist about the diluting agent to use and where to buy it. Make sure you know how to mix the medication, and then place it in the nebulizer.

To utilise the Xopenex solution, you must use the nebulizer.

• The foil pouch should be opened and the medication poured into the nebulizer's chamber. Make sure you add the right quantity of diluent according to the instructions given by your physician.
• Attach the mask or mouthpiece, and then connect the chamber for drugs with the compressor.
• Relax and sit upright in a comfortable posture. The mouthpiece should be placed in your mouth, or you should put on the mask to cover your mouth and nose. Switch on the compressor.
• Breathe slowly and gradually until no more mist has formed from the nebulizer. The chamber of the drug is empty.
• Clean the nebulizer after every use. Follow the cleaning guidelines included with your nebulizer.

Don't use the nebulizer solution if it doesn't appear transparent and non-coloured.

Keep the Xopenex Concentrate vials in the packaging at room temperature and away from heat, moisture, and light. Store every vial inside the pouch until it is time to make the dose using the nebulizer.Each plastic single-use vial of Xopenex concentrate is intended for one-time use only. Dispose of it after one usage, even if there's still medicine within it after you have taken the dose.

Asthma is usually treated with a variety of medications. Follow all medications as prescribed by your physician. Don't alter your dosages or schedule of medication without consulting your physician.Utilising excessive amounts of Xopenex or taking it frequently can result in dangerous adverse consequences. Get medical attention when you believe your asthma medicines aren't performing as well. An increased need to take medication could be a warning sign of an asthma attack.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose when you remember. Do not take any missed doses if you are nearing the time for the next dose. Do not take extra medication to replace the missed dose.

Make sure to take this medication regularly to reap the maximum benefits. Refill your prescription prior to running out of medication completely.

What happens if I overdose?

For medical emergencies, seek emergency treatment or contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. A levalbuterol overdose can cause death.

What should be avoided?

Avoid situations that could cause your condition to worsen, for example, working out in cold, dry air, smoking, breathing in dust, and exposure to allergens such as the fur of your pet.

Side effects of Xopenex

Get immediate medical attention. If you are experiencing symptoms that you are experiencing an allergic reaction due to Xopenex, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your lips, face, or tongue,

Contact your doctor immediately. If you are suffering from:

• Wheezing, choking, or any other breathing problems following taking this medication;
• Heartbeats that are pounding or racing through your chest
• Worsening asthma symptoms;
• Constipation, leg cramps, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, intense thirst, more frequent urination, tenderness or tingling in your muscles, weakening, or a limp sensation.

Common Xopenex side effects can be:

• Dizziness, nervousness, and tremors;
• Sore throat, runny nose;
• Chest discomfort or tightness; irregular heartbeats;
• Pain

This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects, and other side effects could be present. Consult your doctor for medical advice regarding the consequences. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with other drugs

Inform your doctor if you have taken an MAO inhibitor within the last 14 days. MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid, lineszolid, methylene blue injection, rasagiline, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine, as well as others.

Discuss with your physician all the medicines you are currently taking and all you are about to start or stop using, in particular:

• Any other inhaled medication for treating asthma or COPD (chronic obstruction pulmonary disease);
• An antidepressant
• Diuretic, also known as "water pill";
• Medicine to treat heart conditions.

This list isn't complete. Other medications can interact with levalbuterol. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines as well as vitamins and herbal products. There are not all the interactions mentioned in this medication guide.