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Xopenex HFA

Generic Name: levalbuterol inhalation Inhalation of levalbuterol (leh-val BYOO-ter-all)
The brand names are: Xopenex, Xopenex HFA, and Xopenex Concentrate.
Drug class: Adrenergic bronchodilators

What is Xopenex HFA?

Levalbuterol can be described as a bronchodilator with short-acting properties that relaxes the muscles of the airways and improves the flow of air to the lungs.

The Xopenex HFA is used to manage or help prevent the occurrence of asthma attacks in adults as well as children aged at least four years old.

Xopenex HFA could also be used to treat conditions not mentioned in this medication guide.

 Side effects of Xopenex HFA

Contact a medical professional immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction, like hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue,

Xopenex HFA can result in serious side effects. Consult your physician right away in the event that you experience:

  • Wheezing, choking, or other breathing problems following the use of Xopenex HFA;
  • Beats of your heart, or the sound of a fluttering chest
  • Worsening asthma symptoms
  • Low potassium: leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering of your chest, excessive thirst, more frequent urination, a sensation of tingling or numbness, muscle weakening, or a limp sensation

Common adverse effects of Xopenex HFA can include:

  • Dizziness, nervousness, and tremors;
  • Runny nose, sore throat;
  • Chest tension or tightness; irregular heartbeats;
  • Pain

This isn't an exhaustive list of possible side effects, and other side effects could be present. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on the effects. If you experience any side negative effects to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.

Similar/related drugs

Xolair, Nucala, prednisone, albuterol, azithromycin, dexamethasone, and hydrocortisone

Warnings

Follow the instructions on the label of your medication and the package. Inform your health professionals about your medical issues, allergies, and the medicines you are taking.

Consult a doctor if you believe your asthma medications aren't functioning as well.

Before you take this drug

There is no need to apply Xopenex HFA to your body if you are sensitive to levalbuterol or albuterol (Accuneb, ProAir, Proventil, or Ventolin).

To ensure that levalbuterol is suitable for you, inform your doctor if:

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

It isn't known if this medication could cause harm to a baby who is not yet born. Inform your doctor if you are expecting or planning to be pregnant.

It isn't clear if levalbuterol inhalation is absorbed into breast milk or whether it can affect nursing infants. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant.Levalbuterol inhalers are not recommended for children younger than four years old. Levalbuterol solution inside a nasalizer is not to be administered to children younger than six years old.

How to take Xopenex HFA?

Follow the instructions on the prescription label. Do not take this medicine in greater or lesser quantities or for a longer time than prescribed.

Check all information about your patient, such as medication guides and instruction sheets, that you receive. Consult your physician or pharmacist for assistance if you have concerns.

All children who are taking Xopenex HFA must be watched by an adult when using this medication.The inhaler device should be primed before the first time you use it. Inject four test sprays into the air, far away from the face. Shake the inhaler for at least 5 seconds before each spray. Re-prime the inhaler if it has not been used for more than 3 days.

Inhaler use:

  • Shake the container vigorously prior to each spray.
  • Remove the cap on the mouthpiece of the inhaler. Breathe deeply. Insist the mouthpiece into your mouth and then close your lips. Take a deep breath and push into the mouthpiece. Keep your breath and hold it for 10 minutes, and then take a deep breath and exhale slowly.
  • If you are using multiple inhalations at the same time, allow at least one minute prior to taking the second one and shake the inhaler a second time.
  • Make sure your inhaler is clean and dry, and keep it in a safe place with the mouthpiece's cap. Clean your inhaler at least once a week by taking the canister off and placing your mouthpiece into running warm water for at least 30 minutes. Shake off the excess water and let the components dry completely prior to placing the inhaler back together.

The levalbuterol inhaler with the mouthpiece closed The inhaler should be kept at room temperature, far from sunlight, heat, or temperatures that are freezing. If your inhaler comes with an indicator for dose numbers on it, discard the inhaler once the indicator is "0" to show that all sprays have been utilised.

The inhaler's canister should be kept away from flames or extreme heat, such as in an automobile during a hot summer day. The canister could be blown up if it is too hot. Don't puncture or burn an empty inhaler container.Levalbuterol concentrate solution comes with the help of a nebulizer. Concentrate must be mixed with liquid (diluent) before utilization. Consult your pharmacist on which liquid to use and where to purchase it. Make sure that you know how to mix the medication and then place it in the nebulizer.

To apply the solution using the nebulizer

  • The pouch should be opened and the medicine poured into the nebulizer's chamber. Make sure to add the proper quantity of diluent, as instructed by your physician.
  • Attach the face mask or mouthpiece, and then connect the chamber for drugs to the compressor.
  • Place your feet on the floor in a relaxed posture. Put the mouthpiece in your mouth. You can also wear the face mask that covers your mouth and nose. The compressor should be turned on.
  • Breathe slowly and evenly until more mist has formed from the nebulizer and the chamber for the drug is empty.
  • Clean the nebulizer at the end of every use. Follow the cleaning guidelines on the nebulizer's packaging.

Don't use the nebulizer solution if it doesn't appear transparent.

Keep the levalbuterol concentrate vials in the aluminium pouch at room temperature and away from heat, humidity, and light. Place each vial into the pouch of foil until you're ready to make an injection in the nebulizer.Each plastic single-use bottle of levalbuterol concentrate is intended for use once only. Toss it away after just one use, regardless of whether there is still some medication inside after you've 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 the advice of your doctor.Levalbuterol that is taken too high or for too long can result in life-threatening adverse negative effects. Consult a doctor. If you suspect that your asthma medication isn't performing as well, An increased need to take medication may be a sign of an asthma attack.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Utilise the dose you missed when you remember. Do not take your missed dose if it's nearing the time for the next dose. Avoid using any other medicine to make up for the missing dosage.

Make use of Xopenex HFA regularly to get maximum benefits. Refill your prescription prior to the expiration date of your medication.

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 could be fatal.

What should be avoided?

Beware of situations that can cause your condition to worsen, for example, exercise outdoors in cold, dry air, smoking or breathing in dust, and exposure to allergens like the fur of your pet.

Interaction with other drugs

Discuss with your physician if you were taking an MAO inhibitor within the last 14 days. MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid, lineszolid, methylene blue injection, rasagiline, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine, among others.

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

  • Other inhalable medicines that cure asthma and COPD (chronic obstruction pulmonary disease);
  • An antidepressant
  • A diuretic drug or "water pill";
  • Medicine for treating a heart problem

This list isn't exhaustive. Other medications can interact with levalbuterol. They include over-the-counter and prescription medications, vitamins and natural products.The interactions of all potential drugs are mentioned in this drug guide.