Indications
Xopenex HFA is a prescription medication used to treat and prevent bronchospasm in patients with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other lung conditions that cause wheezing and shortness of breath. It contains levalbuterol tartrate, a beta-2 agonist that relaxes the muscles in the airways, making it easier to breathe.
Xopenex HFA is an inhalation aerosol that is administered via oral inhalation and is approved for use in patients 4 years of age and older. It is available by prescription only and is typically used as a rescue medication to relieve acute symptoms of bronchospasm.
Use and Dosage
Before using the inhaler, make sure to shake the canister well. If you are using the canister for the first time or if you have not used it in 3 days or more, follow the instructions for test sprays in the air. If the inhaler is working properly, you should see a fine mist. Be careful not to spray the medication in your eyes.
To use Xopenex HFA, inhale it orally as per your doctor's instructions, usually every 4 to 6 hours as needed. If two inhalations are prescribed, wait for at least 1 minute between them. The dosage will be based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not exceed the prescribed dose or frequency without your doctor's approval, as this could increase your risk of serious and fatal side effects.
Using a spacer device with the inhaler may help you use the medication properly. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to provide more information on this. If a child is using Xopenex HFA, a responsible adult such as a parent may need to assist the child in using the inhaler as instructed. If you are using other inhalers simultaneously, wait for at least 1 minute between each medication use.
Keep track of the number of inhalations you use and discard the inhaler after you have used the recommended number of inhalations on the product package. Remember to also include the test sprays used to prime the inhaler. Do not test if any more drug is in the canister by floating the metal canister in water.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Xopenex HFA (Levalbuterol):
- Anxiety
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth and throat
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Shaking (tremor)
- Sore throat
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- Vomiting
Serious Side Effects of Xopenex HFA (Levalbuterol):
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
- Tremors or nervousness
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Severe headache
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Low potassium levels (hypokalemia)
- Allergic reactions, including rash, hives, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing or swallowing
Forms and Strength
Xopenex HFA (Levalbuterol) is available in the following forms and strength:
Xopenex HFA: Inhaler
- 45mcg
Levalbuterol: Inhaler
- 50mcg
Cautions
- Cardiovascular effects: Xopenex HFA, like other beta-2 agonists, can cause an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and palpitations. It should be used with caution in patients with heart disease, hypertension, or arrhythmias.
- Hypersensitivity: Xopenex HFA can cause serious hypersensitivity reactions such as angioedema, urticaria, bronchospasm, and anaphylaxis. It should not be used in patients with a history of these reactions to levalbuterol or other beta-2 agonists.
- Diabetes: Xopenex HFA can cause hyperglycemia, especially in patients with uncontrolled diabetes. Blood glucose levels should be closely monitored in these patients.
- Seizures: Xopenex HFA can cause nervousness, tremor, and headache, which may worsen seizures in patients with epilepsy or other seizure disorders.
- Pregnancy and lactation: The safety of Xopenex HFA in pregnant or lactating women has not been established. It should be used only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus or infant.
- Renal impairment: Xopenex HFA should be used with caution in patients with renal impairment, as the drug and its metabolites are excreted by the kidneys.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Xopenex HFA (Levalbuterol) be used for rescue inhalation?
No, Xopenex HFA is not designed for immediate relief of acute symptoms of asthma or COPD. It should be used as a maintenance treatment to prevent symptoms from occurring.
How often can I use Xopenex HFA?
The recommended dose for Xopenex HFA is 1 or 2 puffs every 4 to 6 hours as needed. However, the maximum recommended daily dose should not exceed 12 puffs per day.
Can Xopenex HFA be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
It is recommended that pregnant women and nursing mothers use Xopenex HFA with caution and only under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Can Xopenex HFA be used in children?
Xopenex HFA has been approved for use in children aged 4 years and older. However, the safety and effectiveness of Xopenex HFA in younger children have not been established.
Resources
- https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=320fea02-8aa3-44c8-b52a-a118418d1f78
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-94579/xopenex-hfa-inhalation/details
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/021730s024lbl.pdf
- https://www.rxlist.com/xopenex-hfa-drug.htm
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/021730s039lbl.pdf
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