Xopenex (Levalbuterol)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs):

What is Xopenex HFA?

Xopenex HFA (Levalbuterol Tartrate), is recommended for the treatment or prevention of bronchospasm in adults, teenagers, and kids 4 years of age and older with reversible obstructive airway disease.
Xopenex starts working right away to make breathing easier. It is referred to as a rescue drug as a result. These medications aid in the relaxation of the muscles in your airways, which widens them and facilitates better breathing. The available strengths are 45 mcg and 90 mcg.

Uses and Benefits of Xopenex HFA:

• Wheezing and shortness of breath brought on by breathing issues (such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) are prevented and treated with Xopenex HFA.

• It provides immediate relief. Xopenex is a member of the bronchodilator drug class. It functions by loosening the muscles that surround the airways, allowing them to open and facilitating easier breathing.

• Managing breathing-related symptoms can cut down on time missed at work or school.

• Due to an increased risk of side effects (such as unusually rapid breathing and worsened asthma), this medication is not recommended for use in children under the age of 4 years.

Side Effects of Xopenex HFA:

• Diarrhea and Vomiting

• Headaches

• Faster heart rates

• Dizziness

• Bronchitis, leading to cough and wheeze

• Runny nose with Sore throat

• Body pains

• Regional pain like ear and chest

• Nervousness and tremors

• Various infections like UTIs

• Pounding heart

Some serious side-effects can include:

• Tightness in the chest, which can lead to shortness of breath and cough or wheeze

• Allergic responses

• Low Potassium level

• Tachycardia or faster heart rate

How to use Xopenex HFA?

• With the aid of a metered dose inhaler (MDI), Xopenex HFA is administered as an aerosol spray. An MDI releases the medication in puffs that are breathed.

• Before usage, give the canister a good shake.

• The presence of a fine mist signifies good inhaler operation. Be careful not to spray the medicine in your eyes.

• As prescribed by your doctor, typically every 4 to 6 hours as needed, inhale this medication by mouth. If two inhalations are advised, give yourself at least a minute in between. Your medical condition and treatment response will determine the dosage. Without your doctor's approval, do not raise your dose or use this medication more frequently than directed. You have a higher chance of experiencing serious (potentially deadly) side effects if you take this drug in excess.

• To ensure that you inhale all of the medication from the MDI into your lungs, you must breathe deeply and slowly. Some individuals find utilizing an MDI more challenging than using a nebulizer.

Drug Interactions:

• Albuterol: You run a higher chance of experiencing severe adverse effects if you combine Xopenex HFA with albuterol. This includes any side effects that are heart-related, such as chest pain, palpitations (a fluttering sensation in your chest), or changes in blood pressure.

• Diuretics: Hydrochlorothiazide, Furosemide, and Bumetanide: Xopenex, Xopenex HFA, and diuretics can all cause potassium levels to drop. Your risk of having low potassium levels can be further increased if you take these medications together. Low potassium levels can cause cramps in your muscles, irregular heartbeat, light-headedness, and fainting.

• Beta blockers(Atenolol, Metoprolol, and Bisoprolol): The effectiveness of Xopenex or Xopenex HFA in treating your breathing issues can be decreased if beta-blockers are also taken. When taking either of these medications along with beta-blockers, your risk of developing bronchospasm (a constriction of the airways that can make breathing difficult) increases.

• Digoxin: The levels may drop if you combine Xopenex HFA with them. This may reduce the effectiveness of digoxin in treating your disease.

• Certain antidepressants: Any of these antidepressants may increase your risk of experiencing side effects with the heart if you take Xopenex HFA within two weeks of taking one of them. Fast heartbeat, palpitations (feeling like your heart is fluttering), or changes in blood pressure are a few examples of these adverse effects. It is not recommended to use these antidepressants at the same time.

Safety Information:

If the patient has these problems, the drug should be cautiously used, The list is mentioned below:

• Heart problems

• A condition of seizures

• Diabetes

• Thyroid problems

• Pregnant or planning to get pregnant

• Breast-feeding

• Asthma

• Consuming Diuretics, Antidepressants or medicines to treat COPD

How does Xopenex HFA work?

It provides immediate relief. Xopenex HFA is a member of the bronchodilator drug class. It functions by loosening the muscles that surround the airways, allowing them to open and facilitating easier breathing.

What to do if you miss a dose of Xopenex HFA?

Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, you should only use Xopenex HFA when you experience sudden breathing difficulties. These medications won't need to be taken continuously on a schedule unless your doctor advises you to do so.

What if you overdose on Xopenex HFA?

Call your doctor if you believe you have taken too much of this medication. You can either utilize their online tool or call the American Association of Poison Control Centres at 800-222-1222. However, if your symptoms are severe, dial 911 or head straight to the closest emergency room.

Is Xopenex better than Albuterol?

When compared to Albuterol, Xopenex increased forced expiratory volume by almost 40%, which led to a 40% decrease in the number of hospitalisations that were necessary.

Is Xopenex short or long acting?

It is a short acting drug.

Can you take Xopenex and Albuterol at the same time?

No, it is never recommended as both the drugs are the same, and can lead to paradoxical bronchospasm.