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Xopenex Medication - Uses & Side Effects
Xopenex is a "bronchodilator." It works by relaxing the muscles in the walls of the lungs' many tiny airways (bronchioles), allowing them to expand so you can get more air. It is prescribed for asthma. Xopenex is approved for the treatment or prevention of bronchospasm in adults and children ages six years and older, who suffer from reversible obstructive airway disease, such as asthma.
Xopenex Dosage
- For adults and children 12 and older, the usual starting dose is 0.63 milligrams 3 times a day by nebulizer, every 6 to 8 hours. Your doctor will increase the dose to 1.25 milligrams 3 times a day if you have severe asthma or the lower dose fails to provide relief.
- For children 6 through 11 years old, the usual dosage is 0.31 milligrams 3 times a day by nebulizer. A dosage of more than 0.63 milligrams 3 times daily is not recommended.
Uses of Xopenex
- Xopenex is used to treat or prevent narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm) in patients 6 years of age and older with reversible obstructive airway disease, e.g., asthma.
- Levalbuterol inhalation is used to treat reversible obstructive airway conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema.
- Levalbuterol inhalation may also be used for conditions other than those listed in this medication guide.
- This medication is used to prevent or treat certain lung conditions
Side Effects of Xopenex
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Xopenex. Side effects may include:
- Cough
- flu symptoms
- nervousness
- runny nose
- sinus inflammation
- tremors
- viral infection
- Diarrhea
- fever
- headache
- hives
- increased asthma symptoms
- muscle pain
- rash
- sore throat
- swollen glands
- weakness
Warnings and precautions before taking Xopenex:
- There is a slight chance of developing an immediate, serious allergic reaction to Xopenex, with symptoms such as hives, rash, mouth and throat swelling, and bronchospasm (constricted airways and difficulty breathing). If this happens, or you experience bronchospasm alone, stop using Xopenex and call your doctor immediately.
- If your asthma symptoms get worse despite Xopenex, call your doctor. He may need to add an anti-inflammatory steroid drug such as prednisone or beclomethasone to your treatment regimen.
- Use Xopenex with caution if you have a heart condition, an irregular heartbeat, or high blood pressure. Call your doctor immediately if you notice any change in heartbeat, pulse, or blood pressure. Caution is also advised if you suffer from seizures, an overactive thyroid gland, or diabetes.
- Hypersensitivity reactions (severe allergic reactions) may occur immediately after taking Xopenex. If you experience itching, areas of skin swelling (angioedema), skin rash, or narrowing of the airways, these may be signs of a hypersensitivity reaction.
Drug Interaction :- If Xopenex is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Xopenex with the following: .
- Antidepressant drugs classified as MAO inhibitors (Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate) or
- tricyclics (Elavil and Tofranil)
- Beta blockers (heart and blood pressure drugs) such as Inderal, Lopressor, and
- Tenormin
- Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Diuretics (water pills) that lower your potassium levels such as Lasix and HydroDIURIL
Overdose
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose of Xopenex, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of Xopenex overdose may include:
- Chest pain
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- fatigue
- flu symptoms
- headache
- high blood pressure
- irregular heartbeat
- insomnia
- low blood pressure
- nausea
- nervousness
- rapid heartbeat
- tremors
- seizures
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