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Before we present the typical symptoms of asthma, we should dispel some common myths about this condition. This is best achieved by conducting a short true or false quiz.
Xopenex®
(levalbuterol HCl) Inhalation Solution, 0.31 mg*, 0.63 mg*, 1.25 mg*
*Potency expressed as levalbuterol
Xopenex (levalbuterol HCI) Inhalation Solution is a sterile, clear, colorless, preservative-free solution of the hydrochloride salt of levalbuterol, the (R)-enantiomer of the drug substance racemic albuterol. Levalbuterol HCl is a relatively selective beta2-adrenergic receptor agonist (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY). The chemical name for levalbuterol HCl is (R)-α1-[[(1,1-dimethylethyl)amino]methyl]-4-hydroxy-1,3-benzenedimethanol hydrochloride, and its established chemical structure is as follows:
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The molecular weight of levalbuterol HCl is 275.8, and its empirical formula is C13H21NO3•HCI. It is a white to off-white, crystalline solid, with a melting point of approximately 187°C and solubility of approximately 180 mg/mL in water.
Levalbuterol HCI is the USAN modified name for (R)-albuterol HCI in the United States.
Xopenex (levalbuterol HCI) Inhalation Solution is supplied in unit-dose vials and requires no dilution before administration by nebulization. Each 3 mL unit- dose vial contains 0.31 mg of levalbuterol (as 0.36 mg of levalbuterol HCI) or 0.63 mg of levalbuterol (as 0.73 mg of levalbuterol HCI) or 1.25 mg of levalbuterol (as 1.44 mg of levalbuterol HCI), sodium chloride to adjust tonicity, and sulfuric acid to adjust the pH to 4.0 (3.3 to 4.5).
Stop using levalbuterol inhalation and seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of the following serious side effects:
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use levalbuterol...
Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Xopenex »
Before taking levalbuterol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to similar bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol, metaproterenol, salmeterol); or to sympathomimetic drugs (e.g., epinephrine, pseudoephedrine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart disease (e.g., high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, coronary insufficiency), seizures, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), diabetes, kidney disease, low blood potassium level (hypokalemia).
This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any...
Last reviewed on RxList: 6/4/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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