Xopenex (Levalbuterol) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 9, 2012

Xopenex

Asthma »

Myths, facts, and statistics about asthma

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.

T or F - Asthma is "all in the mind."
T or F - You will "grow out of it."
T or F - Asthma can be cured, so it is not serious and nobody dies from it.
T or F - You are likely to develop asthma if someone in your family has it.
T or F - You can "catch" asthma from someone else who has it.
T or F - Moving to a different location, such as the desert, can cure asthma.
T or F - People with asthma should not exercise.
T or F - Asthma is best controlled when one has an asthma management plan designed by your doctor. This should include the medications used for quick relief as well as maintenance therapy.
T or F - Medications used to treat asthma are habit...

Read the Asthma article »

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Xopenex®
(levalbuterol HCl) Inhalation Solution, 0.31 mg*, 0.63 mg*, 1.25 mg*

*Potency expressed as levalbuterol

DRUG DESCRIPTION

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:

Xopenex (levalbuterol HCI) structural formula illustration

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).

What are the possible side effects of levalbuterol inhalation (Xopenex, Xopenex Concentrate, Xopenex HFA)?

Stop using levalbuterol inhalation and seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of the following serious side effects:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
worsening of respiratory symptoms (shortness of breath, wheezing); or
chest pain or irregular heartbeats.

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 »

What are the precautions when taking levalbuterol (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...

Read All Potential Precautions of Xopenex »

Last reviewed on RxList: 6/4/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.