Dosage Information for Xopenex: Forms, Strengths, Administration, and Additional Guidelines
Xopenex is a commonly prescribed rescue medication used to treat sudden difficulty breathing, particularly in individuals with conditions such as asthma or allergies that cause bronchospasm. This medication, known by its generic name levalbuterol, is available in two forms: a solution for use with a nebulizer and a metered-dose inhaler (Xopenex HFA).
For those using a nebulizer, it's essential to consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about its use. A prescription is required for a nebulizer from your doctor. The diluted Xopenex solution provides a dose of 1.25 milligrams (mg) for nebulization, and the treatment process takes 5-15 minutes. Xopenex solution may be prescribed for children ages 6 years and older, while Xopenex HFA inhaler may be prescribed for children ages 4 years and older.
Xopenex HFA comes in one strength: a 15-gram canister that holds 200 actuations, with each puff delivering 45 mcg levalbuterol.
Common side effects of Xopenex, both in children and adults, include nervousness, tremors, headache, dizziness, dry mouth, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and mild headache. These side effects often improve as the body adjusts to the medication. The inhalation may also cause throat irritation.
More serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include paradoxical bronchospasm (worsening breathing, wheezing, chest tightness), cardiovascular effects such as chest pain, irregular or rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, and severe allergic reactions such as hives, facial or throat swelling, or difficulty breathing.
In children, particularly young ones (2 to 6 years), side effects like excitability or hyperactivity are reported more frequently with similar beta-agonist inhalers like albuterol, which is closely related to levalbuterol.
Levalbuterol can also cause lowering of blood potassium (hypokalemia), which may lead to muscle weakness or irregular heart rhythms, especially in patients with kidney disease or those on certain medications.
Less common side effects reported with similar medications include muscle cramps, flushing, restlessness, irritability, sweating, and mild dizziness or drowsiness.
It's crucial to discuss all side effects, especially severe or persistent ones, with a healthcare provider. Xopenex is a brand-name inhaled medication available in a generic version, and it belongs to a drug class called short-acting beta-agonists.
For questions about taking Xopenex or Xopenex HFA, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Accessible drug labels, such as large print, braille, or a code to convert text to speech, are available at some pharmacies. If your local pharmacy doesn't offer these options, ask your doctor or pharmacist for a recommendation.
In summary, Xopenex is a vital rescue medication for treating sudden difficulty breathing. While common side effects are mild nervous system symptoms, respiratory tract irritation, and cardiovascular effects, more serious reactions are rare but require prompt medical attention. It's essential to discuss all side effects with a healthcare provider.
Deciders of medical-conditions may consider the drug Xopenex, a rescue medication that treats sudden difficulty breathing in individuals with asthma or respiratory-conditions. Xopenex HFA comes in a 15-gram canister with 200 actuations, each delivering 45 mcg levalbuterol, while the nebulizer solution provides a dose of 1.25 milligrams. Fitness-and-exercise can play a role in managing these medical-conditions, but discussions about side effects, including severe or persistent ones, with a healthcare provider are crucial. Health-and-wellness plans may include the use of Xopenex, which belongs to the drug class of short-acting beta-agonists, available in a generic version.
