What is Xopenex used for?
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.
Who should not take Xopenex?
You should not take
Xopenex if you have had any type of reaction to medicines containing levalbuterol or
albuterol.
Special Warnings with Xopenex:
- Xopenex can produce a narrowing of the airways called paradoxical bronchospasm in some
patients, which may be life threatening.
- Your health care provider may need to prescribe other medications in addition to Xopenex
to help control your asthma. Do not stop taking other asthma medications unless advised by
your health care provider.
- Xopenex can cause significant heart-related side effects, such as an increase in pulse,
blood pressure, and/or related symptoms. If you have a heart condition, your doctor will
determine if Xopenex is right for you.
- Use as directed by your doctor or health care provider. Deaths have been reported with
similar inhaled medications in asthma patients who use too much.
- Hypersensitivity reaction, (severe allergic reaction) may occur immediately after taking
Xopenex. Experiencing itching, areas of skin swelling (angioedema), skin rash, or
narrowing of the airways, may be signs of a hypersensitivity reaction.
General Precautions with Xopenex:
If you currently have, or have a history of the following conditions, your
health care provider will evaluate you to decide if Xopenex is right for you:
- Heart disease, (e.g. reduced heart circulation, high blood pressure, and
irregular heartbeat)
- Seizures
- High levels of thyroid hormone
- Diabetes
- Reactions to medications similar to Xopenex
What should I tell my doctor or health care
provider?
Review all medications that you are taking with your health care provider, including
those that you take without a prescription. Because of the potential
to interact with Xopenex and cause side effects, tell your doctor or health care provider
if you are taking other medications such as:
- Diuretics such as furosemide and hctz
- Antidepressants such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors or
tricyclic antidepressants
- Drugs known to affect the heart’s regular rhythm
- Drugs used for high blood pressure or after a heart
attack, such as metoprolol or atenolol
Tell your doctor if you are trying to become pregnant, are already
pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of Xopenex?
(This is NOT
a complete list of side effects reported with Xopenex. Your health care provider can
discuss with you a more complete list of side effects.)
Side effects of Xopenex may depend on the dose. Xopenex may result in some
temporary increase in heart rate, tremor, and nervousness.
For more detailed information about Xopenex, ask your health care provider.
Link to
Xopenex's Labeling 
Posted: 4/20/99
Revised: 7/11/01
Revised: 5/26/04
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