Put the mouthpiece into your mouth and close your lips. Breathe in slowly while pushing down on the canister. Hold your breath for 10 seconds, then breathe out slowly. If you use more than one inhalation at a time, wait at least 1 minute before using the second inhalation and shake the inhaler again.

How many puffs of xopenex can I take?

The typical dosing of Xopenex (levalbuterol) is 1–2 puffs by mouth every 4-6 hours when needed for wheezing or shortness of breath.

How many times a day can you use Xopenex inhaler?

Adults and Adolescents ≥12 years old: The recommended starting dosage of Xopenex Inhalation Solution for patients 12 years of age and older is 0.63 mg administered three times a day, every 6 to 8 hours, by nebulization.

How often can xopenex be taken?

Inhale this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually every 4 to 6 hours as needed. If two inhalations are prescribed, wait at least 1 minute between them. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

How long does it take for Xopenex to work?

It relaxes the muscles around your airways to prevent or treat bronchospasm. Xopenex HFA will work within minutes and make breathing easier. After you take your medicine you might feel jittery. If you need rescue medication more than 2 times a week, call your doctor.

How do you take xopenex?

Put the mouthpiece into your mouth and close your lips. Breathe in slowly while pushing down on the canister. Hold your breath for 10 seconds, then breathe out slowly. If you use more than one inhalation at a time, wait at least 1 minute before using the second inhalation and shake the inhaler again.

When should I take xopenex?

Levalbuterol is used to treat wheezing and shortness of breath that commonly occur with lung problems (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). It is a quick-relief drug. Controlling these symptoms can decrease time lost from work or school.

How long does xopenex stay in your system?

The action of Xopenex (levalbuterol HCl) Inhalation Solution may last up to 8 hours.

Is xopenex better than albuterol?

With generic versions of both now available, the cost of Xopenex and albuterol is more or less the same. Xopenex and albuterol are both useful drugs with similar actions. Because some providers believe that Xopenex has fewer side effects, it may be a reasonable option if you have any issue with albuterol.

Does levalbuterol make you jittery?

SIDE EFFECTS: Nervousness, dizziness, shaking (tremor), trouble sleeping, headache, nausea, dry mouth, increased coughing, or runny nose may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Article first time published on

How do you inhale levalbuterol?

While breathing in deeply and slowly through your mouth, fully depress the top of the metal canister with your middle finger. Immediately after the puff is delivered, release your finger from the canister and remove the inhaler from your mouth. Hold your breath for 10 seconds, if possible.

Does xopenex cause less tachycardia than albuterol?

Other studies show no difference in mean heart rate when the 2 drugs are compared head-to-head. Because the adverse effect of increased heart rate is common to all beta-agonists, equimolar doses of levalbuterol and racemic albuterol would be expected to result in a similar degree of tachycardia.

Can you take Xopenex and albuterol together?

Using albuterol together with levalbuterol may increase cardiovascular side effects such as elevations in heart rate and blood pressure or irregular heart rhythm. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns, particularly if you have a history of high blood pressure, arrhythmia, or heart disease.

Does xopenex help bronchitis?

Once bronchitis is diagnosed, most doctors will recommend lots of fluid and sometimes an over the counter expectorant to rid the lungs of phlegm. If you are wheezing, you may receive an inhaled medication called Albuterol or Xopenex which can help open inflamed bronchial tubes.

What happens if you take too much xopenex?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of levalbuterol can be fatal. Avoid situations that may make your condition worse such as exercising in cold, dry air; smoking; breathing in dust; and exposure to allergens such as pet fur.

How many doses are in a Xopenex inhaler?

Inhalation aerosol: XOPENEX HFA is a pressurized, metered dose aerosol. Each XOPENEX HFA 15 gram canister contains 200 metered actuations (or inhalations). Each canister is fitted with a dose indicator and is supplied with a blue plastic actuator mouthpiece and a red mouthpiece cap.

Can you use xopenex everyday?

Dosage of Xopenex for bronchospasm For people ages 12 years and older, the typical dosage of Xopenex is 0.63 mg, taken up to three times daily (every 6 to 8 hours) with a nebulizer.

Is xopenex a beta blocker?

Beta-blockers: Beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents not only block the pulmonary effect of beta-adrenergic agonists, such as XOPENEX HFA, but may produce severe bronchospasm in asthmatic patients.

What do you dilute Levalbuterol with?

Xopenex (levalbuterol HCl) Inhalation Solution Concentrate should be diluted with sterile normal saline before administration by nebulization.

Why would xopenex be ordered instead of Albuterol?

Xopenex (levalbuterol) may have less side effects such as rapid heartbeat than albuterol. It is available as a generic. The nebulizer solution is a good option for children and adults who have difficulty using a handheld inhaler.

How much does a Xopenex inhaler cost without insurance?

The cost for Xopenex HFA inhalation aerosol (45 mcg/inh) is around $81 for a supply of 15 grams, depending on the pharmacy you visit. Prices are for cash paying customers only and are not valid with insurance plans. A generic version of Xopenex HFA is available, see levalbuterol prices.

Is xopenex the same as DuoNeb?

DuoNeb (beclomethasone dipropionate) and Xopenex HFA (albuterol sulfate inhalation aerosol) are used to treat asthma. Xopenex HFA is also used to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm. DuoNeb and Xopenex HFA belong to different drug classes. DuoNeb is a steroid and Xopenex HFA is a bronchodilator.

Can I drink alcohol while taking levalbuterol?

The good news is that the prescribing information for albuterol HFA does not list an interaction with alcohol. The prescribing information for Xopenex HFA (levalbuterol), another popular rescue inhaler, also does not list an interaction with alcohol.

Can you use Levalbuterol everyday?

Adults and children 12 years of age and older—At first, 0.63 milligrams (mg) in the nebulizer 3 times a day, every 6 to 8 hours per day. Some patients may need to start at 1.25 mg in the nebulizer 3 times a day.

Can albuterol damage your lungs?

This medicine may cause paradoxical bronchospasm, which means your breathing or wheezing will get worse. This may be life-threatening. Check with your doctor right away if you or your child have coughing, difficulty breathing, or wheezing after using this medicine.

Can xopenex cause shortness of breath?

This medicine may cause paradoxical bronchospasm, which means your breathing or wheezing will get worse. Paradoxical bronchospasm may be life-threatening. Check with your doctor right away if you or your child have coughing, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or wheezing after using this medicine.

Does Levalbuterol affect the heart?

Levalbuterol, the “pure” R-isomer, has been thought to decrease cardiac side effects since it only contains the therapeutic component of the racemic mixture. Patients with tachyarrhythmias are at an increased probability to experience harmful, if not fatal, cardiac side effects from these drugs.

How do you take levalbuterol tartrate?

The usual dose of levalbuterol tartrate is two inhalations (90 mcg) every four to six hours in persons four years or older. 2 In some patients, one inhalation every four hours may be sufficient.

How do you take Levosalbutamol?

Levosalbutamol is used to relieve symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) such as coughing, wheezing and breathlessness. The inhalers are called ‘reliever’ inhalers as they give you quick relief from breathing problems.

What bronchodilator does not increase heart rate?

Salbutamol inhalation has no effect on myocardial ischaemia, arrhythmias and heart-rate variability in patients with coronary artery disease plus asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Does an inhaler break up mucus?

How to Cough Up Phlegm & Mucus to Relieve Chest Congestion in Adults. Techniques to cough up mucus are often done after using an inhaled bronchodilator medication. The medication helps loosen the mucus and open the airways to make the techniques more effective.