how do you take xopenex inhaler

Precautions

Xopenex (levalbuterol) is a bronchodilator, which relaxes the muscles in your lungs. Steroids are also used in asthma to lower inflammation in your lungs. What are the side effects of Xopenex inhaler? Headache, nervousness, shaking (tremor), dizziness, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea, or runny nose may occur.

Does Xopenex inhaler contain steroids?

When and How to Use an Inhaler

• Every Day: Control Inhaler. These inhalers help prevent flares and keep symptoms from getting worse. ...
• Quick Relief: Rescue Inhaler. You should keep a rescue inhaler with you all the time. ...
• Make Activity Easier. When you have asthma triggered by exercise, short-acting inhalers can make activities that need extra lung power more doable.

Why to administer an inhaler?

To use the inhalation powder:

• Take the inhaler from the foil pouch before you use it for the first time.
• The inhaler provides about 200 inhalations. ...
• Make sure the cap is closed before using this medicine. ...
• Hold the inhaler upright as you open the cap fully until you hear a "click". ...
• To inhale this medicine, breathe out fully, trying to get as much air out of the lungs as possible. ...

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How to use a Ventolin inhaler correctly?

�Take off cap. Shake the inhaler. Prime (spray or pump) the inhaler as �If you use a spacer or valved holding chamber (VHC), remove the cap �Stand up or sit up straight. �Take a deep breath in. Tilt head back slightly and blow out completely �Place the mouthpiece of the inhaler or spacer/VHC in your mouth and

How to Prime Ventolin inhaler?

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?

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. The typical dosage for children ages 6 through 11 years is described below, in the section “Pediatric dosing.”

How often do you take xopenex?

This product does not require any mixing before use unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. This medication is inhaled into the lungs using a nebulizer as directed by your doctor, usually 3 times a day. Each treatment usually takes about 5 to 15 minutes.

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.

Is Xopenex stronger than albuterol?

Xopenex (levalbuterol) inhaler is very effective at relieving acute asthma attakcs in more moderate to severe airway conditions, but is more expensive. Makes it easier to breathe. ProAir HFA (albuterol) acts quickly to stop asthma attacks and help you breathe easier.

Will Xopenex help cough?

They relieve cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and troubled breathing by increasing the flow of air through the bronchial tubes. This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

How many hours does Xopenex last?

The action of XOPENEX HFA should last for 4 to 6 hours. Do not use XOPENEX HFA more frequently than recommended.

Can you use albuterol and Xopenex together?

Interactions between your drugs Using albuterol together with levalbuterol may increase cardiovascular side effects such as elevations in heart rate and blood pressure or irregular heart rhythm.

What happens when you take too much Xopenex?

Sudden shortness of breath can happen right away after using Xopenex HFA. death. If you use too much Xopenex HFA you can have heart or lung problems that can lead to death. serious allergic reactions.

Does Xopenex make you shaky?

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.

What is the difference in albuterol and Xopenex?

Albuterol. Xopenex is offered in inhaled forms only, while albuterol is available as an inhalant, oral tablet, and oral syrup. 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.

What happens if you take too much Xopenex?

Sudden shortness of breath can happen right away after using Xopenex HFA. death. If you use too much Xopenex HFA you can have heart or lung problems that can lead to death. serious allergic reactions.

Can you overdose on Xopenex?

If you use too much levalbuterol you can have heart or lung problems that can lead to death. serious allergic reactions. Call your doctor and stop using levalbuterol right away if you have any symptoms of an allergic reaction such as: swelling of the face, throat or tongue.

Can you use albuterol and Xopenex together?

Interactions between your drugs Using albuterol together with levalbuterol may increase cardiovascular side effects such as elevations in heart rate and blood pressure or irregular heart rhythm.

How long does Xopenex stay in your system?

The action of XOPENEX HFA should last for 4 to 6 hours. Do not use XOPENEX HFA more frequently than recommended.

Before Taking This Medicine

You should not use Xopenex if you are allergic to levalbuterol or albuterol (Accuneb, ProAir, Proventil, Ventolin).To make sure Xopenex is safe for...

How Should I Use Xopenex?

Use Xopenex exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller a...

What Happens If I Miss A Dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to m...

What Happens If I Overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of levalbuterol can be fatal.

What Should I Avoid While Using Xopenex?

Avoid situations that may make your condition worse such as exercising in cold, dry air; smoking; breathing in dust; and exposure to allergens such...

What Other Drugs Will Affect Xopenex?

Tell your doctor if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection,...

How does Xopenex work?

The drug works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the airways of the lungs, usually within minutes. It is not used for the long-term control of symptoms but rather when there is a sudden episode of bronchoconstriction (narrowing of the airways).

How many doses of Xopenex HFA?

Xopenex HFA is approved for adults and children 4 and over. It is available in a 15-gram (g) canister with 200 doses or an 8.4-g canister with 80 doses. The recommend dose is the same for adults and children : Take 2 inhaled doses (roughly 90 micrograms of levalbuterol) every four to six hours.

What is Xopenex used for?

Xopenex (levalbuterol) is a short-acting inhaled medication used to relieve acute symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (CO PD). The drug works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the airways of the lungs, usually within minutes.

What is the aerosolized form of Xopenex?

There are two forms of Xopenex: Xopenex HFA, the aerosolized form of levalbuterol, and Xopenex solution, the nebulized form.

How to inhale a saline solution?

Holding the canister upright, place the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips tightly to create a seal. Depress the canister top fully in one movement as you simultaneously inhale. Remove the mouthpiece and hold your breath for 10 seconds. Shake and repeat steps 4 to 7, if needed.

Does Xopenex cause muscle cramps?

Xopenex can affect potassium levels and, in some cases, lead to hypokalemia—a condition in which low potassium causes weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps and stiffness, and tingling or numbness. It is important to let your healthcare provider know if you experience these symptoms as hypokalemia can increase the risk of cardiovascular side effects. 11

Is Xopenex safe for long term use?

Side Effects. Xopenex is considered safe for long-term use with few intolerable side effects. The risk of side effects is dose-dependent, meaning that it increases in tandem with the dose or the frequency of dosing. 6 .

What is Xopenex (levalbuterol)?

Xopenex (levalbuterol) is a short-acting bronchodilator. It relaxes the muscles around the airways that tighten up during an asthma attack. Relaxing these muscles open up the airways to make breathing easier.

What is Xopenex used for?

Cost. Latest News. Images. Medicare. Xopenex (levalbuterol) is a rescue inhaler that is used for people with asthma to help them breathe better when they are wheezing or have shortness of breath.

What are the side effects of Xopenex (levalbuterol)?

With any medication, there are risks and benefits. Even if the medication is working, you may experience some unwanted side effects.

How much does Xopenex (levalbuterol) cost?

Xopenex (levalbuterol) is available as a generic medication and may be significantly cheaper compared to the brand version. Unless there is a specific reason you need the brand, the generic medication will be a better value. For even more savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.

How to clean mouthpiece of inhaler?

Shake well before use. Prime your inhaler before you use it for the first time. Prime by spraying it 4 times into the air away from your face. You'll have to repeat this process if you don't use your inhaler for more than 3 days. Clean the mouthpiece at least once weekly with warm running water for 30 seconds.

Is Xopenex a rescue inhaler?

Is Xopenex (levalbuterol) a rescue inhaler? Yes, Xopenex (levalbuterol) is a rescue inhaler and should only be used when needed. This is different than a maintenance inhaler, which should always be used as directed by your doctor.

Is Xopenex the same as Levalbuterol?

Is Xopenex (levalbuterol) a steroid? Xopenex (levalbuterol) is a bronchodilator, which relaxes the muscles in your lungs.

How to know if an inhaler is working properly?

If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Shake the canister well before using. Follow the instructions for test sprays in the air if you are using a canister for the first time or if you have not used it for 3 days or more. A fine mist is a sign that the inhaler is working properly.

How to store a syringe inhaler?

Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight. It is best to store the inhaler with the mouthpiece down. Avoid freezing. Do not puncture the canister or expose it to high heat or open flame. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Can you float a metal inhaler in water?

Also count test sprays used to prime the inhaler. Do not float the metal canister in water to test if any more drug is left in the canister. Learn which of your inhalers you should use every day (controller drugs) and which you should use if your breathing suddenly worsens (quick-relief drugs).

Can you take levalbuterol if you are allergic to it?

Before taking levalbuterol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to similar drugs (such as albuterol, metaproterenol, salmeterol); 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.

Where to report side effects?

You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. Precautions.

Who can help a child with inhaler?

If a child is using this medication, a parent or other responsible adult may need to help the child use the inhaler properly.

Are you currently using Xopenex HFA Aerosol With Adapter?

This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.

How to use an inhaler for the first time?

When you use the inhaler for the first time, or if you have not used it in a while, the inhaler may not deliver the right amount of medicine with the first puff. Test or prime the inhaler before using it. Shake the inhaler well immediately before each use. Take the cap off the actuator (or mouthpiece).

How to prime an inhaler?

Prime the inhaler by releasing 4 test sprays in the air, away from your face. The inhaler will now be ready to provide the right amount of medicine when you use it. Breathe out fully through your mouth, expelling as much air from your lungs as possible.

How many inhalations does levalbuterol have?

The levalbuterol aerosol canister provides about 200 inhalations, depending on the size of the canister your doctor ordered. You should try to keep a record of the number of inhalations you use so you will know when the canister is almost empty.

How to take a puff out of a canister?

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.

How long should you hold your breath for a syringe?

Hold your breath for 10 seconds, if possible. If your doctor has prescribed more than a single inhalation/puff, wait 1 minute between inhalations. Then, shake the inhaler well and repeat. Replace the cap on the mouthpiece after each use. Clean the actuator or mouthpiece at least once a week.

How to breathe in medicine?

Use the face mask or mouthpiece to breathe in the medicine.

When to use concentrate vial?

Use the inhalation solution concentrate vial right away after opening the foil pouch.

How to report Xopenex side effects?

These are not all the possible side effects of Xopenex. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is Xopenex used for?

Xopenex is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of Asthma (Bronchospasm). Xopenex may be used alone or with other medications.

How long does it take for HFA 134A to be absorbed?

In animals and humans, propellant HFA-134a was found to be rapidly absorbed and rapidly eliminated, with an elimination half-life of 3 to 27 minutes in animals and 5 to 7 minutes in humans . Time to maximum plasma concentration (tmax) and mean residence time are both extremely short, leading to a transient appearance of HFA-134a in the blood with no evidence of accumulation. Based on studies in animals, the propellant HFA-134a had no detectable toxicological activity at amounts less than 380 times the maximum human exposure based on comparisons of AUC values. The toxicological effects observed at these very high doses included ataxia, tremors, dyspnea, or salivation, similar to effects produced by the structurally-related chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) used in metered-dose inhalers, that were extensively used in the past.

What are the side effects of Xopenex?

Get medical help right away, if you have any of the symptoms listed above. The most common side effects of Xopenex include: dizziness, nervousness, tremors, runny nose,

Is levalbuterol in breast milk?

There are no available data on the presence of levalbuterol in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production .

Can beta blockers be used for asthma?

Therefore, patients with asthma should not normally be treated with beta-blockers. However, under certain circumstances, e.g., prophylaxis after myocardial infarction, there may be no acceptable alternatives to the use of beta-adrenergic blocking agents in patients with asthma. In this setting, cardioselective beta-blockers should be considered, although they should be administered with caution.

Is Xopenex a preservative?

XOPENEX 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 beta 2 -adrenergic receptor agonist [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ]. The chemical name for levalbuterol HCl is (R)-α 1 - [ [ (1,1dimethylethyl)amino]methyl]-4-hydroxy-1,3-benzenedimethanol hydrochloride, and its established chemical structure is as follows:

Uses

Before Taking

Dosage

Side Effects

Warnings and Interactions