Drugs & Vitamins

Xopenex inhalation solution Active Ingredients: Levalbuterol inhalation solution Representative Names: Xopenex inhalation solution What is levalbuterol inhalation solution? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with levalbuterol? What side effects may I notice from using levalbuterol? What should I watch for while taking levalbuterol? Where can I keep my medicine? What is levalbuterol inhalation solution? (Back to top) LEVALBUTEROL (Xopenex®) is a bronchodilator, a medicine that opens up your air passages and makes breathing easier. Levalbuterol is used for patients with various lung problems such as asthma and chronic bronchitis. Regular use of levalbuterol inhalation controls recurring episodes of bronchospasm. Generic levalbuterol inhalation solution is not available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of the following conditions: •diabetes •heart disease, or irregular heartbeat •high blood pressure •low blood levels of potassium •lung disease •pheochromocytoma •seizures (convulsions) •thyroid disease •an unusual or allergic reaction to albuterol, levalabuterol, sulfites, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Levalbuterol inhalation solution is for use in a nebulizer. Nebulizers convert a solution of levalbuterol into an aerosol for inhalation through the mouth and into the lungs. The flow rate is adjusted to provide a correct dose. Follow the directions for correct use of the nebulizer. Use doses at regular intervals. Do not use more often than directed. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with levalbuterol? (Back to top) •arsenic trioxide •astemizole •bepridil •beta-blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems •caffeine •certain antibiotics (such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, gatifloxacin, gemifloxacin, grepafloxacin, levofloxacin, linezolid, moxifloxacin, sparfloxacin) •chloroquine •cisapride •droperidol •halofantrine •levomethadyl •medicines for colds and breathing difficulties •medicines for heart disease or high blood pressure •medicines known as MAO inhibitors, such as phenelzine (Nardil®), tranylcypromine (Parnate®), isocarboxazid (Marplan®), and selegiline (Carbex®, Eldepryl®) •medicines to control heart rhythm (examples: amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, flecainide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol) •medicines for treating depression or mental illness (amoxapine, haloperidol, maprotiline, pimozide, phenothiazines, risperidone, sertindole, tricyclic antidepressants, ziprasidone) •methadone •pentamidine •probucol •some medicines for weight loss (including some herbal products, ephedra, ephedrine, dextroamphetamine) •steroid hormones such as dexamethasone, cortisone, hydrocortisone •terfenadine •theophylline •thyroid hormones •water pills or diuretics Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check before starting or stopping any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from using levalbuterol? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: Rare: •skin rash or hives •swelling of the tongue, face, or lips with difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or tightening of the throat (angioedema) Infrequent: •difficulty breathing or wheezing which increases or does not go away •dizziness or fainting spell •chest pain or palpitations (fast, pounding heartbeat) •fast or irregular heartbeat •fever •headache (severe) •increased blood pressure •muscle cramps or weakness •numbness in fingers or toes •vomiting Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •anxiety, nervousness, trembling •cough •diarrhea •difficulty sleeping •dry mouth •mild headache •nasal congestion, runny nose •nausea, upset stomach •throat irritation (mild) •unusual taste What should I watch for while taking levalbuterol? (Back to top) Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve. If your asthma or bronchitis gets worse while you are using levalbuterol call your prescriber or health care professional as soon as you can for advice. Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water, will help. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children. Store at a room temperature between 25 degress C (68 and 77 degrees F); do not freeze. Protect from light and excessive heat. Keep unopened vials in the foil pouch. Once the foil pouch is opened, the vials should be used within two weeks. Vials removed from the pouch, if not used immediately, should be protected from light and used within one week. Discard any vial if the solution is not colorless. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:04/29/2004 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.