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CHEMICAL NAME
LEVALBUTEROL.
INDICATIONS
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.
DIRECTIONS
Inhale LEVALBUTEROL through the mouth using a nebulizer, generally 3 times daily, as directed. The dose depends on your condition and response to therapy. Learn all instructions for proper preparation and use of this medication from the product package. Learn all instructions for proper use of the nebulizer. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are unclear about any of the information. Do not mix this medication with other liquids in the nebulizer, unless directed to do so by your doctor or pharmacist. Do not increase the dose or use more frequently than prescribed, unless directed to do so by your doctor. If this medication becomes less effective, your symptoms worsen or you need to use the product more frequently than usual, seek immediate medical attention. These may be signs that your condition is worsening. This medication should be checked visually for particles or discoloration before use. If present, do not use the liquid.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
SIDE EFFECTS
Nausea, dry mouth or cough may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water or use a saliva substitute. Report promptly: tremor, lightheadedness, mental/mood changes. Unlikely but report promptly: leg cramps, fast/irregular heartbeat, headache, trouble sleeping. Very unlikely but report promptly: fainting, chest pain, seizures. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this medication, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS
Tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies (especially to albuterol), heart problems (e.g., high blood pressure, arrhythmia), diabetes, seizures, low blood levels of potassium (hypokalemia), adrenal gland tumors (pheochromocytoma), thyroid problems (e.g., hyperthyroid). Use with caution in the elderly, as they may be more sensitive to side effects (e.g., fast pulse, tremor, dizziness). This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this medication is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
OVERDOSAGE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, headache, tremors,nervousness, weakness, and dizziness.
INFORMATION
Do not share this medication with others. Store vials in the foil pouch at room temperature between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 to 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Once the foil pouch is opened, use the vials within 2 weeks. Once vials are removed from the foil pouch, use immediately or protect from light and use within 1 week.
NOTES
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.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially of: other asthma drugs (e.g., albuterol), blood pressure or heart medications, beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol, timolol), MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine, moclobemide), adrenaline-like drugs (e.g., epinephrine, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline), thyroid drugs, ritodrine, digoxin, "water pills" (e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide). If you are currently taking an MAO inhibitor or a tricyclic antidepressant, wait at least 2 weeks between discontinuing these drugs and starting therapy with levalbuterol. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
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