XOPENEX

Who is Xopenex for ?

Xopenex is used to prevent and treat breathing difficulties (bronchospasm) in adults and adolescents > 12 years of age with reversible obstructive airway disease (i.e. asthma). It relaxes and opens air passages in the lungs, making it easier to breathe. Xopenex is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

When should I be careful taking Xopenex ?

Before taking Xopenex,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Levalbuterol, albuterol, or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription medications you are taking, especially atenolol (Tenormin); carteolol (Cartrol); digoxin (Lanoxin); furosemide (Lasix); hydrochlorothiazide (Hydrodiuril); labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate); metoprolol (Lopressor); nadolol (Corgard); phenelzine (Nardil); propranolol (Inderal); sotalol (Betapace); theophylline (Theo-Dur); timolol (Blocadren); tranylcypromine (Parnate); and other medications for asthma, heart disease, or depression.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what nonprescription medications and vitamins you are taking, including ephedrine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, or pseudoephedrine. Many nonprescription products contain these drugs (e.g., diet pills and medications for colds and asthma), so check labels carefully. Do not take any of these medications without talking to your doctor (even if you never had a problem taking them before).
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had an irregular heartbeat, increased heart rate, heart disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma, an overactive thyroid gland, diabetes, low potassium levels, or seizures.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Xopenex, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Xopenex.

Xopenex Side Effects

Although side effects from Xopenex are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• tremor
• nervousness
• dizziness
• anxiety
• headache
• upset stomach
• cough
• pain
• leg cramps
• viral infection/flu-like symptoms
• rhinitis
• sinusitis
• dry mouth
• throat irritation
• insomnia

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• rash or hives
• swelling of the lips, face, or throat
• increased difficulty breathing
• rapid or increased heart rate
• chest pain or discomfort
• irregular heartbeat