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levalbuterol - inhalation solution, Xopenex

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GENERIC NAME: LEVALBUTEROL - INHALATION SOLUTION (lev-al-BYOU-ter-ohl)

BRAND NAME(S): Xopenex

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: Levalbuterol is used to treat wheezing and shortness of breath that commonly occur with lung problems (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Controlling these symptoms can decrease time lost from work or school. Levalbuterol is a bronchodilator (beta-2 receptor agonist) that works by opening breathing passages to make breathing easier.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist. This product is used with special breathing equipment (nebulizer). Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist on how to inhale this medication properly with this equipment. Make sure you understand how to operate the machine and how to properly clean it to prevent infections. If a child is using this equipment, a parent or other responsible adult should supervise the child. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Follow your product's instructions for preparing this medication for use. If you are using the concentrated form of levalbuterol, mix it with sterile saline as directed before use. Check with your doctor before mixing with any other asthma medications in your nebulizer.This medication is inhaled into the lungs using a nebulizer, usually 3 times a day. Dosage is based on your medical condition, age, and response to therapy.Use this medication as directed. Do not increase your dose or use this more frequently than directed or the medication may not work as well over time, and you will be at greater risk of side effects. Do not stop using this medication without first consulting your doctor.If you take other asthma drugs by mouth or with inhaling devices, ask your doctor about how to correctly use this medication with your other asthma medicines.If you notice less effect than usual from this medication, if your symptoms get worse, or you feel you need to take any of your asthma medications more often than recommended, seek immediate medical attention.

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, nervousness, shaking (tremor), dizziness, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea, cough, sore throat, or runny nose may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: anxiety, fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, leg/muscle cramps, weakness.Seek immediate medical attention if this unlikely but serious side effect occurs: chest pain.Rarely, this medication has caused severe (rarely fatal), sudden worsening of breathing problems/asthma (paradoxical bronchospasm). If you experience sudden wheezing, seek immediate medical attention.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration   You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.