Why is Xopenex HFA prescribed?

Levosalbutamol (Xopenex HFA) is used to prevent and treat bronchospasm (sudden constriction of the muscles that line the airways in your lungs) in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It can be used in adults and children who are at least 4 years of age.

What does it do?

Levosalbutamol is classified as a short-acting bronchodilator. It works by relaxing the muscles that line the airways in your lungs, enabling them to open up and increase the flow of air into your lungs. This allows you to breathe more easily. It is a drug that provides quick-relief to symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath, allowing you to improve your quality of life.

How should I use it?

Xopenex HFA is a 45mcg 200-dose inhaler. It is for oral inhalation use only and should not be used by other methods of drug delivery. Always follow the directions given by your doctor in using this medication. Do not change your dose without consulting your doctor.

Each inhaler contains 200 doses of the medication. The pointer in the dose indicator display will move every time you administer a dose and indicate the number of doses you have left. When the number in the dose indicator display reads zero, it means that the medication is used up and you should throw away your inhaler.

When using Xopenex HFA for the first time, or if you have not used it for 3 consecutive days, you must prime the inhaler.

To prime Xopenex HFA for the first time, do the following steps:

1. Make sure the dose indicator on the top of the inhaler points to the 200 mark.
2. Take off the cap of the mouthpiece and check for any dirt or objects inside.
3. Hold the inhaler upright and shake it for at least 5 seconds.
4. Pump 4 sprays into the air, away from your face.
5. Check if the dose indicator is pointing to 200 and it is now ready for use.

When using Xopenex HFA:

1. Take the cap off the mouthpiece and check for any dirt or objects inside.
2. Shake the inhaler for at least 5 seconds.
3. Hold the inhaler upright with the mouthpiece facing towards you.
4. Breathe out as much as you can through your mouth, away from the inhaler.
5. Put the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips around it.
6. Breathe in deeply and slowly while pressing down once on the canister to spray the medication into your mouth.
7. After breathing in, remove the mouthpiece from your mouth and hold your breath for 10 seconds. Then breathe out slowly, away from the inhaler.
8. If you require more than one puff, wait for a minute and repeat steps 4 to 7.
9. Put back the cap on the mouthpiece right away and secure it firmly into place.

Clean your inhaler once a week to prevent buildup of the medicine which may block the mouthpiece. To do so, remove the canister and place the mouthpiece under running water for 30 seconds. Shake off as much water as possible and allow the parts to dry before assembling the inhaler again.

Keep track of the number of sprays you need. Do not inhale more than the intended amount prescribed by your doctor. This will not improve your condition and may cause side effects. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for any concerns you may have in using Xopenex HFA dose inhaler.

What if I missed a dose?

Inhale the dose you missed when you remember it. However, skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose and take it at your regular schedule. Do not double your dosage to make up for the missed dose.

What are the special precautions before using Xopenex HFA?

Do not use Xopenex HFA when you are near a flame or a heat source. The high temperatures may cause your inhaler to explode.

The use of Xopenex HFA may cause dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do activities that require you to be fully alert until you can do it safely. Limit alcohol intake and talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any component of Xopenex HFA, similar medications such as salbutamol and salmeterol as well as other medications. This product may also contain inactive ingredients which may cause allergic reactions.

Tell your doctor if you or your family members have a medical history of heart disease, high blood pressure, seizures, diabetes, kidney disease, or thyroid disorders.

Inform your doctor if you have plans to become pregnant, if you are pregnant, and if you are breastfeeding.

For the drug label information of Xopenex HFA, click here.

Does it have any side effects?

It is important to note that all drugs have corresponding side effects and adverse reactions. Additional information may be obtained when you ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Common side effects include:
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nervousness
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Tremors
• Vomiting

Serious side effects include:
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Hoarseness
• Irregular heartbeats
• Numbness
• Skin rash
• Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, or lips

Is it safe to use it with another drug?

Some drug interactions may cause life-threatening reactions when taken with other medications. Immediately inform your doctor if you are taking Xopenex HFA with any of the following medications:

• Albuterol
• Arnuity
• Beclomethasone
• Budesonide
• Elavil
• Flovent
• Fluticasone
• Formoterol
• Imipramine
• Isocarboxazid
• Lanoxin
• Lasix
• Linezolid
• Metaproterenol
• Neurontin
• Parnate
• Phenelzine
• Prilosec
• Prednisone
• Qvar
• Salmeterol
• Selegiline
• Spiriva
• Symbicort
• Tenormin
• Ventolin

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for other possible interactions not listed within this section.

How should I store it?

Store Xopenex HFA in a clean environment away from light, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Do not keep in your car, especially in warm climates. Always keep it in the container it came in.

Keep out of reach from children and pets. This medication is specific for you and must not be consumed by others.

Throw away the inhaler device when the dose indicator reads zero. Do not puncture any holes or burn an empty inhaler canister. Discard the medication properly.

What action should I take in case of overdose?

Some symptoms of overdose may include the following:

In the event of an overdose, inform your doctor or seek immediate medical attention to address the symptoms and to prevent further complications or possible death.

Is it safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?

There are currently not enough studies to determine whether Levosalbutamol will cause harm to the unborn baby. The use of this medication should be thoroughly discussed with your doctor to weigh the risks and benefits.

It is not known if Levosalbutamol is excreted into breast milk. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding a baby.

The use of Levosalbutamol in pregnant and breastfeeding women should be avoided unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

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