Xopenex (Levalbuterol) for COPD

Overview
Xopenex is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent and treat bronchospasms in diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Xopenex is also known by its drug name, Levalbuterol.

Chemically, Xopenex is very similar to Albuterol. Xopenex is a bronchodilator, a drug that dilates the bronchi and bronchioles in the lungs, making it easier to breathe. Xopenex is believed to work by relaxing smooth muscles in the airways. Xopenex is considered a short-acting bronchodilator.

How do I take it?
Xopenex is taken orally using an inhaler or nebulizer. Xopenex is typically administered three times per day, every eight hours.

Shake your inhaler well before using it each time. Prime new inhalers by releasing four sprays into the air, away from your face, shaking it well before each spray. Also, prime inhalers that have been dropped or have not been used for more than two weeks. Clean the actuator (the plastic sleeve that dispenses the medicine) once a week in warm water and let it air-dry.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions exactly when taking Xopenex.

Side effects
Common side effects of Xopenex include shaking, nervousness, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, throat irritation, muscle pain, and dizziness.

Get medical assistance immediately if you experience chest pain or tightness, wheezing, an irregular heartbeat, trouble breathing, or symptoms of low potassium (confusion, thirst, muscle weakness) or high blood pressure (headache, confusion, blurred vision) while taking Xopenex.

Many drugs can cause allergic reactions which, in the most serious cases, can result in death. Seek immediate medical help if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing or swelling in the face, throat