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Levalbuterol

Brand Names

; Xopenex™

Therapeutic Categories

Beta2 Agonist

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to levalbuterol or any other part of the medicine.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to open up the airways in diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease where spasm may cause breathing problems.

How does it work?

• It works at sites in the airways to relax the muscle. This prevents or treats spasms that occur.

How is it best taken?

• Given by inhalation (puffing) as a special solution via a nebulizing machine.
• If you do not know already then you will be taught how to use a nebulizing machine.
• Do not mix other medicines with levalbuterol.
• If other medicines need to be given then give them after the levalbuterol.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• This medicine may also be given on an as needed basis, but follow healthcare provider's directions.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Tell healthcare provider if you have heart disease.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Rapid or pounding heartbeats.
• Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
• Dizziness, shakiness, or nervousness. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.

What should I monitor?

• Watch for changes in breathing. Is breathing better, worse, or about the same?

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat.
• If medicine is less effective than before or you need to use it more often.
• Very nervous and excitable.
• Changes in thinking clearly and logically.
• Chest pains, fast heartbeats, shortness of breath, or decreased ability to walk.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in the foil pouch at room temperature.
• Once the foil pouch is opened use within 2 weeks.
• The solution should be colorless. Throw away if it is not.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).