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Brand Name: Xopenex

Generic Name: levalbuterol

An adrenergic bronchodilator - It helps open up the airways in your lungs to make it easier to breat... more

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INFO

What is this medicine?

Xopenex (lev al BYOO ter ol) is a bronchodilator. It helps open up the airways in your lungs to make it easier to breathe. This medicine is used to treat and to prevent bronchospasm.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

diabetes
heart disease or irregular heartbeat
high blood pressure
kidney disease
pheochromocytoma
seizures
thyroid disease
an unusual or allergic reaction to albuterol, levalbuterol, sulfites, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for inhalation through the mouth. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Do not use more often than directed. Make sure that you are using your inhaler correctly. Ask you doctor or health care provider if you have any questions.

A patient information sheet for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

Use this medicine before you use any other inhaler. Wait 5 minutes or more before between using different inhalers.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

anti-infectives like chloroquine and pentamidine
caffeine
cisapride
diuretics
medicines for colds
medicines for depression or for emotional or psychotic conditions
medicines for weight loss including some herbal products
methadone
some antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, levofloxacin, and linezolid
some heart medicines
steroid hormones like dexamethasone, cortisone, hydrocortisone
theophylline
thyroid hormones

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve. If your asthma or bronchitis gets worse while you are using this medicine, call your doctor right away.

If mouth gets dry try chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy. Drink water as directed.

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All visitors to AARP.org should seek expert medical care and consult their own physicians for any specific health issues. Read this disclaimer in its entirety.

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Note: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have question about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.

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