LEVALBUTEROL CONCENTRATED SOLUTION - INHALATION

LEVALBUTEROL CONCENTRATED SOLUTION - INHALATION

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (LEV-al-BUE-ter-ol)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Xopenex

GENERIC NAME(S): levalbuterol HCl

Uses

USES: Levalbuterol is used to prevent and treat wheezing and shortness of breath caused by breathing problems (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). It is a quick-relief drug. Levalbuterol belongs to a class of drugs known as bronchodilators. It works in the airways by opening breathing passages and relaxing muscles. Controlling symptoms of breathing problems can decrease time lost from work or school.


How to use LEVALBUTEROL CONCENTRATED SOLUTION - INHALATION

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. This medication is used with a special machine called a nebulizer that changes the solution to a fine mist that you inhale. Learn how to prepare the solution and use the nebulizer properly. If a child is using this medication, a parent or other responsible adult may need to help the child use the nebulizer properly. If you have any questions, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist. This product should be clear and colorless. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Using the nebulizer, inhale this medication into your lungs as directed by your doctor, usually 3 times a day. Each treatment usually takes about 5 to 15 minutes. Use this medication only through a nebulizer. Do not swallow or inject the solution. Do not mix with other medicines in the nebulizer. To prevent infections, clean the nebulizer and mouthpiece/face mask according to the manufacturer's directions. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. The dosage is based on your medical condition, age, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often than prescribed without your doctor's approval. Using too much of this medication will increase your risk of serious (possibly fatal) side effects. Learn which of your inhalers/medications you should use every day (controller drugs) and which you should use if your breathing suddenly worsens (quick-relief drugs). Ask your doctor ahead of time what you should do if you have new or worsening cough or shortness of breath, wheezing, increased sputum, worsening peak flow meter readings, waking up at night with trouble breathing, if you use your quick-relief inhaler/medication more often (more than 2 days a week), or if your quick-relief inhaler/medication does not seem to be working well. Learn when you can treat sudden breathing problems by yourself and when you must get medical help right away. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Nervousness, dizziness, shaking (tremor), trouble sleeping, headache, nausea, dry mouth, increased coughing, or runny nose may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell 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. This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fast/pounding heartbeat. Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: chest pain, irregular heartbeat, rapid breathing, confusion. Rarely, this medication has caused severe (rarely fatal), sudden worsening of breathing problems/asthma (paradoxical bronchospasm). If you experience sudden wheezing, get medical help right away. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: 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 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking levalbuterol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to similar drugs (such as albuterol, metaproterenol, salmeterol); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: diabetes, heart problems (such as irregular heartbeat, angina, previous heart attack), high blood pressure, kidney disease, seizure. This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Levalbuterol is very similar to albuterol. Do not use inhaled medications containing albuterol while using levalbuterol.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: chest pain, fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, headache, shaking (tremors), nervousness, weakness, severe dizziness, seizures.

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Faq for LEVALBUTEROL CONCENTRATED SOLUTION - INHALATION

Levalbuterol concentrated solution is used to treat or prevent symptoms of asthma, such as wheezing and shortness of breath.

Levalbuterol works by relaxing the muscles around the airways, allowing them to open up and improve breathing.

Levalbuterol concentrated solution is usually inhaled using a nebulizer machine. Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider on how to properly use the solution.

Common side effects of levalbuterol concentrated solution may include headache, tremor, nervousness, and increased heart rate. Contact your doctor if you experience any severe or persistent side effects.

Levalbuterol concentrated solution can be used for acute asthma attacks, but it is important to seek medical attention if your symptoms worsen or do not improve after using the medication.

It is important to consult with your doctor before using levalbuterol concentrated solution during pregnancy. They can evaluate the potential risks and benefits based on your specific situation.

The frequency of use will depend on your individual needs and the recommendations of your doctor. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and schedule.

Levalbuterol concentrated solution can be used in children, but the dosage will be determined by their age, weight, and individual condition. Consult with a pediatrician for appropriate guidance.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.