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| Pronunciation |
|
 (leve
al BYOO ter
ole) |
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| Brand Names |
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| Xopenex™ |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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|
Beta2 Agonist |
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
|
|
- If you have an allergy to levalbuterol or any other part of the
medicine.
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| 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? |
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- It works at sites in the airways to relax the muscle. This prevents or
treats spasms that occur.
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| 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.
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|
| 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.
|
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| What should I monitor? |
|
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- Watch for changes in breathing. Is breathing better, worse, or about
the same?
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| 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.
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
|
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- 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.
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| 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).
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