What is Xopenex inhalation
Xopenex
is a bronchodilator. It works by relaxing muscles in the airways
to improve breathing.
Xopenex
inhalation is used to treat reversible obstructive airway
conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema.
Xopenex
inhalation may also be used for conditions other than those
listed in this medication guide.
General medical information about Xopenex inhalation
Do not use more of this medication, or use doses
more frequently, than directed by your doctor. Seek medical
attention if you notice that you require more than your
usual or more than the maximum amount of any asthma medication
in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could
be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.
It is
very important that you use nebulized Xopenex properly,
so that the medicine gets into the lungs. Talk to your doctor
about proper nebulizer use.
What you should discuss with your doctor before using
Xopenex inhalation
Before using Xopenex inhalation, tell your doctor if you have:
- heart disease, an irregular heartbeat,
or high blood pressure; - a seizure disorder; -
diabetes; or - an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
You may not be able to use Xopenex inhalation or
you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring
during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed
above.
Xopenex inhalation is in the FDA pregnancy
category C. This means that it is not known whether Xopenex
inhalation will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use
this medication without first talking to your doctor if
you are pregnant.
It is not known whether Xopenex
passes into breast milk. Do not use Xopenex inhalation without
first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
Xopenex inhalation is not approved for use
by children younger than 6 years of age.
How should you use Xopenex inhalation Use Xopenex inhalation exactly as directed by your
doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your
pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
To use the solution for nebulization: - Open one
vial by tearing on the serrated edge along the seam of the
foil pouch. Remove one unit-dose vial for immediate use.
Keep the rest of the unused unit-dose vial in the foil pouch
to protect them from light. Carefully twist open the top
of one unit-dose vial and squeeze the entire contents into
the nebulizer reservoir (drug chamber). - Attach
the nebulizer reservoir to the mouthpiece or face mask.
Then, attach the nebulizer to the compressor. Sit upright,
in a comfortable position, and put the mouthpiece into your
mouth or put the face mask on, covering the nose and mouth.
Turn on the compressor. Breathe slowly, deeply, and evenly
until all of the medicine has been inhaled (usually 5 to
15 minutes). The treatment is complete when no more mist
is formed by the nebulizer and the drug chamber is empty.
- Clean the nebulizer after a treatment as directed
by the manufacturer.
If you also use a steroid inhaler,
use your Xopenex nebulization solution first to open up
your airways, then use the steroid inhaler as directed.
Do not mix other medicines for nebulization with
a dose of Xopenex unless specifically directed to do so
by your doctor.
It is very important that you use
nebulized Xopenex properly, so that the medicine gets into
your lungs. Talk to your doctor about proper nebulizer use.
Do not use more of this medication, or use doses
more frequently, than directed by your doctor. Seek medical
attention if you notice that you require more than your
usual or more than the maximum amount of any asthma medication
in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could
be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.
Store
Xopenex in the protective foil pouch at room temperature,
protected from light and excessive heat. Once the foil pouch
is opened, the vials should be used within two weeks. Once
an individual vial is removed from the foil pouch, if it
is not to be used immediately, it should be protected from
light and used within one week. Once an individual vial
is opened, it should be used immediately or discarded. Discard
the vial if the solution is not colorless.
If you miss a dose: Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose,
skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do
not use a double dose of this medication.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms
of a Xopenex overdose include angina or chest pain, irregular
heartbeats or a fluttering heart, seizures, tremor, nervousness,
weakness, headache, dry mouth, dizziness, sleeplessness,
nausea, and vomiting.
What should you avoid while using Xopenex inhalation Avoid situations that may make your condition worse
such as exercising in cold, dry air; smoking; breathing
in dust; and exposure to allergens such as pet fur.
Possible side effects of Xopenex inhalation Stop using Xopenex inhalation and seek emergency
medical attention if you experience any of the following
serious side effects: - an allergic reaction (difficulty
breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips,
tongue, or face; or hives); - worsening of respiratory
symptoms (shortness of breath, wheezing); or - chest
pain or irregular heartbeats.
Other, less serious
side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use
Xopenex inhalation and talk to your doctor if you experience
- dizziness; - tremor or nervousness; -
anxiety; - headache; - cough or runny nose;
- upset stomach; or - leg cramps.
Side
effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk
to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual
or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Xopenex inhalation Before using Xopenex inhalation, tell your doctor
if you are taking any of the following medicines: -
a beta-blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin),acebutolol (Sectral),
bisoprolol (Zebeta), carteolol (Cartrol), carvedilol (Coreg),
labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor,
Toprol XL), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal), and
others; - a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline
(Elavil), amoxapine (Asendin), doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine
(Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others; -
a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid
(Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate);
- a diuretic (water pill) such as hydrochlorothiazide
(HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Microzide, others), chlorothiazide (Diuril),
chlorthalidone (Hygroton, Thalitone), furosemide (Lasix),
bumetanide (Bumex), ethacrynic acid (Edecrin), torsemide
(Demadex), and others; - digoxin (Lanoxin); -
another inhaled bronchodilator; or - caffeine, diet
pills, or decongestants.
You may not be able to use
Xopenex inhalation, or you may require a dosage adjustment
or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking
any of the medicines listed above.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Xopenex
inhalation or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and
pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter
medicines, including herbal products. |