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Xopenex HFA Side Effects

Generic name: levalbuterol

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 15, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about levalbuterol. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Xopenex HFA.

Applies to levalbuterol: inhalation aerosol powder, inhalation solution.

Serious side effects of Xopenex HFA

Along with its needed effects, levalbuterol (the active ingredient contained in Xopenex HFA) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking levalbuterol:

More common

Less common

Incidence not known

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking levalbuterol:

Symptoms of overdose

Other side effects of Xopenex HFA

Some side effects of levalbuterol may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Less common

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to levalbuterol: inhalation aerosol, inhalation solution.

General

This drug has been associated with paradoxical bronchospasm, cardiovascular effects, immediate hypersensitivity reactions, and hypokalemia.[Ref]

Cardiovascular

ECG abnormal, ECG change, hypotension, and syncope occurred in less than 2%.[Ref]

Common (1% to 10%): Hypertension, tachycardia

Frequency not reported: ECG abnormal, ECG change, hypotension, syncope

Postmarketing reports: Arrhythmias (including atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, extrasystoles)[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Myalgia occurred in less than 2%.[Ref]

Common (1% to 10%): Leg cramps

Frequency not reported: Myalgia[Ref]

Metabolic

Metabolic acidosis occurred in less than 2%.[Ref]

Frequency not reported: Changes in plasma glucose and serum potassium; metabolic acidosis[Ref]

Nervous system

Central nervous system stimulation and hyperesthesia of the hand occurred in less than 2%.[Ref]

Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, migraine, tremor, nervousness

Frequency not reported: Central nervous system stimulation, hyperesthesia of the hand[Ref]

Other

Common (1% to 10%): Pain, flu syndrome, accidental injury, asthenia, fever

Frequency not reported: Ear pain, herpes simplex, chills, cyst[Ref]

Ear pain, herpes simplex, chills, and cyst occurred in less than 2%.[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Diarrhea, dry mouth, dry throat, nausea, gastroenteritis, vomiting, and constipation occurred in less than 2%.

Common (1% to 10%): Dyspepsia

Frequency not reported: Diarrhea, dry mouth, dry throat, nausea, gastroenteritis, vomiting, constipation

Postmarketing reports: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), nausea

Respiratory

Viral infection, epistaxis, lung disorder, asthma exacerbation, and wheezing occurred in less than 2%.

Common (1% to 10%): Asthma, pharyngitis, rhinitis, bronchitis, sinusitis, turbinate edema, cough increased, viral infection

Frequency not reported: Epistaxis, lung disorder, asthma exacerbation, wheezing

Postmarketing reports: Chest pain, dysphonia, dyspnea

Dermatologic

Frequency not reported: Acne, sweating

Postmarketing reports: Rash, urticaria

Acne and sweating occurred less than 2%.

Hypersensitivity

Common (1% to 10%): Allergic reactions

Postmarketing reports: Angioedema, anaphylaxis

Genitourinary

Frequency not reported: Hematuria, dysmenorrhea, vaginal moniliasis

Hematuria, dysmenorrhea, vaginal moniliasis occurred in less than 2%.

Immunologic

Frequency not reported: Lymphadenopathy

Lymphadenopathy occurred in less than 2%.

Ocular

Eye itch occurred in less than 2%.

Frequency not reported: Eye itch

Psychiatric

Common (1% to 10%): Anxiety

Frequency not reported: Insomnia

Insomnia occurred in less than 2%.

References

1. Product Information. Xopenex (levalbuterol). Sepracor Inc. 2001;PROD.

2. Nelson HS, Bensch G, Pleskow WW, DiSantostefano R, DeGraw S, Reasner DS, Rollins TE, Rubin PD. Improved bronchodilation with levalbuterol compared with racemic albuterol in patients with asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1998;102:943-52.

3. Gawchik SM, Saccar CL, Noonan M, Reasner DS, DeGraw SS. The safety and efficacy of nebulized levalbuterol compared with racemic albuterol and placebo in the treatment of asthma in pediatric patients. J Allerg Clin Immunol. 1999;103:615-21.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.