Xopenex Side Effects

Generic name: levalbuterol

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

Some side effects of Xopenex may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

For the Consumer

Applies to levalbuterol: inhalation aerosol, inhalation solution

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking levalbuterol (the active ingredient contained in Xopenex) hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing), especially after starting a new canister of this medicine;

• chest pain and fast, pounding, or uneven heart beats;

• low potassium (confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling); or

• dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure).

Less serious side effects of levalbuterol may include:

• headache, tremors, feeling anxious or nervous;

• sleep problems (insomnia);

• cough, runny or stuffy nose;

• mild nausea, vomiting;

• dry mouth and throat;

• muscle pain; or

• diarrhea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to levalbuterol: inhalation aerosol, inhalation solution

General

Levalbuterol has been generally well-tolerated and adverse effects seen have been consistent with its pharmacological activity. In general, the severity of these adverse effects have been dose dependent. The potential and significance for fewer side effects with levalbuterol (the active ingredient contained in Xopenex) compared to racemic albuterol remains to be established.

Cardiovascular

Adverse cardiovascular effects may be due to significant hypokalemia produced by levalbuterol (the active ingredient contained in Xopenex) thought to be due to intracellular shunting. Aggravation of angina may be due to tachycardia produced by levalbuterol. Supraventricular ectopic beats and ventricular tachycardia have also been reported. Higher doses of levalbuterol should be used with caution in patients with cardiac disease, arrhythmias, or hypertension. All of these effects are dose-related and lower doses may be tolerated.

Cardiovascular side effects have included palpitations and peripheral vasodilatation, commonly resulting in reflex tachycardia. Blood pressure has been increased or decreased. Levalbuterol in higher dosages has rarely aggravated angina, myocardial ischemia, or cause atrial or ventricular arrhythmias. Pulmonary edema has been reported in pregnant patients receiving racemic albuterol.

Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal side effects have included tremors, particularly at higher dosages. Tolerance has developed to the tremorogenic effects. Severe muscle cramping has occurred infrequently.

Metabolic

One hour following doses of 0.63 mg and 1.25 mg levalbuterol (the active ingredient contained in Xopenex) via nebulizer, potassium levels decreased from baseline by 0.2 and 0.3 mEq/L and glucose levels increased from baseline by 4.6 and 10.3 mg/dL respectively.

Levalbuterol may stimulate sodium-potassium ATPase, resulting in an intracellular shift of potassium.

Metabolic side effects have included hypokalemia, and less commonly, hyperglycemia. Postmarketing reports have included metabolic acidosis.

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have included nervousness, headache, dizziness, anxiety, and insomnia.

Other

Other side effects have included the development of tachyphylaxis to the bronchodilating effects of albuterol. Although conflicting data exist, complete tolerance has not been reported.

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. In addition, the drug information contained herein may be time sensitive and should not be utilized as a reference resource beyond the date hereof. This information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients, or recommend therapy. This drug information is a reference resource designed as supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill , knowledge, and judgement of healthcare practitioners in patient care. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug of drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Drugs.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.