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Xopenex HFA Side Effects

Generic name: levalbuterol

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 18, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Xopenex HFA.

Applies to levalbuterol: inhalation aerosol powder, inhalation solution Side Effects associated with levalbuterol. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Xopenex HFA.

Applies to levalbuterol: inhalation aerosol powder, inhalation solution.

Precautions

If you will be using this medicine for a long time, it is important that your doctor check your or your child's progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to check for any unwanted effects.

This medicine should not be used together with other similar inhaled medicines, such as albuterol (Accuneb®), isoproterenol (Isuprel®), metaproterenol (Alupent®), pirbuterol (Maxair®), or terbutaline (Brethaire®).

This medicine may cause paradoxical bronchospasm, which means your breathing or wheezing will get worse. Paradoxical bronchospasm may be life-threatening. Check with your doctor right away if you or your child have coughing, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or wheezing after using this medicine.

Talk to your doctor or get medical help right away if:

You or your child may also be taking an antiinflammatory medicine, such as a steroid (cortisone-like medicine), together with this medicine. Do not stop taking the antiinflammatory medicine, even if your asthma seems better, unless you are told to do so by your doctor.

Levalbuterol may cause serious types of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Check with your doctor right away if you or your child develop a skin rash, hives, itching, trouble breathing or swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using this medicine.

Hypokalemia (low potassium in the blood) may occur while you are using this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you or your child have more than one of the following symptoms: convulsions (seizures), decreased urine, dry mouth, increased thirst, irregular heartbeat, loss of appetite, mood changes, muscle pain or cramps, nausea or vomiting, numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips, trouble breathing, or unusual tiredness or weakness.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems, and herbal or vitamin supplements.

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 side effects

Less common side effects

  • chest pain or tightness
  • dizziness
  • feeling “faint”
  • lightheadedness
  • troubled breathing

Incidence not known

  • confusion
  • cough
  • difficult or labored breathing
  • difficulty swallowing
  • drowsiness
  • extra heartbeat
  • fainting
  • fast, pounding, slow, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
  • hives, welts, itching, or rash
  • large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals
  • nausea
  • noisy breathing
  • rapid, deep breathing
  • redness of the skin
  • restlessness
  • stomach cramps
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • vomiting

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 side effects

  • accidental injury (in children 4 to 11 years of age)
  • anxiety
  • body aches or pain
  • chills
  • congestion
  • cough
  • dryness or soreness of the throat
  • fever
  • general aches and pains
  • headache
  • hoarseness
  • increased cough
  • leg cramps
  • loss of appetite
  • migraines or other headaches
  • muscle tightness
  • nervousness
  • runny or stuffy nose

Less common side effects

  • abnormal growth filled with fluid or semisolid material
  • blemishes on the skin
  • blood in the urine
  • bloody nose
  • burning, dry, or itching eyes
  • burning or stinging of the skin
  • cough producing mucus
  • cramps
  • diarrhea
  • difficulty having a bowel movement
  • discharge from the eye
  • dry mouth or throat
  • ear pain
  • excessive tearing
  • eye itch
  • heavy menstrual bleeding
  • muscle pain
  • night sweats
  • numbness or decreased sensitivity of the hand
  • pain
  • painful cold sores or blisters on the lips, nose, eyes, or genitals
  • pimples
  • redness, pain, or swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid
  • stomach pain
  • tingling sensation in the arms or legs
  • vaginal yeast infection
  • weight loss

For healthcare professionals

Applies to levalbuterol: inhalation aerosol, inhalation solution.

General adverse events

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]

Musculoskeletal

Myalgia occurred in less than 2%.[Ref]

Metabolic

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

Nervous system

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

Other

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%.

Respiratory

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

Dermatologic

Acne and sweating occurred less than 2%.

Hypersensitivity

Genitourinary

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

Immunologic

Lymphadenopathy occurred in less than 2%.

Ocular

Eye itch occurred in less than 2%.

Psychiatric

Insomnia occurred in less than 2%.

See also:

References

1. (2001) "Product Information. Xopenex (levalbuterol)." Sepracor Inc

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

3. Gawchik SM, Saccar CL, Noonan M, Reasner DS, DeGraw SS (1999) "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, 103, p. 615-21

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Xopenex HFA side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.