Xopenex HFA Side Effects

Generic name: levalbuterol

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 12, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Xopenex HFA 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.

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

• fast heartbeat

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

• chest pain
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• headache
• impaired consciousness
• irregular or fast heartbeat
• lightheadedness
• nausea
• nervousness
• seizures
• sleeplessness
• sweating
• tremor

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

• 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]

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

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Leg cramps
• Frequency not reported: Myalgia^[Ref]

Myalgia occurred in less than 2%.^[Ref]

Metabolic

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

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

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, migraine, tremor, nervousness
• Frequency not reported: Central nervous system stimulation, hyperesthesia of the hand^[Ref]

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

• Common (1% to 10%): Dyspepsia
• Frequency not reported: Diarrhea, dry mouth, dry throat, nausea, gastroenteritis, vomiting, constipation
• Postmarketing reports: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), nausea

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

Respiratory

• 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

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

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

• Frequency not reported: Eye itch

Eye itch occurred in less than 2%.

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Anxiety
• Frequency not reported: Insomnia

Insomnia occurred in less than 2%.

Frequently asked questions

• Can asthma inhalers cause a sore throat?

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.

Medical Disclaimer