Xopenex Side Effects

Generic name: levalbuterol

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

Note: This document provides detailed information about Xopenex.

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.

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:

• Your or your child's symptoms do not improve or they become worse after using this medicine.
• Your inhaler does not seem to be working as well as usual and you need to use it more often.

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

Along with its needed effects, levalbuterol (the active ingredient contained in Xopenex) 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:

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

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:

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%.

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• Can asthma inhalers cause a sore throat?

Further information

Xopenex 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