Xopenex is used in a nebulizer, a device that changes liquid medications into fine droplets that are inhaled into the lungs. Xopenex also comes in an inhaler
(see Xopenex HFA for more information).
It is made by Sepracor, Inc.
Normally, air moves easily into and out of the lungs through a network of airways. However, during an
asthma attack, the muscles around these airways tighten. This narrows the airways and makes it harder to breathe. This is called bronchospasm.
Xopenex is part of a class of drugs called beta-adrenergic receptor agonists, or beta agonists for short. Beta agonists stimulate beta receptors in the body, including those on the muscles around the airways. This stimulation causes the muscles to relax, which opens up the airways and allows more air to get into and through the lungs. Xopenex also has some effects on decreasing the activity of mast cells in the lungs, which play an important role in inflammation and allergic reactions.
Xopenex is similar to another medication,
albuterol. While albuterol products contain both the inactive and active forms of the molecule, Xopenex contains only the active form of the albuterol molecule.
In clinical studies, Xopenex started working within 10 to 17 minutes, and the effects lasted for five to six hours on average. In some people, the effects lasted as long as eight hours.
When and How to Take Xopenex
General considerations for when and how to take the medication include the following:
- It comes in a liquid form that is used in a nebulizer. You will need to purchase or rent a nebulizer in order to use the medication.
- Regular Xopenex vials are used without being diluted, while Xopenex concentrate vials will need to be diluted by adding 2.5 mL of sterile normal saline solution (sodium chloride 0.9 percent).
- Make sure you know exactly how to measure the dose and how to use and clean the nebulizer.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
The dosage that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- The severity of your asthma or other respiratory problems
- Other medications you may be taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible. However, not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the medication quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of Xopenex include, but are not limited to:
- Viral infections
- An irritated or runny nose
- Nervousness
- Shakiness (tremors).
(Click Xopenex Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Drug Interactions With Xopenex
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking the medication if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much Xopenex may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Chest pain (angina)
- High blood pressure (hypertension) or low blood pressure (hypotension)
- A fast heart rate (tachycardia)
- Nervousness
- Headaches
- Shakiness (tremors)
- Dry mouth
- Feelings of a rapidly or forcefully beating heart (heart palpitations)
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Seizures
- An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
- Fatigue
- Low potassium in the blood (hypokalemia)
- Cardiac arrest
- Loss of life.
If you happen to overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
The medication should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
Keep Xopenex and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Xopenex as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember, but do not take your doses more often than every four hours, unless absolutely necessary to control an
asthma attack.
Xopenex is available in four strengths:
- Xopenex 0.31 mg/3 mL vials
- Xopenex 0.63 mg/3 mL vials
- Xopenex 1.25 mg/3 mL vials
- Xopenex Concentrate 1.25 mg/0.5 mL vials (which must be diluted before use).
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