Xopenex Side Effects

Viral infections, runny nose, and shakiness are common Xopenex side effects in adults and adolescents who take the drug. Side effects that are common in children include headaches, sore throat, and fever. Although side effects of Xopenex are typically minor, serious problems that require immediate medical attention include an irregular heart rhythm, breathing problems that are getting worse, or signs of an allergic reaction.

 

An Introduction to Xopenex Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Xopenex® (levalbuterol hydrochloride). However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. When 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.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Xopenex. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Xopenex side effects with you.)
 

Common Xopenex Side Effects

Xopenex has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials, in which the side effects of a group of people taking the drug are documented and compared to another group not taking the medicine. As a result, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
 
In these studies, the most common Xopenex side effects in adults and adolescents included:
 
  • Viral infections -- in up to 12.3 percent of people
  • An irritated or runny nose -- up to 11.1 percent
  • Nervousness -- up to 9.6 percent
  • Shakiness (tremors) -- up to 6.8 percent
  • A sinus infection -- up to 4.2 percent
  • Flu symptoms (such as chills or fever) -- up to 4.2 percent
  • Coughing -- up to 4.1 percent.
     
In children (ages 6 to 11), common side effects included:
 
  • Headaches -- in up to 11.9 percent of children
  • A sore throat -- up to 10.4 percent
  • An irritated or runny nose -- up to 10.4 percent
  • Fever -- up to 9.1 percent
  • Asthma that becomes worse -- up to 9.1 percent
  • A viral infection -- up to 9 percent
  • A rash -- up to 7.5 percent
  • Accidental injury -- up to 6.1 percent
  • Diarrhea -- up to 6 percent.
     
(Xopenex Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;