Levalbuterol (Inhalation-Local)

Brand Names : Xopenex

Proper Use of This Medicine

These medicines come with patient directions. Read them carefully before using the medicine. If you do not understand the directions or if you are not sure how to use the medicine, ask your health care professional to show you what to do. Also, ask your health care professional to check regularly how you use the medicine to make sure you are using it properly.

Use this medicine only as directed. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than recommended on the label, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Using the medicine more often may increase the chance of serious unwanted effects. Deaths have occurred when too much of an inhalation bronchodilator medicine was used.

For patients using the inhalation solution dosage form:

• If you are using this medicine in a nebulizer, make sure you understand exactly how to use it. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional .
• Do not use if solution becomes cloudy .
• Do not mix another inhalation medicine with levalbuterol in the nebulizer unless told to do so by your health care professional .

Dosing - The dose of levalbuterol will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of levalbuterol. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For inhalation solution dosage form:
  • For preventing or treating bronchospasm:
    • Adults and children 12 years of age and older - This medicine is used in a nebulizer and is taken by inhalation over a period of five to fifteen minutes. The usual dose is 0.63 milligrams (mg) to 1.25 mg three times a day, every six to eight hours.
    • Children up to 12 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

If your dosing schedule is different from all of the above and you miss a dose of this medicine, or if you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light, in the foil pouch.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
• Once a foil pouch is opened, use the medicine within 2 weeks.