Levalbuterol Tartrate

Generic Name: levalbuterol tartrate

Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Xopenex Hfa

11 DESCRIPTION The active component of XOPENEX HFA inhalation aerosol is levalbuterol tartrate, the (R)-enantiomer of albuterol. Levalbuterol tartrate is a relatively selective beta 2 -adrenergic receptor agonist [see Clinical Pharmacology (12) ].

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION The active component of XOPENEX HFA inhalation aerosol is levalbuterol tartrate, the (R)-enantiomer of albuterol. Levalbuterol tartrate is a relatively selective beta 2 -adrenergic receptor agonist [see Clinical Pharmacology (12) ].

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE XOPENEX HFA is a beta 2 -adrenergic agonist indicated for the treatment or prevention of bronchospasm in patients 4 years of age and older with reversible obstructive airway disease. ( 1.1 ) 1.1 Bronchospasm XOPENEX HFA is indicated for the treatment or prevention of bronchospasm in adults, adolescents, and children 4 years of age and older with reversible obstructive airway disease.

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION For Oral Inhalation Only ( 2.2 ) Adults and children 4 years of age and older: 2 inhalations repeated every 4 to 6 hours; in some patients, 1 inhalation every 4 hours may be sufficient. ( 2.1 ) Prime XOPENEX HFA before using for the first time and when the inhaler has not been used for more than 3 days. To prime XOPENEX HFA, release 4 sprays into the air away from the face. ( 2.2 ) At least once a week, wash the actuator with warm water and let it air-dry completely. ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosages The recommended dosage of XOPENEX HFA for adults and children 4 years of age and older is 2 inhalations (90 mcg of levalbuterol free base) repeated every 4 to 6 hours; in some patients, 1 inhalation (45 mcg of levalbuterol free base) every 4 hours may be sufficient.

Side Effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Use of XOPENEX HFA may be associated with the following: Paradoxical bronchospasm [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 )] Cardiovascular effects [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4 )] Immediate hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6 )] Hypokalemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Most common adverse reactions (≥ 2% and > placebo) are accidental injury, bronchitis, dizziness, pain, pharyngitis, rhinitis, and vomiting. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-800-399-2561 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Other short-acting sympathomimetic aerosol bronchodilators or epinephrine should not be used concomitantly with XOPENEX HFA. If additional adrenergic drugs are to be administered by any route, they should be used with caution to avoid deleterious cardiovascular effects. Other short-acting sympathomimetic aerosol bronchodilators and adrenergic drugs : May potentiate effect. ( 7 ) Beta-blockers : May block bronchodilatory effects of beta-agonists and produce severe bronchospasm. Patients with asthma should not normally be treated with beta-blockers. ( 7.1 ) Diuretics : May worsen electrocardiographic changes or hypokalemia associated with diuretics may worsen. Consider monitoring potassium levels. ( 7.2 ) Digoxin : May decrease serum digoxin levels.

Warnings

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Life-threatening paradoxical bronchospasm may occur. Discontinue XOPENEX HFA immediately and treat with alternative therapy. ( 5.1 ) Need for more doses of XOPENEX HFA than usual may be a sign of deterioration of asthma and requires reevaluation of treatment. ( 5.2 ) XOPENEX HFA is not a substitute for corticosteroids. ( 5.3 ) Cardiovascular effects may occur. Consider discontinuation of XOPENEX HFA if these effects occur. Use with caution in patients with underlying cardiovascular disorders. ( 5.4 ) Excessive use may be fatal. Do not exceed recommended dose. ( 5.5 ) Immediate hypersensitivity reactions may occur. Discontinue XOPENEX HFA immediately. ( 5.6 ) Hypokalemia and changes in blood glucose may occur. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS XOPENEX HFA is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to levalbuterol, racemic albuterol, or any other component of XOPENEX HFA. Reactions have included urticaria, angioedema, rash, bronchospasm, anaphylaxis, and oropharyngeal edema. Hypersensitivity to levalbuterol, racemic albuterol or any other component of XOPENEX HFA Inhalation Aerosol. ( 4 )

Pregnancy

8.1 PREGNANCY Risk Summary There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of XOPENEX HFA in pregnant women. There are clinical considerations with the use of XOPENEX HFA in pregnant women [see Clinical Considerations]. Following oral administration of levalbuterol HCl to pregnant rabbits, there was no evidence of teratogenicity at doses up to 25 mg/kg/day [approximately 750 times the maximum recommended human daily inhalation dose (MRHDID) of levalbuterol tartrate for adults on a mg/m 2 basis]; however, racemic albuterol sulfate was teratogenic in mice (cleft palate) and rabbits (cranioschi...

Storage

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING XOPENEX HFA inhalation aerosol is supplied as a pressurized aluminum canister in a box: NDC 27437-056-01: Canister labeled with a net weight of 15 grams containing 200 metered actuations (or inhalations) Each canister is fitted with a dose indicator and is supplied with a blue plastic actuator mouthpiece, a red mouthpiece cap, and patient's instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Levalbuterol Tartrate used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE XOPENEX HFA is a beta 2 -adrenergic agonist indicated for the treatment or prevention of bronchospasm in patients 4 years of age and older with reversible obstructive airway disease. ( 1.1 ) 1.1 Bronchospasm XOPENEX HFA is indicated for the treatment or prevention of bronchospasm in adults, adolescents, and children 4 years of age and older with reversible obstructive airway disease.

What are the side effects of Levalbuterol Tartrate?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Use of XOPENEX HFA may be associated with the following: Paradoxical bronchospasm [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 )] Cardiovascular effects [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4 )] Immediate hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6 )] Hypokalemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Most common adverse reactions (≥ 2% and > placebo) are accidental injury, bronchitis, dizziness, pain, pharyngitis, rhinitis, and vomiting. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-800-399-2561 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Can I take Levalbuterol Tartrate during pregnancy?

8.1 PREGNANCY Risk Summary There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of XOPENEX HFA in pregnant women. There are clinical considerations with the use of XOPENEX HFA in pregnant women [see Clinical Considerations]. Following oral administration of levalbuterol HCl to pregnant rabbits, there was no evidence of teratogenicity at doses up to 25 mg/kg/day [approximately 750 times the maximum recommended human daily inhalation dose (MRHDID) of levalbuterol tartrate for adults on a mg/m 2 basis]; however, racemic albuterol sulfate was teratogenic in mice (cleft palate) and rabbits (cranioschi...

What are the important warnings for Levalbuterol Tartrate?

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Life-threatening paradoxical bronchospasm may occur. Discontinue XOPENEX HFA immediately and treat with alternative therapy. ( 5.1 ) Need for more doses of XOPENEX HFA than usual may be a sign of deterioration of asthma and requires reevaluation of treatment. ( 5.2 ) XOPENEX HFA is not a substitute for corticosteroids. ( 5.3 ) Cardiovascular effects may occur. Consider discontinuation of XOPENEX HFA if these effects occur. Use with caution in patients with underlying cardiovascular disorders. ( 5.4 ) Excessive use may be fatal. Do not exceed recommended dose. ( 5.5 ) Immediate hypersensitivity reactions may occur. Discontinue XOPENEX HFA immediately. ( 5.6 ) Hypokalemia and changes in blood glucose may occur. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS XOPENEX HFA is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to levalbuterol, racemic albuterol, or any other component of XOPENEX HFA. Reactions have included urticaria, angioedema, rash, bronchospasm, anaphylaxis, and oropharyngeal edema. Hypersensitivity to levalbuterol, racemic albuterol or any other component of XOPENEX HFA Inhalation Aerosol. ( 4 )

Related Medications

Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.