Xopenex®

What is Xopenex?

Xopenex is a rescue inhaler that contains a derivative of albuterol, the active ingredient in Ventolin and ProAir. Xopenex works as a bronchodilator, opening up the airways when you’re having an asthma attack, which reduces the severity of your symptoms. You can also use it to prevent asthma symptoms from developing during exercise, by taking two puffs 30 minutes before you start. The effects of Xopenex last for an average of three hours, but you may feel the benefits of the drug for up to six hours after you take it.^[1]

This is the kind of inhaler that you need to have with you all the time, so you need to remember to take it whenever you leave the house, just in case you come into contact with a trigger and start developing asthma symptoms. If you experience asthma attacks regularly or your symptoms are severe, you may need to also use a preventer inhaler. Whilst you use Xopenex on-demand, the preventer will need to be used every day, even if you’re not having symptoms.^[2]

How does Xopenex work?

Xopenex’s active ingredient is a derivative of albuterol, which belongs to a class of drugs known as Beta-2 agonists. These work by keeping the soft tissue in your airways from contracting, leaving your airways open and making it easier for you to breathe properly. It’s also thought that Beta-2 agonists have anti-inflammatory properties, meaning they can make your symptoms less severe over time.^[3]

What doses of Xopenex are there?

Since Xopenex is an on-demand treatment, there’s no set dose; you should take it whenever you need it. The maximum recommended dose is two puffs every four to six hours, up to four times a day. Each puff delivers 59 micrograms of albuterol tartrate.

You should never exceed the maximum daily dose, so if you find yourself needing it more often, or that two puffs don’t help you well enough, you should speak to the clinician who prescribed Xopenex to you so they can recommend a different rescue inhaler, to prescribe a preventer inhaler, or to tweak your existing dose.

How to use Xopenex

The clinician who prescribes Xopenex to you will give you instructions on how to use the inhaler, as well as the maximum dose you should take in a day. You should always follow their directions, but there are a few general guidelines you can keep in mind too:

• If you’re using the inhaler for the first time, you should do four test sprays in the air, away from your face. You should also do these test sprays if you haven’t used the inhaler for over two days, or if you dropped it;
• You must always shake the inhaler well before use;
• If you’re taking two puffs in a row, shake well before each puff, and wait at least one minute before your second one;
• Breathe out as much as you can right before using the inhaler, take off the mouth cap, and put the mouthpiece between your lips. Proceed to inhale slowly at the same time as you press the canister down. Hold your breath for ten seconds, and exhale slowly;
• Put the mouth cap back on and store the inhaler in a dry, room temperature place, with the mouthpiece pointing down.

How long does it take Xopenex to work?

You will start to feel significant relief in your symptoms less than five minutes after you use a Xopenex inhaler, but it takes over an hour for the drug to be fully effective. You’re going to feel the benefits of Xopenex for at least three hours after you take it, and you might feel relief for up to six hours.

If you’re using the inhaler to prevent asthma symptoms from developing during exercise, aim to use it about thirty minutes before you start.

What should I do if I make a mistake when using Xopenex?

Xopenex is an on-demand treatment, so you can’t exactly miss a dose. But you might forget to take it with you when you leave the house and end up needing it. To avoid this, you should place the inhaler in your daily handbag or next to an item you always carry everywhere, like your wallet. That way you will always know where it is, and you’re unlikely to forget it when you leave the house.

If you accidentally take too much Xopenex, you should seek emergency medical attention to treat your symptoms as they appear. The symptoms of Xopenex overdose might include arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), heart palpitations, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, headache, tremor, and others. ^[1]