Xopenex HFA
Xopenex HFA (levalbuterol tartrate) Inhalation Aerosol is a pressurized metered-dose inhaler that contains a short-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (bronchodilator). It works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the airways, making it easier to breathe during an asthma attack or acute bronchospasm.
Dosage by Body Weight
The standard dosage for adults and children 4 years of age and older is 2 inhalations (90 mcg) repeated every 4 to 6 hours as needed. In some patients, 1 inhalation (45 mcg) every 4 hours may be sufficient. Shake well before use.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and effectiveness of Xopenex HFA in pediatric patients under 4 years of age (and infants in this weight bracket) have not been established.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Not routine
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed by a specialist
- Tracking Notes
- Inhalers are not typically dosed by body weight. Consult a pediatrician or pediatric pulmonologist for off-label guidance.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Not routine
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed by a specialist
- Tracking Notes
- Not FDA-approved for children under 4 years. Weight-based nebulized levalbuterol is preferred over HFA inhalers for infants if bronchodilators are required.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 1 to 2 inhalations (45 to 90 mcg)
- Frequency
- Every 4 to 6 hours as needed
- Tracking Notes
- Only for children 4 years of age and older in this weight range. Use with a spacer device and face mask if the child cannot coordinate inhalation.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 2 inhalations (90 mcg)
- Frequency
- Every 4 to 6 hours as needed
- Tracking Notes
- Standard pediatric dose for children aged 4 years and older. A spacer device is recommended to ensure proper drug delivery to the lungs.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not recommended | N/A | Safety and effectiveness of Xopenex HFA in pediatric patients under 4 years of age (and infants in this weight bracket) have not been established. |
| 5-7 kg | Not routine | Use only if prescribed by a specialist | Inhalers are not typically dosed by body weight. Consult a pediatrician or pediatric pulmonologist for off-label guidance. |
| 8-10 kg | Not routine | Use only if prescribed by a specialist | Not FDA-approved for children under 4 years. Weight-based nebulized levalbuterol is preferred over HFA inhalers for infants if bronchodilators are required. |
| 11-15 kg | 1 to 2 inhalations (45 to 90 mcg) | Every 4 to 6 hours as needed | Only for children 4 years of age and older in this weight range. Use with a spacer device and face mask if the child cannot coordinate inhalation. |
| 16-20 kg | 2 inhalations (90 mcg) | Every 4 to 6 hours as needed | Standard pediatric dose for children aged 4 years and older. A spacer device is recommended to ensure proper drug delivery to the lungs. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used for the treatment or prevention of bronchospasm in adults, adolescents, and children 4 years of age and older with reversible obstructive airway disease (such as asthma).
Generic Name
Levalbuterol tartrateScheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.