Levalbuterol Tartrate (Xopenex HFA) Uses

Levalbuterol tartrate is a beta adrenergic bronchodilator. It is used to treat and prevent coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness associated with lung conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD).

There may be other uses of levalbuterol tartrate—your doctor or pharmacist can give you further drug information.

Levalbuterol Tartrate (Xopenex HFA) Mechanism of Action

Levalbuterol tartrate works by relaxing the airways in the lungs. Relaxation of the airway smooth muscle leads to opening up of the airways, making it easier for people with reversible obstructive airway disease to breathe.

Levalbuterol Tartrate (Xopenex HFA) Doses

Levalbuterol tartrate comes as an aerosol to inhale by mouth using a metered dose inhaler. Each inhalation delivers 45 mcg of levalbuterol free base equivalent to 59 mcg of levalbuterol tartrate. The recommended dose of the HFA (metered dose inhaler) is 1-2 puffs every 4-6 hours. 

This medication also comes as a solution and concentrated solution (to be mixed with normal saline). The levalbuterol tartrate solution is for inhalation via a nebulizer machine. The 3-mL vials of nebulizer solution come in three strengths: 0.31 mg, 0.63 mg, and 1.25 mg. The usual dose of the nebulizer solution is three times a day (every 6-8 hours).