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Compare Xopenex vs. Albuterol

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Levalbuterol (Xopenex) and albuterol (ProAir HFA, Ventolin HFA, and others) are both prescription medications. They are short-acting beta agonists (SABAs) used to treat and prevent sudden wheezing or shortness of breath in people with breathing problems like asthma. They work by relaxing the muscles in your lungs to open up your airways. Levalbuterol is typically every 6-8 hours as needed, whereas albuterol is typically every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Common side effects of both medications include sore throat and runny nose. Both medications can interact with similar drugs, such as blood pressure medications and antidepressants. Your prescriber can work with you to find the best option for you.

  • Levalbuterol (Xopenex) inhalation solution
    Albuterol
  • Levalbuterol (Xopenex) inhalation solution
    Albuterol

  • Summary of Xopenex vs. Albuterol

    Summary for SABA
    Prescription only

    Levalbuterol inhalation solution (also known by its brand name, Xopenex) is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA). It's used to treat and prevent sudden wheezing or shortness of breath in people with certain breathing problems, such as asthma. This medication is for adults and children ages 6 years and older. Levalbuterol (Xopenex) inhalation solution is inhaled through the mouth with a nebulizer machine. Side effects of this medication include headache, sore throat, and runny nose. It's available as a lower-cost generic.

    Summary for SABA
    Prescription only

    Albuterol sulfate is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA). It's a rescue inhaler that treats or prevents sudden wheezing or shortness of breath in adults and children at least 4 years old with certain breathing problems, such as asthma. Albuterol is inhaled through the mouth using either an HFA inhaler (or metered dose inhaler) or a dry powder inhaler. The typical dose is 2 inhalations every 4 to 6 hours as needed when you suddenly have trouble breathing. Albuterol side effects generally include sore throat, throat irritation, and infections.

  • Indications of Xopenex vs. Albuterol

    Indications for
    •Treatment or prevention of wheezing or tightening of airways in people ages 6 years and older with certain types of lung problems (e.g., asthma)
    Indications for
    •Treatment or prevention of wheezing or tightening of airways in people ages 4 years and older with certain types of lung problems (e.g., asthma)
    •Prevention of exercise-induced asthma in people ages 4 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Xopenex vs. Albuterol

    Pros and Const for SABA
    Pros
    •Works well for relieving wheezing or shortness of breath
    •Quickly opens up the airways
    •Can use for children as young as 6 years old
    Cons
    •Takes about 5 to 15 minutes to take the whole dose
    •Need to use with a nebulizer machine, which isn't ideal for someone who is traveling
    •Need to inhale 3 times daily, so not a long-acting medication
    Pros and Const for SABA
    Pros
    •Works within minutes to help you breathe easier when you have an asthma attack or trouble breathing
    •Only used as needed when you're short of breath or when you're about to exercise
    •Can be used by children as young as 4 years old
    •Available as two types of inhalers: HFA inhaler (or metered dose inhaler) and dry powder inhaler
    Cons
    •Might have to use the inhaler multiple times per day since it's a short-acting medication
    •Might be difficult for some people to use the inhaler properly
    •Should carry with you at all times so you can use it when you need to

  • Common Side Effects of Xopenex vs. Albuterol

    Common Side Effects for

    Ages 12 years and older:

    •Viral infection (7-12%)
    •Runny nose (3-11%)
    •Nervousness (3-10%)

    Ages 6 to 11 years:

    •Headache (8-12%)
    •Runny nose (6-10%)
    •Sore throat (3-10%)
    •Asthma (6-9%)
    •Viral infection (8-9%)
    •Rash (up to 8%)
    •Diarrhea (2-6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sore throat
    •Throat irritation
    •Runny nose
    •Upper respiratory infection

    Note: Side effects you might have can depend on your age, dose, the type of albuterol inhaler you're using, and how often you're using the inhaler.

  • Warnings of Xopenex vs. Albuterol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Breathing problems
    •Heart problems
    •Allergic reactions
    •Low potassium in the blood
    •Only take as directed
    Common Side Effects for
    •Breathing problems
    •Heart problems
    •Low potassium in the blood
    •Allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Xopenex vs. Albuterol

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