provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content
Levalbuterol Coupon - Levalbuterol 15g of 45mcg inhaler

levalbuterol

Generic Xopenex HFA
Used for Asthma, COPD
Used for Asthma, COPD

Levalbuterol (also known by its brand name, Xopenex HFA) is a rescue inhaler used for the treatment or prevention of sudden wheezing or shortness of breath in people with certain breathing problems, such as asthma. This medication is for adults and children ages 4 years and older. It's inhaled through the mouth and the typical dose is 1 to 2 puffs every 4 to 6 hours. Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) can cause side effects such as sore throat and runny nose. It's available as a lower-cost generic.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on September 4, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA)?

What is Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) used for?

  • Treatment or prevention of wheezing or tightening of airways in people with certain types of lung problems (e.g., asthma)

How Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) works

Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) is a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA). It relaxes the muscles in your lungs to open up your airways, making it easier to breathe.

Are you looking for information on levalbuterol (Xopenex) nebulizer solution instead?
When does Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsXopenex HFA
Drug ClassSABA
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only

More on Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) essentials

Respiratory: Rescue inhalers: senior woman inhaler 1348301605

Albuterol vs. Levalbuterol Rescue Inhalers: What’s the Difference?

Written by Timothy Aungst, PharmD
coupon-save-icon

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price
$58.16(save 63.05%)
GoodRx discount
$21.49
See prices
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • People ages 12 years and older:
    • Asthma (9%)
    • Sore throat (8%)
    • Runny nose (7%)
    • Body pain (4%)
    • Dizziness (3%)
  • Children ages 4 to 11 years old:
    • Vomiting (11%)
    • Sore throat (7%)
    • Bronchitis (3%)

Other Side Effects

  • Nervousness
  • Tremor
  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness
  • Cough
  • Hoarseness

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Allergic reaction: hives, swelling of your face or tongue, difficulty breathing
  • Sudden narrowing of your airways: difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest pain or tightness, cough
  • Heart problems: dizziness, fatigue, weakness, tremor, irregular heartbeat, worsening symptoms of heart problem you already have
When do Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Tremors
Dizziness
Sore throat

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Fast heartbeat

Less common

Chest pain or tightness

dizziness

feeling “faint”

lightheadedness

troubled breathing

Incidence not known

Confusion

cough

difficult or labored breathing

difficulty swallowing

drowsiness

extra heartbeat

fainting

fast, pounding, slow, or irregular heartbeat or pulse

hives, welts, itching, or rash

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals

nausea

noisy breathing

rapid, deep breathing

redness of the skin

restlessness

stomach cramps

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Chest pain

dizziness

dry mouth

general feeling of discomfort or illness

headache

impaired consciousness

irregular or fast heartbeat

lightheadedness

nausea

nervousness

seizures

sleeplessness

sweating

tremor

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Accidental injury (in children 4 to 11 years of age)

anxiety

body aches or pain

chills

congestion

cough

dryness or soreness of the throat

fever

general aches and pains

headache

hoarseness

increased cough

leg cramps

loss of appetite

migraines or other headaches

muscle tightness

nervousness

runny or stuffy nose

Less common

Abnormal growth filled with fluid or semisolid material

blemishes on the skin

blood in the urine

bloody nose

burning, dry, or itching eyes

burning or stinging of the skin

cough producing mucus

cramps

diarrhea

difficulty having a bowel movement

discharge from the eye

dry mouth or throat

ear pain

excessive tearing

eye itch

heavy menstrual bleeding

muscle pain

night sweats

numbness or decreased sensitivity of the hand

pain

painful cold sores or blisters on the lips, nose, eyes, or genitals

pimples

redness, pain, or swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid

stomach pain

tingling sensation in the arms or legs

vaginal yeast infection

weight loss

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA)

thumbs-up

Pros

Works within minutes to help you breathe easier

Only used as needed

Safe for children as young as 4 years old

thumbs-down

Cons

Not a long-acting treatment for asthma

Some people might find the inhaler difficult to use

Not the best choice if you have a history of an allergic reaction to albuterol

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA)

pharmacist

  • If you're using a new levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) inhaler for the first time or if you haven't used it in more than 3 days, you'll need to prime your inhaler to make sure you get the full dose. To prime the levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) inhaler, shake the inhaler well, hold it upright and away from your face, and spray 4 times.

    • Shake levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) well for about 5 seconds before each dose. This makes sure the medication is mixed well so you receive the correct dose.

      • When you're ready to use levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA), place your lips firmly around the mouthpiece. Then, take a slow and deep breath while pushing the button on the top of the canister to deliver the medication. Try to hold your breath for up to 10 seconds or for as long as you comfortably can. This allows time for levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) to reach deep into your lungs.

        • If you need to inhale more than one puff of levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA), wait at least 1 minute between inhalations.

          • Clean the mouthpiece of levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) at least once a week. To do so, remove the cap and canister and set them aside. Then rinse the mouthpiece with warm running water for at least 30 seconds. Shake it and let it air dry fully before reassembling your inhaler.

            • If you're having a hard time using your levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA), ask your provider about a spacer. Spacers are devices that you can attach to your levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) inhaler to make it easier for you to inhale the medication.

              • Call your provider if your breathing worsens or you're not responding to levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA). Also contact your provider if you're using your rescue inhaler more often than usual. These could be signs you need a change in your breathing medications.

                More on Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) tips

                xopenex: pharmacy tips xopenex

                How to Use A Xopenex Inhaler, Plus 3 More Pharmacist-Backed Tips for Best Results

                Written by Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA
                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA)

                Is levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) better than albuterol?
                Studies show levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) and albuterol (Proair, Ventolin) both work similarly well at controlling sudden breathing problems. In addition, they both cause similar side effects, such as throat irritation and fast heart rate. Healthcare providers typically choose between both medications based on factors like risk of fast heart rate, preference, availability, cost, and what your insurance covers.
                Is levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) a steroid?
                No, levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) isn't a steroid; it's a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA). But your provider might prescribe an inhaled steroid for you to use in addition to levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) inhaler. The inhaled steroid should be used every day to help keep your airways open, while levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) inhaler is only as needed to treat sudden trouble breathing.
                Is levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) a rescue inhaler?
                Yes, levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) is a rescue inhaler that's used as needed to treat sudden shortness of breath in people with breathing problems. It's not a maintenance inhaler that needs to be taken every day. But, if you're needing to use levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) multiple times per day, talk with your provider. They might need to make changes to your other breathing medications to better control your symptoms.
                Is levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) short- or long-acting?
                Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) is a short-acting bronchodilator. It starts to work within minutes and can last for up to 6 hours.
                How often can you take levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA)?
                Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) rescue inhaler can be used every 4 to 6 hours, if needed. And if you need to use 2 puffs, wait 60 seconds between puffs.
                How many puffs are in an levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) inhaler?
                Each brand new levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) inhaler contains 200 puffs. There's a dose indicator window on the top of the inhaler that has the number of remaining puffs and a pointer. The dose indicator will count down after every 20 puffs. When there are only 20 puffs left, the display window will change to a red color. This means you should refill your inhaler prescription so you have a new levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) inhaler ready.
                Does levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) raise heart rate?
                Yes, it's possible for levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) to raise your heart rate. But this side effect is rare if you only use this inhaler as prescribed by your provider at the recommended doses. Make sure to tell your provider if you have heart rate problems (e.g., atrial fibrillation (or afib)) before starting levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA). If you do experience a fast heart rate from using levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA), your provider might need to consider other medication options for you.
                Does levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) raise blood pressure?
                Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) might affect your blood pressure, but this side effect is very unlikely. A small study in children using levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) found no notable changes to blood pressure. But there isn't a lot of research on how levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) affects blood pressure. To be safe, if you have high blood pressure, tell your provider before starting levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA).
                GoodRxEducationalIcon

                How to save using GoodRx

                Compare Prices
                1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
                Select your free coupon
                2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
                Show coupon to your pharmacist
                3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
                Get free couponLearn more
                warings-icon

                What are the risks and warnings for Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA)?

                Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                risk-warning

                Breathing problems

                Although rare, levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) can sometimes cause a muscle spasm in your lungs (bronchospasm). This can lead to difficulty breathing, wheezing, cough, and chest discomfort. If you still have trouble breathing right after using levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA), get medical help right away.

                For some people, their asthma can worsen over time. If you find yourself needing to use more doses of levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) than usual, let your provider know. They'll examine you to see if they need to make any changes to your asthma medications to better help you control symptoms.

                risk-warning

                Heart problems

                • Risk factors: High blood pressure | Heart failure | Heart rate or rhythm problems | Using more levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) than recommended

                  Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) might cause changes in your blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rhythm. But these side effects are extremely unlikely if you're only taking the recommended dose of levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA). If you have high blood pressure or other heart problems, your provider might ask you to check your blood pressure and heart rate regularly at home. Don't use levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) more often than recommended. If so, let your provider know so they can see if they need to make changes to your breathing medications. Tell your provider if you feel dizziness, tiredness, tremor, fast heartbeat, or weakness after using levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA).

                  risk-warning

                  Allergic reactions

                  Allergic reactions to levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) are possible, including life-threatening reactions like facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). Get medical attention right away if you notice hives, rash, red skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after using levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA).

                  risk-warning

                  Low potassium in the blood

                  • Risk factors: Using levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) too much

                    Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) can cause the potassium levels in your blood to drop too low if you use more levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) than recommended. Symptoms of low potassium include tiredness, weakness, muscle cramps or spasms, a racing heart, and a "pins and needles" feeling in your hands and feet. Typically, this is mild and your potassium level should return to your typical range on its own with time. If you find yourself needing to use levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) more often than recommended, talk with your provider. They can let you know if they need to make changes to your asthma medications to better control your symptoms.

                    dosage

                    Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) dosage forms

                    The average cost for 1 inhaler of 15g of 45mcg of Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) is $58.16 with a free GoodRx coupon.0
                    inhaler
                    Inhaler
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    15g of 45mcg1 inhaler$58.16$58.16
                    vial
                    Vial
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    0.5ml of 1.25mg/0.5ml60 vials$55.61$0.93
                    3ml of 0.31mg/3ml25 vials$21.49$0.86
                    3ml of 0.63mg/3ml25 vials$21.50$0.86
                    3ml of 1.25mg/3ml25 vials$25.00$1.00

                    Typical dosing for Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA)

                    Each inhalation delivers 45 mcg of levalbuterol into the lungs.

                    • People ages 4 years and older: The typical dose is 1 to 2 inhalations through the mouth every 4 to 6 hours as instructed by your healthcare provider.

                    interactions

                    Interactions between Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) and other drugs

                    Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                    More on Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) interactions

                    levalbuterol: drug interaction levalbuterol

                    5 Levalbuterol Interactions to Be Aware Of

                    Written by Makaela Premont, PharmD

                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                    drug-cost

                    How much does Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) cost?

                    To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                    Xopenex HFA (brand)
                    GoodRx lowest price

                    $21.49

                    (save 76.82%)
                    Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) (generic)
                    GoodRx lowest price

                    $21.49

                    (save 63.05%)
                    View prices & coupons
                    contraindications-icon

                    Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) contraindications

                    Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) will not be safe for you to take.

                    • Allergy to levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) or albuterol

                    alternatives

                    What are alternatives to Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA)?

                    There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                    Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA)
                    Used for:

                    • Treatment or prevention of wheezing or tightening of airways in people with certain types of lung problems (e.g., asthma)

                    $21.49 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Albuterol
                    Used 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

                    $28.23 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    latest news

                    What is the latest news about Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA)?

                    COPD inhalers may contain short- or long-acting medication, and there are a variety of devices on the market. Compare the best COPD inhalers with this guide.

                    A Guide to COPD Inhalers

                    COPD inhalers may contain short- or long-acting medication, and there are a variety of devices on the market. Compare the best COPD inhalers with this guide.
                    If you have asthma, you probably use an inhaler—and sometimes need more than one. With GoodRx, learn the different types of inhalers and which one you need.

                    Types of Asthma Inhalers and How to Choose the Best One for You

                    If you have asthma, you probably use an inhaler—and sometimes need more than one. With GoodRx, learn the different types of inhalers and which one you need.
                    Learn how to properly use your Xopenex (levalbuterol) inhaler with these expert backed tips when taking Xopenex for asthma.

                    How to Use A Xopenex Inhaler, Plus 3 More Pharmacist-Backed Tips for Best Results

                    Learn how to properly use your Xopenex (levalbuterol) inhaler with these expert backed tips when taking Xopenex for asthma.
                    Using a rescue inhaler correctly is a vital part of managing certain respiratory conditions. Follow this guide to learn how to use a rescue inhaler.

                    How to Use a Rescue Inhaler in 10 Easy Steps

                    Using a rescue inhaler correctly is a vital part of managing certain respiratory conditions. Follow this guide to learn how to use a rescue inhaler.
                    Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA, Xopenex) treats symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Here you’ll learn what medications interact with levalbuterol and how to tell if you’re having an interaction.

                    5 Levalbuterol Interactions to Be Aware Of

                    Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA, Xopenex) treats symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Here you’ll learn what medications interact with levalbuterol and how to tell if you’re having an interaction.
                    Cleaning your asthma inhaler will help keep away harmful bacteria. Here are best practices for keeping your asthma inhaler clean.

                    Cleaning Your Asthma Inhaler: Answers to 5 Common Questions

                    Cleaning your asthma inhaler will help keep away harmful bacteria. Here are best practices for keeping your asthma inhaler clean.
                    Rescue inhalers are medications for people with asthma or COPD. While there are many different versions of each, they don’t differ greatly when it comes to effectiveness or side effects.

                    Albuterol vs. Levalbuterol Rescue Inhalers: What’s the Difference?

                    Rescue inhalers are medications for people with asthma or COPD. While there are many different versions of each, they don’t differ greatly when it comes to effectiveness or side effects.
                    2018 has been the year of drug prices. From the new ban on pharmacist gag clauses, to new proposed rules surrounding drug commercials, drug prices have

                    2018 in Review: The Good(Rx) and the Bad in Prescription Drug Prices

                    2018 has been the year of drug prices. From the new ban on pharmacist gag clauses, to new proposed rules surrounding drug commercials, drug prices have
                    Smoke from more than 50 massive wildfires across the Western United States is spreading, causing smoky skies, breathing challenges, and high prescription

                    West Coast Wildfires Spur an Increase in Asthma Medication Fills Nationwide

                    Smoke from more than 50 massive wildfires across the Western United States is spreading, causing smoky skies, breathing challenges, and high prescription
                    images

                    Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) images

                    colorless - Levalbuterol Tartrate 45mcg / actuation Inhalation Aerosol
                    This medicine is Colorless Inhaler.colorless - Levalbuterol Tartrate 45mcg / actuation Inhalation Aerosol

                    Get savings updates for Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA)

                    Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

                    By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.

                    References

                    Best studies we found

                    Ameredes, B. T., et al. (2009). Levalbuterol versus albuterol. Current Allergy and Asthma Reports.

                    American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology. (n.d.). Bronchospasm defined.

                    Gawchick, S. M., et al. (1999). The safety and efficacy of nebulized levalbuterol compared with racemic albuterol and placebo in the treatment of asthma in pediatric patients. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

                    View All References (2)

                    Jat, K. R., et al. (2013). Levalbuterol versus albuterol for acute asthma: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Pulmonary Pharmacology & Therapeutics.

                    Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2024). XOPENEX HFA- levalbuterol tartrate aerosol, metered [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
                    Was this page helpful?

                    Compare other Asthma, COPD drugs

                    Levalbuterol vs AlbuterolAdvair vs AlbuterolAirsupra vs AlbuterolAlbuterol vs PrednisoneAlbuterol vs Sodium Chloride
                    View More

                    Browse medications

                    View All

                    Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.