Xopenex vs Albuterol: Clear Your Confusion

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Written By Julie Ingram
Xopenex vs Albuterol

It is estimated that around 24 million Americans, including 7 million children, suffer from Asthma.

Xopenex (The generic name is Levalbuterol) and Albuterol are two widely used medicines for treating the Bronchospasm caused by Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Asthma is a respiratory disorder that affects people of all ages. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. 

COPD, often known as Emphysema, is characterized by the production of thick mucus in the airways. 

The exact cause of Asthma is uncertain. However, most COPD patients have a history of smoking or long-term lung irritant exposure.

In Asthma and COPD, Bronchospasm constricts the airways, making breathing difficult. This disorder is also referred to as Bronchoconstriction. 

Typically, long-term treatment is required. Asthma Inhalers are often used to manage the symptoms because the medication is released directly into the lungs and is less absorbed by the rest of the body. It lowers the probability of unwanted effects and drug interactions.

But which inhaler is to be used to prevent and treat the symptoms of Asthma and COPD? 

In this article on Xopenex vs Albuterol, we will answer all the questions like how they are different, what are their comparable properties, etc. 

Let’s throw light on their comparison. 

How do Xeponex and Albuterol differ from each other?

In Xopenex vs Albuterol comparison, it is observed that they both work very similarly and only have some minor differences.

Xopenex

Levalbuterol is marketed under the brand name Xopenex. 

It is a prescription medicine that is a moderately selective Short-Acting Beta-2-Receptor Agonist (SABA) used to prevent and treat Asthma and COPD. 

Levalbuterol (brand name is Xopenex) is the most potent R-enantiomer of Albuterol’s racemic mixture.

It activates beta receptors, which relaxes the bronchial and tracheal smooth muscles, thereby dilating the airways.

This medication is available in two forms.

  • Aerosol Powder
  • Solution

Albuterol

Albuterol (Salbutamol) is a short-acting Bronchodilator that relieves breathing difficulties. 

It is a quick relieving inhaler that relieves an Asthma attack by relaxing the smooth muscles in the airways. 

When suffering from an Asthma attack or breathing suddenly becomes difficult, it is essential to get relief quickly.

Specific triggers can also make it difficult to breathe. Triggers include smoke, dust, and even the fur of a cat. 

It is a racemic mixture of R- and S-enantiomers, with the R-enantiomer being the more active isomer and the active component of Levalbuterol.

It alleviates cough, wheezing, and breathing difficulties by increasing airflow to the bronchial passages.

This medication is also used to prevent exercise-induced Bronchospasm. 

It is available in 3 forms.

  • Powder
  • Solution
  • Suspension

Also ReadLevalbuterol vs Albuterol: Which is More Effective?

Xopenex or Albuterol
Taborsk/ Getty Images

Which conditions Xopenex and Albuterol can address?

Both Xopenex (Levalbuterol) and Albuterol function by activating beta receptors, which relaxes the smooth muscle in the airways. 

They enlarge the airways and permit more air to enter the lungs.

Xopenex (Levalbuterol) and Albuterol are both FDA-approved to treat sudden asthma attacks and COPD-related bronchospasms.

Quick overview: Xopenex vs Albuterol

Key FactorXopenexAlbuterol
Generic name Levalbuterol Albuterol
Drug classModerately selective, Short-Acting Beta-2-AgonistModerately selective, Short-Acting Beta-2-Agonist
What forms does the medicine come in?Aerosol Powder
Solution
Powder
Solution
Suspension
How long is the typical treatment?Intermittent
Short term
Intermittent
Short term
Who can use the medication?Children 4 years of age and older 
Adults
Infants
Children
Adults
Brand/generic statusBrand and Generic both availableBrand (Ventolin) and Generic both available
FDA approved YesYes
Prescription Required (Rx)YesYes

Xopenex vs Albuterol: Which can prevent Bronchospasm caused by exercise?

Albuterol can be used to prevent exercise-induced Bronchospasm. 

Typically, it should be administered 15 minutes before the exercise to reduce the likelihood of Bronchospasm.

In contrast, Xopenex (Levalbuterol) can be used off-label for this purpose. The FDA has not approved this medicine for this usage. 

Which of the two causes fewer side effects: Xopenex vs Albuterol

Albuterol and Xopenex have identical side effects. 

These include Anxiety, a rapid heartbeat (Tachycardia), and tremors.

Xopenex, but not Albuterol, is connected with adverse symptoms such as migraine and dizziness.

Which is used for treating infants: Xopenex or Albuterol?

Xopenex is only approved for patients older than four years. 

In Xopenex vs Albuterol comparison, Albuterol would be the preferred option for infants, children, and adults. 

Only your doctor can choose the correct medication based on your age and medical condition. 

Recommended ReadVentolin vs Albuterol: What’s the Difference? 

Albuterol vs Xopenex
Gpoint Studio

Albuterol vs Xopenex: Which can be used as a quick relief inhaler?

Albuterol and Xopenex both are Short-Acting Beta-2-Agonist (SABA), which are used as quick-relief medications. 

They both can be used to prevent and treat symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness caused by Asthma or COPD. 

Xopenex vs Albuterol: Which one to choose?

The effects of Xopenex (Levalbuterol) and Albuterol on Asthma and COPD have been extensively studied. 

This clinical trial indicated that the outcomes of the two medications were equal and that both were effective at reducing Bronchospasm symptoms.

However, the cost of Xopenex (Levalbuterol) treatment was much greater than that of Albuterol treatment, and the period of hospitalization for Levalbuterol patients was significantly longer than that of Albuterol patients.

A meta-analysis and systematic review of seven trials involving over 1,600 patients compared Xopenex (Levalbuterol) and Albuterol for the treatment of acute Asthma.

Comparing clinical outcomes like respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and lung volume change, this study found no statistically significant differences between the medicines. 

In this article on Xopenex vs Albuterol, no data suggests that Levalbuterol (Xopenex) is preferable to Albuterol in the treatment of Asthma or vice versa.

Consequently, both treatments are equally successful. Your doctor will choose an effective medication for you based on your medical condition and response to the treatment.

Remember to get medicines from a reliable online pharmacy and follow the recommendations on the label.