Appropriate xopenex dosage can depend on a patient’s age, condition, and underlying health issues. This inhaled asthma medication is intended to reduce the intensity and frequency of bronchospasm and is used as a maintenance drug. Patients need to take it regularly to prevent asthma attacks and the dosage may require adjustment over time because asthma is a chronic condition that can vary in severity. Care providers like asthma specialists may work with the patient to determine the most appropriate dosage and schedule.
Patients may use this drug in the form of an inhalation solution designed for use with nebulizers, or in a metered dose inhaler. In both cases, they typically take xopenex three times a day, spacing their doses between four and eight hours apart, depending on their condition. For a four hour dosing schedule, it may be necessary to add extra doses, in which case the xopenex dosage per session is lower to reduce the risk of side effects.
Adults receive a higher dose than pediatric patients, because of their increased body weight. If a patient is unusually low-weight, a doctor may recommend weighing and determining if a lower dose would be more appropriate. Underlying health issues may also require a dosage adjustment. The xopenex dosage could interact adversely with other medications, including asthma drugs, as well as issues like heart conditions. Before patients start taking the drug, they may want to review their medical histories to make sure they are good candidates.
The severity of a patient’s asthma can also be an important factor in xopenex dosage. Doctors may recommend starting on a low dose to see if that helps the patient breathe more comfortably. If the patient doesn’t respond, the doctor can slowly increase the dosage. Patients may need to work with their care providers to find the point where the medication starts offering benefits, but comes with a low risk of side effects. In the case of high dose therapy, the patient may require ongoing monitoring to check for adverse reactions.
If a change in xopenex dosage results in changes to a patient’s asthma or the development of side effects, the patient should discuss this with a care provider. Asthma control can require a balancing act with medication and lifestyle choices that may require periodic adjustments. Patients who monitor their health and discuss proactive solutions with their doctors may achieve better control, and can reduce the risk of serious asthma complications. Those with severe asthma should also carry a medic alert card, as this information could be important for emergency responders.
