Things You'll Need:
- A nebulizer machine or spacer
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Step 1
Understand what symptoms Xopenex relieves. Symptoms, such as chest tightness, wheezing and shortness of breath might be helped by taking Xopenex. The medication usually starts working within 10 to 15 minutes and last about six to eight hours.
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Step 2
Determine a mode of administration. Xopenex can be given in a liquid form through a nebulizer or through an aerosol via a metered dose inhaler. The liquid turns into a vapor for inhalation when given through a nebulizer. Talk with your doctor about which mode is best for you. An inhaler is portable and convenient. However, a nebulizer might work better for people who have trouble using an inhaler.
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Step 3
Check the dosage. Xopenex given in a liquid form through a nebulizer is usually prescribed at 0.63 mg or 1.25 mg. Children sometimes might be prescribed 0.31 mg. If Xopenex HFA is given through an inhaler, two to four puffs are often given. Check frequency. Xopenex via a nebulizer is usually given every six to eight hours. When an inhaler is used, frequency is often every four to six hours.
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Step 4
Place the medication into the nebulizer cup. The concentrated form of the medication will require about 3 ml of saline be mixed in. Connect the mouthpiece to the nebulizer. Attach the tubing on one end to the cup and the other end to an air compressor or oxygen tank. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and inhale slowly. The medication takes about 10 minutes to dispense.
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Step 5
Use a spacer when taking Xopenex with an MDI instead of a nebulizer. A spacer is a tube-like device that helps make using an inhaler easier. According to the West Virginia Asthma Education and Prevention Program, it also helps more medication reach the lungs. Shake the inhaler before you use it. Place it into the spacer. Exhale out through the mouth. Place the mouthpiece on the end of the spacer, into your mouth. Press down on the inhaler, so the medication is expelled into the spacer. Inhale slowly through your mouth, and hold your breath for about 10 seconds.
