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Xopenex (LEVOSALBUTAMOL)

Oak Pharms Inc · FDA-approved approved Small molecule ✓ Verified May 2026 Quality 65/100

Xopenex (generic name: LEVOSALBUTAMOL) is a beta2-Adrenergic Agonist Small molecule drug developed by Oak Pharms Inc. It is currently FDA-approved (first approved 1999) for Acute exacerbation of asthma, Bronchospasm, Bronchospasm Prevention.

Xopenex works by activating the beta-2 adrenergic receptor, leading to bronchodilation and relaxation of airway smooth muscle.

Xopenex, also known as levalbuterol, is a small molecule medication used to treat conditions such as asthma, pulmonary disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is administered via a nebulizer, either electric or human-powered, and is available in various forms, including the ADVAIR DISKUS 250/50mcg inhaler.

At a glance

Generic nameLEVOSALBUTAMOL
SponsorOak Pharms Inc
Drug classbeta2-Adrenergic Agonist
TargetBeta-2 adrenergic receptor
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaRespiratory
PhaseFDA-approved
First approval1999

Mechanism of action

Mechanism of Action: Activation of beta2-adrenergic receptors on airway smooth muscle leads to the activation of adenylate cyclase and to an increase in the intracellular concentration of cyclic-3, 5-adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP). The increase in cyclic AMP is associated with the activation of protein kinase A, which in turn, inhibits the phosphorylation of myosin and lowers intracellular ionic calcium concentrations, resulting in muscle relaxation. Levalbuterol relaxes the smooth muscles of all airways, from the trachea to the terminal bronchioles. Increased cyclic AMP concentrations are also associated with the inhibition of the release of mediators from mast cells in the airways. Levalbuterol acts as functional antagonist to relax the airway irrespective of the spasmogen involved, thus protecting against all bronchoconstrictor challenges. While it is recognized that beta2-adrenergic receptors are the predominant receptors on bronchial smooth muscle, data indicate that there a

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Patents

PatentExpiryType

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
FDA labelMechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results
FDA Orange BookPatents + exclusivity

Competitive intelligence

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Frequently asked questions about Xopenex

What is Xopenex?

Xopenex (LEVOSALBUTAMOL) is a beta2-Adrenergic Agonist drug developed by Oak Pharms Inc, indicated for Acute exacerbation of asthma, Bronchospasm, Bronchospasm Prevention.

How does Xopenex work?

Xopenex works by activating the beta-2 adrenergic receptor, leading to bronchodilation and relaxation of airway smooth muscle.

What is Xopenex used for?

Xopenex is indicated for Acute exacerbation of asthma, Bronchospasm, Bronchospasm Prevention.

Who makes Xopenex?

Xopenex is developed and marketed by Oak Pharms Inc (see full Oak Pharms Inc pipeline at /company/oak-pharms-inc).

What is the generic name of Xopenex?

LEVOSALBUTAMOL is the generic (nonproprietary) name of Xopenex.

What drug class is Xopenex in?

Xopenex belongs to the beta2-Adrenergic Agonist class. See all beta2-Adrenergic Agonist drugs at /class/beta2-adrenergic-agonist.

When was Xopenex approved?

Xopenex was first approved on 1999.

What development phase is Xopenex in?

Xopenex is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of Xopenex?

Common side effects of Xopenex include Body as Whole Pain, Respiratory System Asthma, Digestive System Vomiting, Body as Whole Accidental injury, Respiratory System Pharyngitis, Respiratory System Rhinitis.

What does Xopenex target?

Xopenex targets Beta-2 adrenergic receptor and is a beta2-Adrenergic Agonist.

Related

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing