Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: MAXAIR versus XOPENEX.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: MAXAIR versus XOPENEX.
MAXAIR vs XOPENEX
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonist; relaxes bronchial smooth muscle via increased intracellular cAMP.
Selective beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonist that relaxes bronchial smooth muscle by increasing intracellular cyclic AMP levels.
2 inhalations (340 mcg) via oral inhalation every 4-6 hours as needed for bronchospasm; not to exceed 12 inhalations per day.
Nebulized solution: 0.63 mg or 1.25 mg 3 times daily every 6-8 hours; metered-dose inhaler: 2 inhalations (90 mcg per inhalation) 3 times daily every 6-8 hours.
None Documented
None Documented
3.5–4.0 hours; clinically, this supports dosing every 4–6 hours as needed.
Terminal elimination half-life: 3.3-4.0 hours in adults. Clinically, twice-daily dosing is not recommended due to shorter half-life; every 4-6 hour dosing is standard for acute bronchodilation.
Renal excretion of unchanged drug accounts for approximately 90% of elimination; fecal excretion is minimal (<5%).
Renal: 80-100% as unchanged drug and metabolites (approximately 60% as unchanged levalbuterol, 20% as inactive sulfate conjugate). Fecal: <5%.
Category C
Category C
Bronchodilator
Bronchodilator