What is the drug class for Xopenex?

Xopenex, which is the brand name for levalbuterol, belongs to the bronchodilator drug class. Bronchodilators are medications designed to relax the muscles of the airways, allowing for easier airflow and improving breathing in conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Xopenex specifically works by acting as a beta-2 adrenergic agonist, which stimulates receptors in the bronchial muscles, leading to dilation of the airways.

This property is crucial for individuals experiencing bronchospasm, providing rapid relief of symptoms. In contrast, antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, antiepileptics are designed to manage seizure disorders, and antihyperlipidemics are aimed at lowering cholesterol levels. Therefore, identifying Xopenex as a bronchodilator accurately reflects its therapeutic use in managing respiratory conditions.