No, Xopenex and Xopenex HFA aren’t corticosteroids. They’re called short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs). Xopenex and Xopenex HFA are used as needed to treat sudden breathing problems. They work quickly to open your airways and make it easier for you to breathe. Because of this, they’re also called rescue medications.
Corticosteroids are commonly used as maintenance medications to control asthma or other breathing conditions and prevent flare-ups. Maintenance medications are taken consistently each day, rather than as needed.
Corticosteroids are available as inhaled and oral (taken by mouth) forms. Sometimes, corticosteroids are used with rescue medications as part of your complete treatment plan. For more information on this, see the section “Xopenex use with other drugs” above.
Some examples of corticosteroids that are used to treat breathing conditions include:
budesonide (Pulmicort)
fluticasone (Flovent)
mometasone (Asmanex)
If you have questions about whether you need to use corticosteroids, talk with your doctor about your treatment options.