Episode 240: How do you say levalbuterol (Xopenex)? Pronunciation Series Episode 20

How do you say levalbuterol? In this episode I divide the drug names levalbuterol and Xopenex into syllables, explain which syllable(s) have the emphasis, and reveal the sources of the information.

The purpose of my pronunciation episodes is to provide the intended pronunciations of drug names (from reliable sources) so that you feel more confident saying them and less frustrated learning them.

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Levalbuterol is the generic name. Xopenex is the brand name.

What is levalbuterol? Patients may call this their “asthma medicine” or their “rescue inhaler.” It’s a beta2-agonist bronchodilator that works within minutes to make breathing easier.

Levalbuterol = LEV al BUE ter ol

Levalbuterol has 5 syllables.

LEV, like levitate **Emphasize this syllable

Al, like my Uncle’s first name is “Al”

BUE, which rhymes with the number two **Emphasize this syllable the most

Ter, like terrific

ol, which sounds like, “All.”

Xopenex = ZOE-pen-eks

Xopenex only has 3 syllables.

ZOE, which rhymes with “toe.” **Emphasize this syllable

Pen, like the writing instrument (pen)

Ecks, like the alphabet letter “X”

How did I know how to say levalbuterol and Xopenex?

1. The written pronunciation of Levalbuterol is in the USP Dictionary Online.
2. Xopenex’s written pronunciation in its “package insert.” Go to section 17: patient counseling information. You’ll find it there.

If you know someone who needs to learn how to say levalbuterol or Xopenex, please share this episode with them. Thank you!

Links from this episode

USP Dictionary Online (aka USAN) **Subscription-based resource

USP Dictionary’s (USAN) pronunciation guide (Source: American Medical Association’s website)

Xopenex on DAILYMED

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