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Generic Name: metaproterenol

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An adrenergic bronchodilator - treats Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

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(meh ta proe TER e nall)

Uses

Bronchospasm in Asthma

Symptomatic management of bronchospasm in patients with reversible, obstructive airway disease (e.g., asthma). Manufacturer recommends against use with other β-adrenergic bronchodilators. (See Specific Drugs under Interactions.)

Current asthma management guidelines and most clinicians recommend anti-inflammatory therapy with an orally inhaled corticosteroid as first-line therapy for long-term control of persistent asthma, supplemented by intermittent, as-needed use of a short-acting, inhaled β₂-agonist.

The National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) does not recommend nonselective β-adrenergic agonists, including metaproterenol, for treatment of asthma because of the associated potential for excessive cardiac stimulation, particularly in high doses.

Bronchospasm in COPD

Symptomatic management of reversible bronchospasm in patients with COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Manufacturer recommends against use with other β-adrenergic bronchodilators. (See Specific Drugs under Interactions.)

Dosage and Administration

General

Adjust dosage carefully according to individual requirements and response.

Administration

Administer orallyor by oral inhalation via metered-dose inhaler or nebulizer.

Oral Inhalation

Metered-dose Inhaler

Oral inhalation aerosol delivers approximately 0.65 mg from mouthpiece per metered spray; 7-g or 14-g canister delivers 100 or 200 metered sprays, respectively.

Administer inhalation aerosol only with actuator provided by manufacturer.

Shake the inhaler well before use.

Avoid spraying aerosol into eyes.

Place the mouthpiece of the inhaler well into the mouth with lips closed around it. Exhale through nose as completely as possible. Inhale slowly and deeply through mouth. Actuate aerosol inhaler, hold breath for few seconds, withdraw mouthpiece, and exhale slowly.

Allow ≥2 minutes to elapse between inhalations from aerosol inhaler.

Clean inhalation aerosol inhaler by removing metal canister and running warm water through plastic mouthpiece. If soap used, rinse thoroughly with plain water.

Dosage

Available as metaproterenol sulfate; dosage expressed in terms of metaproterenol sulfate.

Pediatric Patients

Bronchospasm in Asthma

Oral

Oral solution in children <6 years of age (limited experience): 1.3–2.6 mg/kg daily.

Oral solution in children 6–9 years of age or those weighing <27.3 kg: Usually, 10 mg 3 or 4 times daily.

Conventional tablets in children 6–9 years of age or those weighing <27.3 kg: Usually, 10 mg 3 or 4 times daily.

Oral solution in children >9 years of age or those weighing >27.3 kg: Usually, 20 mg 3 or 4 times daily.

Conventional tablets in children >9 years of age or those weighing >27.3 kg: Usually, 20 mg 3 or 4 times daily.

Oral Inhalation

Inhalation aerosol in children ≥12 years of age: 1.3 or 1.95 mg (2 or 3 inhalations). Usually no need to repeat dosing more often than every 3–4 hours. If necessary, additional inhalations may be used, with dosage not exceeding 7.8 mg (12 inhalations) in any 24-hour period.

0.4 or 0.6% inhalation solution for nebulization in children ≥12 years of age: 10 or 15 mg (contents of 1 vial of 0.4 or 0.6% solution for nebulization, respectively) 3 or 4 times daily. Usually no need to repeat dosing more often than every 4 hours.

Adults

Bronchospasm in Asthma

Oral

Usually, 20 mg 3 or 4 times daily.

Oral Inhalation

Inhalation aerosol: 1.3 or 1.95 mg (2 or 3 inhalations). Usually no need to repeat dosing more often than every 3–4 hours. If necessary, additional inhalations may be used, with dosage not exceeding 7.8 mg (12 inhalations) in any 24-hour period.

0.4 or 0.6% inhalation solution for nebulization: 10 or 15 mg (contents of 1 vial of 0.4 or 0.6% solution for nebulization, respectively) 3 or 4 times daily. Usually no need to repeat dosing more often than every 4 hours.