What is metaproterenol?
Metaproterenol is a bronchodilator. It works by relaxing muscles in the airways to improve breathing. Metaproterenol is used to treat conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. Metaproterenol may also be used for conditions other than those listed in this medication guide.
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What are the possible side effects of metaproterenol?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking metaproterenol
and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
-
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat;
swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or
-
chest pains or an irregular heart beat.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to
take metaproterenol and talk to your doctor if you experience
-
headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, or insomnia;
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tremor or nervousness;
-
sweating;
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nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; or
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dry mouth.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
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How should I take metaproterenol?
Take metaproterenol exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take the metaproterenol tablets with a full glass of water. To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid forms of metaproterenol with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one. To use the inhaler: Shake the inhaler several times and uncap the mouthpiece. Breathe out fully and place your lips around the mouthpiece. Take a deep, slow breath as you push down on the canister. Hold your breath for several seconds, then exhale slowly.
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What is the most important information I should know about metaproterenol?
It is very important that you use the metaproterenol inhaler or nebulizer properly, so that the medicine gets into the lungs. Your doctor may want you to use a spacer with the inhaler. Talk to your doctor about proper inhaler and nebulizer use. Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the maximum amount of any asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.
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What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
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What other drugs will affect metaproterenol?
Before taking metaproterenol, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines: a beta-blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), propranolol (Inderal), and others; a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others; a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate); another inhaled or oral bronchodilator; or
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Can I take this if I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?
Metaproterenol has been assigned to pregnancy category C by the FDA. Reproductive studies in mice and rabbits have demonstrated teratogenic and embryotoxic effects at doses at least 30 times the normal human oral dose. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy, although it has been used systemically to inhibit preterm labor. No fetal abnormalities have been reported with such use, however, the fetus may experience the general adverse effects reported in the mother. Use of metaproterenol in pregnant women for the relief of bronchospasm may interfere with uterine contractility. Metaproterenol is only recommended for use during pregnancy when benefit outweighs risk.
There are no data on the excretion of metaproterenol into human milk. The manufacturer recommends that caution be used when administering metaproterenol to nursing women.
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Who should NOT use this medication?
Arrhythmias associated with tachycardia.
Known hypersensitivity to metaproterenol or any ingredients in formulation.
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What does my medication look like?
Metaproterenol is available with a prescription under the brand names Alupent and Metaprel. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.
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What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms of an metaproterenol overdose include angina or chest pain, irregular heartbeats or a fluttering heart, seizures, tremor, weakness, headache, nausea, and vomiting.
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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking metaproterenol?
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have heart disease or high blood pressure; epilepsy or another seizure disorder; diabetes; an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism); or liver disease; or kidney disease. You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. Metaproterenol is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether metaproterenol will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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Where can I get more information?
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