DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Metaproterenol Tablets (met-a-proe-TER-e-nol)
Brand Name: Alupent

Metaproterenol is used for:

Treating or preventing symptoms of asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, and other reversible breathing problems. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Metaproterenol is a beta-adrenergic agonist bronchodilator. It works by relaxing the smooth muscle in the airways, allowing air to flow in and out of the lungs more easily.

Do NOT use Metaproterenol if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Metaproterenol
• you have had an unexpected reaction to another sympathomimetic (eg, albuterol, pseudoephedrine)
• you have a fast heartbeat
• you are taking another beta-adrenergic bronchodilator (eg, albuterol) or droxidopa

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Metaproterenol :

Some medical conditions may interact with Metaproterenol . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have heart problems (eg, irregular heartbeat, congestive heart failure) or high blood pressure
• if you have a history of seizures (eg, epilepsy), diabetes, an overactive thyroid, or have an adrenal gland tumor (eg, pheochromocytoma)

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Metaproterenol . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Beta-blockers (eg, propranolol) because the effectiveness of Metaproterenol may be decreased
• Beta-adrenergic bronchodilators (eg, albuterol), catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors (eg, entacapone), monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (eg, phenelzine), sympathomimetics (eg, pseudoephedrine), or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because side effects may be increased by Metaproterenol
• Droxidopa because the risk of side effects, such as irregular heartbeat or heart attack, may be increased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Metaproterenol may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Metaproterenol :

Use Metaproterenol as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Metaproterenol may be taken with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
• If you miss a dose of Metaproterenol , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Metaproterenol .

Important safety information:

• Metaproterenol may cause dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Metaproterenol . Using Metaproterenol alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
• Do not exceed the recommended dose or use Metaproterenol for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.
• If the asthma attack continues or worsens, contact your doctor.
• If the usual dose fails to provide relief or if you need to take it more often than normal, contact your doctor at once. This may be a sign of seriously worsening asthma, which may require changing your medication.
• Contact your health care provider about taking other asthma or inhaled medications while taking Metaproterenol .
• LAB TESTS, including lung function, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Metaproterenol with caution in the ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Caution is advised when using Metaproterenol in CHILDREN because they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Metaproterenol during pregnancy. It is unknown if Metaproterenol is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while using Metaproterenol , contact your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Metaproterenol :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Difficulty sleeping; dizziness; headache; hyperactivity; nausea; nervousness; stomach upset.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; increased difficulty breathing; itching; pounding in the chest; severe or persistent dizziness; swelling; tremors; wheezing; worsened asthma symptoms.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include chest pain; fast or irregular heartbeat; severe or persistent nervousness, headache, nausea, dizziness, or trouble sleeping.

Proper storage of Metaproterenol :

Store Metaproterenol at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Metaproterenol out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Metaproterenol , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Metaproterenol is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Metaproterenol . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.