Metaproterenol (patient information)

Why this medication is prescribed

Metaproterenol is used to prevent and treat wheezing, shortness of breath, and troubled breathing caused by asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other lung diseases. It relaxes and opens air passages in the lungs, making it easier to breathe.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How this medication should be used

Metaproterenol comes as tablets and syrup to take by mouth and as a solution and an aerosol to inhale by mouth. It usually is taken by oral inhalation as needed to relieve symptoms or every 3-4 hours to prevent symptoms or by mouth three or four times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take metaproterenol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. If you are using metaproterenol as needed to relieve symptoms of asthma attacks, do not use more than 12 puffs per day.

Metaproterenol controls symptoms of asthma and other lung diseases but does not cure them. Continue to take metaproterenol even if you feel well. Do not stop taking metaproterenol without talking to your doctor.

Before you use the metaproterenol inhaler the first time, read the written instructions that come with it. Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist to demonstrate the proper technique. Practice using the inhaler while in his or her presence.

To use the inhaler, follow these steps:

1. Shake the inhaler well.
2. Remove the protective cap.
3. Exhale (breathe out) as completely as possible through your nose while keeping your mouth shut.
4. Open Mouth Technique: Open your mouth wide, and place the open end of the mouthpiece about 1-2 inches from your mouth.Closed Mouth Technique: Place the open end of the mouthpiece well into your mouth, past your front teeth. Close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece.
5. Take a slow, deep breath through the mouthpiece and, at the same time, press down on the container to spray the medication into your mouth. Be sure that the mist goes into your throat and is not blocked by your teeth or tongue. Adults giving the treatment to young children may hold the child's nose closed to be sure that the medication goes into the child's throat.
6. Hold your breath for 5-10 seconds, remove the inhaler, and exhale slowly through your nose or mouth. If you take 2 puffs, wait 2 minutes and shake the inhaler well before taking the second puff.
7. Replace the protective cap on the inhaler.

If you have difficulty getting the medication into your lungs, a spacer (a special device that attaches to the inhaler) may help; ask your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist.

Special precautions

Before taking metaproterenol:

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to metaproterenol or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription medications you are taking, especially atenolol (Tenormin); carteolol (Cartrol); labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate); metoprolol (Lopressor); nadolol (Corgard); phenelzine (Nardil); propranolol (Inderal); sotalol (Betapace); theophylline (Theo-Dur); timolol (Blocadren); tranylcypromine (Parnate); other medications for asthma, heart disease, or depression.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what nonprescription medications and vitamins you are taking, including ephedrine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, or pseudoephedrine. Many nonprescription products contain these drugs (e.g., diet pills and medications for colds and asthma), so check labels carefully. Do not take any of these medications without talking to your doctor (even if you never had a problem taking them before).
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had irregular heartbeat, increased heart rate, glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid gland, diabetes, or seizures.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking metaproterenol, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking metaproterenol.

What to do if you forget a dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Side effects

Minor side effects

Metaproterenol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• tremor
• nervousness
• dizziness
• weakness
• headache
• upset stomach
• cough
• dry mouth
• throat irritation

Severe side effects

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• increased difficulty breathing
• rapid or increased heart rate
• irregular heartbeat
• chest pain or discomfort

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Storage conditions needed for this medication

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not use the solution if it is pink, yellow, or darker than usual or if it has floating particles. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication. Avoid puncturing the container, and do not discard it in an incinerator or fire.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Other information

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to metaproterenol.

To relieve dry mouth or throat irritation caused by metaproterenol inhalation, rinse your mouth with water, chew gum, or suck sugarless hard candy after using metaproterenol.

Inhalation devices require regular cleaning. Once a week, remove the drug container from the plastic mouthpiece, wash the mouthpiece with warm tap water, and dry it thoroughly.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

• Alupent®
• Alupent® Inhalation Solution
• Alupent® Syrup