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Alupent, Metaprel, |metaproterenol Metaproterenol

metaproterenol

Generic Name: metaproterenol (meh ta proe TER e nall)
Brand Names: Alupent, Metaprel

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• If you take more than one dose at a time, wait for at least 1 full minute, then repeat the procedure.

• Keep the inhaler clean and dry. Keep the mouthpiece capped when not in use. Clean the inhaler as instructed by the manufacturer.

To use the solution for nebulization:

• Measure the correct amount of medication with the dropper provided or select the prescribed number of ampules. Transfer the liquid into the medication chamber of the nebulizer. If your medication has a dropper, do not allow the dropper to touch any surface including your hands or the chamber of the nebulizer. Dilute the medication with normal saline if prescribed by your doctor.

• Attach the mouthpiece or face mask to the drug chamber. Then, attach the drug chamber to the compressor. Sit upright, in a comfortable position, and put the mouthpiece into your mouth or put the face mask on, covering the nose and mouth. Breathe slowly and evenly until all of the medicine has been inhaled (usually 5 to 15 minutes). The treatment is complete when no more mist is formed by the nebulizer and the drug chamber is empty.

• Clean the nebulizer after a treatment as directed by the manufacturer.

If you also use a steroid inhaler, use the metaproterenol inhaler or nebulization solution first to open up your airways, then use the steroid inhaler as directed unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

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 your inhaler. Talk to your doctor about proper inhaler and nebulizer use.

It is important to take metaproterenol regularly to get the most benefit.

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.

Your doctor may want you to have lung function tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with metaproterenol to monitor progress and side effects.

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.

What happens if I overdose?

Symptoms of an metaproterenol overdose include angina or chest pain, irregular heartbeats or a fluttering heart, seizures, tremor, weakness, headache, nausea, and vomiting.

What should I avoid while taking metaproterenol?

Avoid situations that may trigger an asthma attack such as exercising in cold, dry air; smoking; breathing in dust; and exposure to allergens such as pet fur.

Metaproterenol side effects

• 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;

• tremor or nervousness;

• sweating;

• nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; or

• 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.

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

• caffeine, diet pills, or decongestants.

You may not be able to take metaproterenol, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with metaproterenol or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about metaproterenol written for health professionals that you may read.

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.

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ("Multum") is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum"s drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum"s drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.