Metaproterenol

Metaproterenol is a medicine that helps open the airways. It does this by relaxing the muscles in the airways, making it easier to breathe.

Metaproterenol is used to treat conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema.

Metaproterenol may also be used for other reasons that are not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take metaproterenol in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Use metaproterenol regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Seek medical attention if you think your asthma medications are not working as well. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.

To make sure this medication is not causing harmful effects on your lungs, you may need to have chest X-rays or other frequent lung function tests.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

You should not use metaproterenol if you have a heart rhythm disorder that causes fast heartbeats.

You should not use metaproterenol if you are allergic to it, or if you have a heart rhythm disorder that causes fast heartbeats.

To make sure metaproterenol is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• heart disease, high blood pressure, heart rhythm disorder;
• epilepsy or another seizure disorder;
• low levels of potassium in your blood;
• diabetes; or
• an overactive thyroid.

It is not known whether metaproterenol will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether metaproterenol passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Metaproterenol should not be given to a child younger than 6 years old.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Metaproterenol may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• chest pain, fast heart rate;
• pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• tremors; or
• worsening or no improvement in your symptoms.

Common side effects of metaproterenol may include:

• nervousness;
• headache;
• dizziness, drowsiness;
• nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach, dry mouth;
• tired feeling; or
• sleep problem (insomnia).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Asthma -- Acute:

20 mg orally 3 to 4 times a dayComments:-Titrate dose according to patient response.

Usual Adult Dose for Asthma -- Maintenance:

20 mg orally 3 to 4 times a dayComments:-Titrate dose according to patient response.

Usual Adult Dose for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease -- Acute:

20 mg orally 3 to 4 times a dayComments:-Titrate dose according to patient response.

Usual Adult Dose for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease -- Maintenance:

20 mg orally 3 to 4 times a dayComments:-Titrate dose according to patient response.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Asthma -- Acute:

Ages 6 to 9 OR weight under 60 pounds: 10 mg orally 3 to 4 times a dayAdult dose: 20 mg orally 3 to 4 times a dayComments:-Titrate dose according to patient response.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Asthma -- Maintenance:

Ages 6 to 9 OR weight under 60 pounds: 10 mg orally 3 to 4 times a dayAdult dose: 20 mg orally 3 to 4 times a dayComments:-Titrate dose according to patient response.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease -- Acute:

Ages 6 to 9 OR weight under 60 pounds: 10 mg orally 3 to 4 times a dayAdult dose: 20 mg orally 3 to 4 times a dayComments:-Titrate dose according to patient response.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease -- Maintenance:

Ages 6 to 9 OR weight under 60 pounds: 10 mg orally 3 to 4 times a dayAdult dose: 20 mg orally 3 to 4 times a dayComments:-Titrate dose according to patient response.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

• 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.

Tell your doctor about all medicines you are using, and any you start or stop during your treatment with metaproterenol, especially:

• an MAO inhibitor--isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine; or
• a beta blocker--atenolol, bisoprolol, carvedilol, labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol, nebivolol, propranolol, sotalol, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with metaproterenol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.