Metaproterenol (Inhalation)

Metaproterenol is used to treat asthma and bronchospasm in patients with bronchitis, emphysema, and other lung diseases.

Metaproterenol belongs to a group of medicines called adrenergic bronchodilators. Adrenergic bronchodilators are medicines that you inhale through your mouth to open up the bronchial tubes (air passages) in the lungs. They help relieve cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing by increasing the flow of air through the bronchial tubes.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

It is very important for your doctor to check your progress or your child's progress during regular visits. This allows your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to check for any unwanted effects.

This medicine may cause paradoxical bronchospasm, which can be life-threatening. Contact your doctor immediately if you or your child experience a cough, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or wheezing after using the medicine.

Contact your doctor right away if you or your child continue to have breathing problems after using a dose of this medicine or if your condition worsens.

Do not change your dose or stop using this medicine without talking to your doctor first.

Do not take other medicines unless your doctor has discussed them with you. This includes both prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus issues, as well as herbal or vitamin supplements.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to consider the risks of taking the medicine against the benefits it may provide. For this medicine, keep the following in mind:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your healthcare professional know about any other types of allergies you may have, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

There have not been appropriate studies on the effects of metaproterenol inhalation aerosol in children younger than 12 years. Safety and effectiveness have not been established.

Geriatric

There is no information available regarding the effects of metaproterenol inhalation aerosol in older adults.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women to determine the risk to infants when using this medication during breastfeeding. Consider the potential benefits and risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while others may be used together even if there is a possibility of interaction. In these cases, your doctor may need to adjust the dose or take other precautions. It is especially important for your healthcare professional to know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below while using this medicine. The following interactions are based on their potential significance and are not necessarily a complete list.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be necessary in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed, your doctor may adjust the dose or frequency of one or both medications.

• Iobenguane I 123
• Methacholine
• Sotalol

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used around the time of eating food or specific types of food due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions. Talk to your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical issues may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure to inform your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Diabetes or
• Heart or blood vessel disease or
• Hypertension (high blood pressure) or
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or
• Seizures—Use with caution. It may worsen these conditions.

• Heart rhythm problems (e.g., arrhythmia) or
• Tachycardia (fast or rapid heartbeat)—Should not be used in patients with these conditions.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may happen, but if they do, they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

• Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse

Less common

• Shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
• Trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
• Worsening of asthma

Rare

• Blurred vision
• Chest pain
• Chills
• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Fever
• General feeling of discomfort or illness
• Headache
• Increased sweating
• Joint pain
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle aches and pains
• Nausea
• Nervousness
• Pounding in the ears
• Puffiness of the face and fingers
• Runny nose
• Shivering
• Slow or fast heartbeat
• Sore throat
• Sweating
• Swelling
• Trouble sleeping
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Vomiting

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

• Arm, back, or jaw pain
• Chest discomfort
• Chest tightness or heaviness
• Confusion
• Dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• Dry mouth
• General feeling of discomfort or illness
• Shortness of breath
• Sleeplessness
• Unable to sleep

Some side effects may happen that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Your health care professional may also be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome, or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

• Abdominal or stomach pain

Rare

• Bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste
• Change in appetite
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth or throat
• Itching skin
• Pain
• Raised red swellings on the skin, lips, tongue, or in the throat
• Tightening of the muscles
• Weakness

Other side effects not listed may also happen in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Alupent

Pharmacologic Class: Beta-2 Adrenergic Agonist

Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. Also, do not stop using this medicine or any asthma medicine without telling your doctor. To do so may increase the chance for breathing problems.

Alupent(R) inhalation aerosol is used with a special inhaler that comes with patient instructions. Read the directions carefully before using this medicine. If you or your child do not understand the directions or are not sure how to use the inhaler, ask your doctor to show you what to do. Also, ask your doctor to check you or your child on a regular basis to make sure you are using it properly.

To use the inhaler:

• Insert the metal canister firmly and fully into the clear end of the mouthpiece.
• This mouthpiece should not be used with other inhaled medicines.
• Remove the cap and look at the mouthpiece to make sure it is clean.
• Shake the inhaler well before using.
• To inhale this medicine, first breathe out fully. Try to get as much air out of the lungs as possible.
• Put the mouthpiece just in front of your mouth with the canister upright.
• Open your mouth and breathe in slowly and deeply (like yawning). At the same time, firmly press down once on the top of the canister.
• Hold your breath for a few seconds, then breathe out slowly.
• If you are supposed to use more than one puff, wait at least 2 minutes before inhaling the second puff. Repeat these steps for the second puff, starting with shaking the inhaler.
• When you have finished all of your doses, rinse your mouth with water and spit the water out.
• Clean the inhaler mouthpiece every day with hot water. Dry it thoroughly before use.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For asthma and bronchospasm:For inhalation dosage form (aerosol): Adults and teenagers—Two to three puffs every 3 to 4 hours as needed. However, the total dose is usually not more than 12 puffs per day. Children younger than 12 years of age—Use is not recommended.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the canister at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze. Do not keep this medicine inside a car where it could be exposed to extreme heat or cold. Do not poke holes in the canister or throw it into a fire, even if the canister is empty.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.