Metaproterenol (Oral)

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 help open up the bronchial tubes (air passages) in the lungs. They 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 that your doctor checks your progress or your child's progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to check for any unwanted effects.

Check with 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 gets worse.

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

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems, and herbal or vitamin supplements.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to consider the risks versus the benefits. Here are some important points to think about for this medicine:

Allergies

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

Pediatric

There have not been appropriate studies on the effects of metaproterenol oral solution and tablets in children younger than 6 years of age. Safety and effectiveness have not been established for this age group.

Geriatric

There is no information available on how age affects the effects of metaproterenol in older adults.

Breast Feeding

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

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while in other cases, two different medicines may be used together even if there might be an interaction. If you are taking this medicine, it is very important that your healthcare professional knows if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been chosen based on their significance and may not be 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 together, your doctor may adjust the dose or how often you take one or both of the medicines.

• Iobenguane I 123
• Methacholine
• Sotalol

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may increase the risk of certain side effects, but using both may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may adjust the dose or how often you take one or both of the medicines.

• Semaglutide

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be used around the time of eating food or certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Talk to your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

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

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

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

Along with its necessary effects, Metaproterenol (Oral) can cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may happen, but if they do, they might need medical attention.

Check with your doctor right away 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 Metaproterenol (Oral). Your health care professional may also be able to tell you how 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 occur 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

In Canada

• Alti-Orciprenaline

Available Dosage Forms:

• Tablet
• Syrup

Therapeutic Class: Bronchodilator

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.

Measure the oral liquid with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.

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 oral dosage form (solution): Adults—Two teaspoonfuls (10 milliliters [mL]) three or four times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. Children older than 9 years of age or weighing more than 60 pounds (lbs)—Two teaspoonfuls (10 mL) three or four times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. Children 6 to 9 years of age or weighing less than 60 lbs—One teaspoonful (5 mL) three or four times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. Children younger than 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your child's doctor. For oral dosage form (tablets): Adults—20 milligrams (mg) three or four times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. Children older than 9 years of age or weighing more than 60 pounds (lbs)—20 mg three or four times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. Children 6 to 9 years of age or weighing less than 60 lbs—10 mg three or four times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. Children younger than 6 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 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.