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.
Metaproterenol is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether metaproterenol will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether metaproterenol passes into breast milk. Do not take metaproterenol without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
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.
Take the metaproterenol tablets with a full glass of water. To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid forms of metaproterenol with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
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.
Store metaproterenol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
See also: Metaproterenol dosage (in more detail)
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?
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
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
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking metaproterenol and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
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. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Metaproterenol Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose for Asthma -- Acute:
Oral: 20 mg 3 to 4 times a day.
Inhalation aerosol: 2 to 3 inhalations every 3 to 4 hours, up to 12 inhalations/day.
Inhalation solution: 10 to 15 mg (0.2 to 0.3 mL of 5% solution) every 4 to 6 hours.
Usual Adult Dose for Asthma -- Maintenance:
Oral: 20 mg 3 to 4 times a day.
Inhalation aerosol: 2 to 3 inhalations every 3 to 4 hours, up to 12 inhalations/day.
Inhalation solution: 10 to 15 mg (0.2 to 0.3 mL of 5% solution) every 4 to 6 hours.
Usual Adult Dose for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease -- Acute:
Oral: 20 mg 3 to 4 times a day.
Inhalation aerosol: 2 to 3 inhalations every 3 to 4 hours, up to 12 inhalations/day.
Inhalation solution: 10 to 15 mg (0.2 to 0.3 mL of 5% solution) every 4 to 6 hours.
Usual Adult Dose for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease -- Maintenance:
Oral: 20 mg 3 to 4 times a day.
Inhalation aerosol: 2 to 3 inhalations every 3 to 4 hours, up to 12 inhalations/day.
Inhalation solution: 10 to 15 mg (0.2 to 0.3 mL of 5% solution) every 4 to 6 hours.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Asthma -- Acute:
Infants and children: Nebulizer: 0.5 to 1 mg/kg ( 0.01 to 0.02 mL/kg of 5% solution); minimum dose: 5 mg (0.1 mL); maximum dose: 15 mg (0.3 mL); every 4 to 6 hours.
Children less than 2 years of age: Oral: 0.4 mg/kg/dose in 3 to 4 divided doses a day. In infants, the dose can be given every 8 to 12 hours.
Children 2 to 6 years of age: Oral: 1.3 to 2.6 mg/kg/day divided every 6 to 8 hours.
Children 6 to 9 years of age: Oral: 10 mg 3 to 4 times a day.
Children more than 9 years of age: Oral: 20 mg 3 to 4 times a day.
Children more than 12 years of age: Inhalation aerosol: 2 to 3 inhalations every 3 to 4 hours, up to 12 inhalations in 24 hours.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Asthma -- Maintenance:
Infants and children: Nebulizer: 0.5 to 1 mg/kg ( 0.01 to 0.02 mL/kg of 5% solution); minimum dose: 5 mg (0.1 mL); maximum dose: 15 mg (0.3 mL); every 4 to 6 hours.
Children less than 2 years of age: Oral: 0.4 mg/kg/dose in 3 to 4 divided doses a day. In infants, the dose can be given every 8 to 12 hours.
Children 2 to 6 years of age: Oral: 1.3 to 2.6 mg/kg/day divided every 6 to 8 hours.
Children 6 to 9 years of age: Oral: 10 mg 3 to 4 times a day.
Children more than 9 years of age: Oral: 20 mg 3 to 4 times a day.
Children more than 12 years of age: Inhalation aerosol: 2 to 3 inhalations every 3 to 4 hours, up to 12 inhalations in 24 hours.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease -- Acute:
Infants and children: Nebulizer: 0.5 to 1 mg/kg ( 0.01 to 0.02 mL/kg of 5% solution); minimum dose: 5 mg (0.1 mL); maximum dose: 15 mg (0.3 mL); every 4 to 6 hours.
Children less than 2 years of age: Oral: 0.4 mg/kg/dose in 3 to 4 divided doses a day. In infants, the dose can be given every 8 to 12 hours.
Children 2 to 6 years of age: Oral: 1.3 to 2.6 mg/kg/day divided every 6 to 8 hours.
Children 6 to 9 years of age: Oral: 10 mg 3 to 4 times a day.
Children more than 9 years of age: Oral: 20 mg 3 to 4 times a day.
Children more than 12 years of age: Inhalation aerosol: 2 to 3 inhalations every 3 to 4 hours, up to 12 inhalations in 24 hours.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease -- Maintenance:
Infants and children: Nebulizer: 0.5 to 1 mg/kg ( 0.01 to 0.02 mL/kg of 5% solution); minimum dose: 5 mg (0.1 mL); maximum dose: 15 mg (0.3 mL); every 4 to 6 hours.
Children less than 2 years of age: Oral: 0.4 mg/kg/dose in 3 to 4 divided doses a day. In infants, the dose can be given every 8 to 12 hours.
Children 2 to 6 years of age: Oral: 1.3 to 2.6 mg/kg/day divided every 6 to 8 hours.
Children 6 to 9 years of age: Oral: 10 mg 3 to 4 times a day.
Children more than 9 years of age: Oral: 20 mg 3 to 4 times a day.
Children more than 12 years of age: Inhalation aerosol: 2 to 3 inhalations every 3 to 4 hours, up to 12 inhalations in 24 hours.
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.
More metaproterenol resources
- Metaproterenol Side Effects (in more detail)
- Metaproterenol Dosage
- Metaproterenol Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Metaproterenol Drug Interactions
- Metaproterenol Support Group
- 2 Reviews for Metaproterenol - Add your own review/rating
- metaproterenol Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Metaproterenol MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Alupent Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Alupent Monograph (AHFS DI)
- Metaproterenol Prescribing Information (FDA)
Compare metaproterenol with other medications
- Asthma, acute
- Asthma, Maintenance
- COPD, Acute
- COPD, Maintenance
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist has additional information about metaproterenol written for health professionals that you may read.
See also: metaproterenol side effects (in more detail)
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