What is Alupent (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 should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Alupent (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.

Alupent Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Alupent (Metaproterenol)?

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.

Alupent Interactions

What other drugs affect Alupent (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.

What should I avoid while taking Alupent (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.

Alupent Dosage

How should I take Alupent (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.

What happens if I overdose on Alupent (Metaproterenol)?

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 happens if I miss a dose of Alupent (Metaproterenol)?

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.

Edited from everydayhealth.com