Uses
Metaproterenol is used to prevent and treat wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness caused by asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other lung diseases. It relaxes and opens air passages in the lungs, making it easier to breathe
Side Effects Of Metaproterenol
Metaproterenol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- tremor
- nervousness
- dizziness
- weakness
- headache
- nausea
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- increased difficulty breathing
- rapid or increased heart rate
- irregular heartbeat
- chest pain or discomfort
Warnings & Precautions
Before using metaproterenol:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to metaproterenol or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription medications you are taking, especially atenolol (Tenormin); carteolol (Cartrol); labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate); metoprolol (Lopressor); nadolol (Corgard); phenelzine (Nardil); propranolol (Inderal); sotalol (Betapace); theophylline (Theo-Dur); timolol (Blocadren); tranylcypromine (Parnate); other medications for asthma, heart disease, or depression.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what nonprescription medications and vitamins you are taking, including ephedrine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, or pseudoephedrine. Many nonprescription products contain these drugs (e.g., diet pills and medications for colds and asthma), so check labels carefully. Do not take any of these medications without talking to your doctor (even if you never had a problem taking them before).
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had an irregular heartbeat, increased heart rate, glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid gland, diabetes, or seizures.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using metaproterenol, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using metaproterenol.
Dosage Of Metaproterenol
Metaproterenol comes as tablets and syrup to take by mouth and as a solution to inhale by mouth. It usually is used by oral inhalation every 4 hours to relieve symptoms or 3 to 4 times a day to prevent symptoms or by mouth three or four times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use metaproterenol exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Metaproterenol controls symptoms of asthma and other lung diseases but does not cure them. Continue to use metaproterenol even if you feel well. Do not stop using metaproterenol without talking to your doctor.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
