$Unique_ID{BRK02020}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{METAPROTERENOL}
$Subject{Alupent (Boehringer Ingelheim)
Metaprel (Dorsey)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


METAPROTERENOL
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Alupent (Boehringer Ingelheim)
     Metaprel (Dorsey)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Bronchodilator
INGREDIENT:
     metaproterenol
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Tablets (10 mg and 20 mg)
     Oral syrup (10 mg per 5-ml spoonful)
     Inhalation aerosol (each spray delivers 0.65 mg)
     Solution for nebulization (0.6% and 5%)
STORAGE:
     Metaproterenol tablets and oral syrup should be stored at room
       temperature in tightly closed, light-resistant containers.  The
       solution for nebulization should be stored in the refrigerator.  The
       inhalation aerosol should be stored at room temperature away from
       excessive heat--the contents are pressurized, and the container can
       explode if heated.  Metaproterenol syrup and solution should not be
       used if they turn brown or contain particles; such changes indicate
       that the drug has lost its effectiveness.

USES

     Metaproterenol is used to relieve wheezing and shortness of breath caused
by lung diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema.  This drug acts
directly on the muscles of the bronchi (breathing tubes) to relieve
bronchospasm (muscle contractions of the bronchi), thereby reducing airway
resistance and allowing air to move more freely to and from the lungs, which
makes breathing easier.

TREATMENT

     In order to lessen stomach upset, you can take metaproterenol tablets or
oral syrup with food (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     The oral syrup form of this medication should be measured carefully with
a specially designed 5-ml measuring spoon.  An ordinary kitchen teaspoon is
not accurate enough.
     The inhalation aerosol form of this medication is usually packaged with
an instruction sheet.  Read the directions carefully before using this
medication.  The container should be shaken well just before each use.  The
contents tend to settle on the bottom, so it is necessary to shake the
container to distribute the ingredients evenly and equalize the doses.  If
more than one inhalation is necessary, wait at least one full minute between
doses, so that you receive the full benefit of the first dose.
     If you miss a dose of this medication and remember within an hour, take
it; then follow your regular schedule for the next dose.  If you miss the dose
by more than an hour or so, just wait until the next scheduled dose.  Do not
double the dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Anxiety, dizziness, headache, flushing, irritability, insomnia, loss of
appetite, muscle cramps, nausea, nervousness, restlessness, sweating,
vomiting, weakness, or dryness or irritation of the mouth or throat (from the
inhalation aerosol).  These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts
to the medication.
     To help prevent dryness and irritation of the mouth or throat, rinse your
mouth with water after each dose of the inhalation aerosol.
     In order to avoid difficulty in falling asleep, check with your doctor to
see if you can take the last dose of this medication several hours before
bedtime each day.
     If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up from a sitting or
lying position slowly, and be careful on stairs.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
chest pain, difficult breathing, difficult or painful urination, palpitations,
rash, or tremors.

INTERACTIONS

     Metaproterenol interacts with several other types of medications:
     1. Beta blockers (acebutolol, atenolol, betaxolol, carteolol, esmolol,
labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol, penbutolol, pindolol, propranolol, timolol)
antagonize (act against) this medication, decreasing its effectiveness.
     2. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants,
antihistamines, levothyroxine, and over-the-counter (nonprescription) cough,
cold, allergy, asthma, diet, and sinus medications may increase the side
effects of metaproterenol.  At least 14 days should separate the use of this
drug and the use of an MAO inhibitor.
     3. There may be a change in the dosage requirements of insulin or oral
antidiabetic medications when metaproterenol is started.
     4. The blood-pressure-lowering effects of guanethidine may be decreased
by this medication.
     5. The use of metaproterenol with other bronchodilator drugs (either oral
or inhaled) can have additive side effects.  Discuss this with your doctor.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any of the medications that are listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had,
especially to metaproterenol or any related drug (such as albuterol,
amphetamines, ephedrine, epinephrine, isoproterenol, norepinephrine,
phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine, and terbutaline).
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had diabetes,
glaucoma, high blood pressure, epilepsy, heart disease, enlarged prostate
gland, or thyroid disease.
     * This medication can cause dizziness.  Your ability to perform tasks
that require alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially
dangerous machinery, may be decreased.  Appropriate caution should, therefore,
be taken.
     * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure
to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
     * Do not exceed the recommended dosage of this medication.  Excessive use
may lead to an increase in side effects or a loss of effectiveness.
     * Try to avoid contact of the aerosol with your eyes.
     * Do not puncture, break, or burn the aerosol container.  The contents
are under pressure and may explode.
     * Contact your doctor if you do not respond to the usual dose of this
medication.  It may be a sign of worsening asthma, which may require
additional therapy.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  The effects of this
medication during pregnancy have not been thoroughly studied in humans.  Also,
tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  It is not known whether
this drug passes into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
