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What is this medicine?
METAPROTERENOL is a bronchodilator. It helps open up the airways in your lungs to make it easier to breathe. This medicine is used to treat and to prevent bronchospasm.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:
•diabetes
•fast, irregular heartbeat
•heart disease
•high blood pressure
•seizures
•thyroid disease
•an unusual or allergic reaction to metaproterenol, sulfites, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your dose. Household spoons are not accurate. If this medicine upsets your stomach, take with food or milk. Do not take more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. This medicine has been used in children as young as 6 years of age.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
•MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
•procarbazine
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
•medicines for asthma or other breathing problems
•medicines for colds
•medicines for depression like amitriptyline, desipramine
•medicines for irregular heart rate
•medicines for heart disease or blood pressure
•pimozide
•sertindole
•stimulants
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Do not use extra medicine.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds or allergies without first checking with your doctor. Some nonprescription medicines may contain ingredients that could be dangerous with this medicine.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
•blurred vision
•breathing problems
•chest pain
•dizziness
•fast, irregular heartbeat
•fever or chills
•high blood pressure
•muscle cramps
•unusual swelling
•vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•anxious or nervous
•diarrhea
•headache
•increased sweating
•stomach upset, nausea
•tremor
•trouble sleeping
•unusually weak or tired
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature of 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
