Metaproterenol

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.

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.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

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 and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take while using metaproterenol. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• the following nonprescription products may interact with metaproterenol: ephedrine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, or pseudoephedrine. Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know that you are taking these medications before you start taking metaproterenol. Do not start any of these medications while taking metaproterenol without discussing with your healthcare provider. .
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had 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.

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed one.

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

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not use the solution if it is pink, yellow, or darker than usual or if it has floating particles.

Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.

Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. https://www.upandaway.org

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

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.

Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.

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