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Metaproterenol

    Brands

    DEA Class;  Rx

    Common Brand Names; Alupent

    • Beta2 Agonists

    Oral and inhalational beta-agonist that exhibits non-selective beta-agonist activity
    Used in adults and pediatric patients 6 years and older for asthma; used in adults for COPD; oral beta-agonists are not preferred for either condition
    More selective short-acting beta-2 agonists (SABAs) such as albuterol and levalbuterol are preferred over this drug

    Indicated for asthma exacerbation (e.g., primary care or acute care management) .

    For the treatment of bronchospasm due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (e.g., chronic bronchitis and emphysema).

    Hypersensitivity

    Tachycardia secondary to heart condition

    • Tremor (2-17%)
    • Tachycardia (6-17%)
    • Nervousness (5-20%)
    • Diaphoresis increased (4%)
    • Headache (4%)
    • Heartburn (4%)
    • Palpation (4%)
    • Pharyngitis (4%)
    • Dizziness (1-4%)
    • Insomnia (2%)
    • Weakness (1%)
    • Nausea (1-4%)
    • Exacerbation of asthma (2%)
    • <1%
    • Chest pain
    • Hypertension
    • Weakness
    • Syncope
    • Spasms

    Reports of some patients who developed cramps in muscles of extremities which responded to potassium salts PO

    Use caution in recent MI, myocardial insufficiency, HTN, hyperthyroidism, severe cardiovascular disorder, seizure disorders

    Increases risk of hypokalemia;; use with caution

    Beta2-agonists may increase serum glucose; use caution

    Metered-dose inhalers that contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are currently being phased out in the United States; alternate inhalers without CFCs are available

    Pregnancy Category: C

    Lactation: Not known if excreted in breast milk, not recommended

    Adults

    80 mg/day PO; oral inhalation maximum dependent on formulation used.

    Elderly

    80 mg/day PO; oral inhalation maximum dependent on formulation used.

    Adolescents

    80 mg/day PO; oral inhalation maximum dependent on formulation used.

    Children

    > 9 years or > 60 lb (27.3 kg): 80 mg/day PO; oral inhalation maximum dependent on formulation used.
    6—9 years or < 60 lb (27.3 kg): 40 mg/day PO; oral inhalation maximum dependent on formulation used.
    < 6 years: Safety and efficacy have not been established.

    Infants

    Safety and efficacy have not been established.

    Metaproterenol sulfate

    tablet

    • 10mg
    • 20mg

    syrup

    • 10mg/5mL