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metaproterenol pre-mixed solution - inhalation, Alupent, Arm-A-Med

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GENERIC NAME: METAPROTERENOL PRE-MIXED SOLUTION - INHALATION (met-uh-pro-TAIR-en-ohl)

BRAND NAME(S): Alupent, Arm-A-Med

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: Metaproterenol is used to treat wheezing and shortness of breath that commonly occur with asthma. It is also used to prevent and treat these symptoms in other lung problems (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD). Controlling these symptoms can decrease time lost from work or school. Metaproterenol is a bronchodilator (beta-2 receptor agonist) that works by opening breathing passages to make breathing easier.

HOW TO USE: This product is used with special breathing equipment (nebulizer). Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist on how to inhale this medication properly with the nebulizer. Make sure you understand how to operate the machine and how to properly clean it to prevent infections. If a child is using the nebulizer, a parent or other responsible adult should supervise the child. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.This product should appear very light yellow. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. (See also Storage.) Do not mix this medication with other solutions or products in the nebulizer. This product does not require any dilution before use unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.This medication is inhaled into the lungs using a nebulizer as directed by your doctor. To prevent symptoms, it is usually used 3 to 4 times a day. To treat an asthma attack, it is usually used every 4 hours. Dosage is based on your medical condition, age, body weight, and response to therapy. Rinse your mouth after treatment to prevent throat irritation.Use this medication as directed. Do not increase your dose or use this more frequently than directed because doing so may make the medication work less well over time and increase your risk of side effects. Do not stop using this medication without first consulting your doctor.If you take other asthma drugs by mouth or inhaling devices, ask your doctor about how to correctly use this medication with your other asthma medicines.If you notice less effect than usual from this medication, if your symptoms get worse, or if you feel you need to take any of your asthma medications more often than recommended, seek immediate medical attention.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nervousness, shaking, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, headache, bad taste in the mouth, throat irritation, cough, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, muscle cramps, weakness.Seek immediate medical attention if this unlikely but serious side effect occurs: chest pain.Rarely, this medication has caused severe (rarely fatal), sudden worsening of breathing problems/asthma (paradoxical bronchospasm). If you experience sudden wheezing, seek immediate medical attention.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration   You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.