Alupent (Metaproterenol Sulfate) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

Pill Identifier Search

February 9, 2012

Alupent

Emphysema »

Introduction to emphysema

The lungs are a pair of organs in the chest that are primarily responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air we breathe and the blood.

The lung is composed of clusters of small air sacs (alveoli) divided by thin, elastic walls or membranes. Capillaries, the tiniest of blood vessels, run within these walls between the alveoli and allow blood and air to come near each other. The distance between the air in the lungs and the blood in the capillaries is very small, and allows molecules of oxygen and carbon dioxide to transfer across the membranes.

Air reaches the alveoli via the bronchial tree. The trachea splits into the right and left mainstem bronchi, which branch further into bronchioles and finally ends in the alveolar air sacs.

When we breathe in, air enters the lung and the alveoli expand. Oxygen is transferred onto Read the Emphysema article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
next »

Alupent

Asthma Slideshow Pictures

Take the Asthma Quiz!

10 Worst Cities for Asthma Slideshow Pictures

font size

ALUPENT
(metaproterenol sulfate) Aerosol, Metered

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Alupent (metaproterenol sulfate USP) Inhalation Aerosol is a bronchodilator administered by oral inhalation. The Alupent Inhalation Aerosol containing 75 mg of metaproterenol sulfate as micronized powder is sufficient medication for 100 inhalations. The Alupent (metaproterenol sulfate) Inhalation Aerosol containing 150 mg of metaproterenol sulfate as micronized powder is sufficient medication for 200 inhalations. Each metered dose delivers through the mouthpiece 0.65 mg of metaproterenol sulfate (each ml contains 15 mg). The inert ingredients are dichlorodifluoromethane, dichlorotetrafluoroethane and trichloromonofluoromethane as propellants, and sorbitan trioleate. Alupent (metaproterenol sulfate) , 1-(3,5-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-isopropylaminoethanol sulfate, is a white, crystalline, racemic mixture of two optically active isomers. It has the following chemical structure:

Alupent (metaproterenol sulfate) structural formula illustration

What are the possible side effects of metaproterenol (Alupent, Metaprel)?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking metaproterenol and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or
chest pains or an irregular heart beat.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take metaproterenol and talk to your doctor if you experience