Alupent (Metaproterenol Sulfate) Drug Information: Medication Guide and Patient Information

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May 24, 2012

Alupent

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease »

What is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is comprised primarily of three related conditions - chronic bronchitis, chronic asthma, and emphysema. In each condition there is chronic obstruction of the flow of air through the airways and out of the lungs, and the obstruction generally is permanent and may be progressive over time.

While asthma features obstruction to the flow of air out of the lungs, usually, the obstruction is reversible. Between "attacks" of asthma the flow of air through the airways typically is normal. These patients do not have COPD. However, if asthma is left untreated, the chronic inflammation associated with this disease can cause the airway obstruction to become fixed. That is, between attacks, the asthmatic patient may then have abnormal air flow. This process is referred to as lung remodeling. These asthma patients with a fixed component of airway obstruction are also considered to have COPD.

Often patien...

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Alupent

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PATIENT INFORMATION

PATIENT'S INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

Alupent®
(metaproterenol sulfate USP) Inhalation Aerosol

Insert metal canister into clear end of mouthpiece.
Remove protective cap, invert canister and shake well before each use.

Invert canister and shake well before each use - illustration

Avoid spraying in eyes.
Enclose mouthpiece with the lips. The base of the canister should be held vertically. The Alupent (metaproterenol sulfate) ® canister is to be used only with the white Alupent (metaproterenol sulfate) Inhalation Aerosol mouthpiece. This mouthpiece should not be used with other aerosol medications.

Enclose mouthpiece with the lips - illustration

Exhale deeply, then inhale slowly through the mouth and at the same time firmly press once on the upended canister base; continue to inhale deeply. Hold your breath for a few seconds and then remove the mouthpiece from the mouth and exhale slowly.
One inhalation is often enough to obtain relief. The inhalation can be repeated once or twice, if necessary, or as your physician directs. Wait at least two minutes before repeating the inhalation. In most cases, the dose should not be repeated more often than every 3 to 4 hours. No more than 12 inhalations should be taken in one day.
Replace protective cap after use.

WARNING: Do not exceed the dose prescribed by your physician. If difficulty in breathing persists, contact your physician immediately.

Note: When full, the container holds enough medication for at least 200 inhalations: at least 100 inhalations are in the sample unit. Check regularly, by shaking the cylinder or container, to determine whether it contains any medication. When it first seems empty, there are still about ten doses left. Refill containers for the plastic mouthpiece are available when prescribed by your physician.

Keep the mouthpiece clean. Wash with hot water. If soap is used, rinse thoroughly with plain water.

Never open the container holding the medication. Opening it is dangerous and renders the contents useless.

Caution: Contents Under Pressure. Do not puncture or incinerate container. Do not expose to heat or store at temperatures above 120°F. Keep out of reach of small children

Note: The indented statement below is required by the Federal government's Clean Air Act for all products containing or manufactured with chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs):

This product contains trichloromonofluoromethane (CFC-11), dichlorodifluoromethane (CFC-12) and dichlorotetrafluoroethane (CFC-114), substances which harm the environment by destroying ozone in the upper atmosphere.

Your physician has determined that this product is likely to help your personal health. USE THIS PRODUCT AS DIRECTED, UNLESS INSTRUCTED TO DO OTHERWISE BY YOUR PHYSICIAN. If you have any questions about alternatives, consult with your physician.

Last reviewed on RxList: 5/1/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.