Alupent (Metaproterenol Sulfate) Patient Information: Side Effects and Drug Images at RxList

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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.

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Alupent

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Alupent Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Alupent, Metaprel

Generic Name: metaproterenol (Pronunciation: meh ta proe TER e nall)

What is metaproterenol (Alupent)?

Metaproterenol is a bronchodilator. It works by relaxing muscles in the airways to improve breathing.

Metaproterenol is used to treat conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema.

Metaproterenol may also be used for conditions other than those listed in this medication guide.

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

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

headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, or insomnia;
tremor or nervousness;
sweating;
nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; or
dry mouth.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about metaproterenol (Alupent)?

It is very important that you use the metaproterenol inhaler or nebulizer properly, so that the medicine gets into the lungs. Your doctor may want you to use a spacer with the inhaler. Talk to your doctor about proper inhaler and nebulizer use.

Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the maximum amount of any asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.

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