What is metaproterenol?
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 is the most important information I should know about metaproterenol?
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.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking metaproterenol?
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
heart disease or high blood pressure;
epilepsy or another seizure disorder;
diabetes;
an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism); or
liver disease; or
kidney disease.
You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Metaproterenol is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether metaproterenol will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether metaproterenol passes into breast milk. Do not take metaproterenol without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.