AIM | Medications

Medications

Medication Type	Quick Relief
Brand Names	Alupent
Generic Names	Metaproterenol sulfate
Description	This medication causes muscles around the airways to relax, opening them for easier breathing. It comes in inhaled aerosol spray, nebulized mist treatment and tablet forms.
Dosage	Adults dosing: Oral doses are 20 mg. 3 to 4 times a day; inhalation doses are 2 to 3 inhalations every 3 to 4 hours, with a maximum of 12 per day. Nebulized: 0.3 ml (5%) in 2.5ml NS every 4 to 6 h or more often as needed. Pediatric dosing: Pediatric oral doses are 1.3 to 2.6 mg/kg/day divided 3 to 4 times a day; pediatric inhalation doses are 2 inhalations every 3 to 4 hours. Nebulized (6 to 12 y), 0.1 to 0.2 mL (5%) in 3 mL NS every 4 to 6 h or more often if needed. Available in: Alupent- Inhalation Aerosol Powder: 0.65mg/actuation, Inhalation Solution: 0.6%, Oral Tablet: 10mg Generic- Inhalation Aerosol Powder: 4%, 0.6%, Oral Syrup: 10mg/5mL, Oral Tablet: 10mg, 20mg
Precautions	Use with caution in patients with hyertension, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, sensitivity to sypathomimetics, convulsive disorders.
Side Effects	Flushing, hypertension, palpitations, nausea, nervousness, tachycardia, tremor.
Proper Use	Metaproterenol for inhalation is used for the treatment of bronchial asthma and for reversible bronchospasm which may occur in association with bronchitis and emphysema. Metaproterenol is similar in efficacy to albuterol; however, metaproterenol possesses more beta-1 activity and is therefore associated with a greater incidence of tachycardia. Another advantage of albuterol over metaproterenol is its longer duration of action. Long-acting beta-agonists (salmeterol, formoterol) may be preferable over both of these agents for prevention of nocturnal asthma and for providing prolonged protection against exercise-induced bronchospasm.
Common Interactions	No significant drug interactions.
Proper Storage	Store between 59°F (15°C) and 86°F (30°C). Avoid excessive humidity. Protect from light and moisture.