Drugs & Vitamins

Alupent Active Ingredients: Metaproterenol Oral Representative Names: Alupent, Metaproterenol Available Product Images: What are metaproterenol tablets? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with metaproterenol? What side effects may I notice from taking metaproterenol? What should I watch for while taking metaproterenol? Where can I keep my medicine? What are metaproterenol tablets? (Back to top) METAPROTERENOL (Alupent®) can open up air passages and make breathing easier for people with various lung problems such as asthma. Generic metaproterenol tablets are available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of the following conditions: •diabetes •heart disease •high blood pressure •over active thyroid •an unusual or allergic reaction to metaproterenol, sulfites, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Take metaproterenol tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. If metaproterenol upsets your stomach, take with food or milk, unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you otherwise. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take the tablets more often than directed. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. Do not take the missed dose if more than 1 hour has passed since it was due. Do not take double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with metaproterenol? (Back to top) •arsenic trioxide •astemizole •bepridil •beta-blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems •caffeine •certain antibiotics (such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, gatifloxacin, gemifloxacin, grepafloxacin, levofloxacin, linezolid, moxifloxacin, sparfloxacin) •chloroquine •cisapride •droperidol •halofantrine •levomethadyl •medicines for colds and breathing difficulties •medicines for heart disease or high blood pressure •medicines known as MAO inhibitors, such as phenelzine (Nardil®), tranylcypromine (Parnate®), isocarboxazid (Marplan®), and selegiline (Carbex®, Eldepryl®) •medicines to control heart rhythm (examples: amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, flecainide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol) •medicines for treating depression or mental illness (amoxapine, haloperidol, maprotiline, pimozide, phenothiazines, risperidone, sertindole, tricyclic antidepressants, ziprasidone) •methadone •pentamidine •probucol •some medicines for weight loss (including some herbal products, ephedra, ephedrine, dextroamphetamine) •steroid hormones such as dexamethasone, cortisone, hydrocortisone •terfenadine •theophylline •thyroid hormones •water pills or diuretics Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check before starting or stopping any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking metaproterenol? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •difficulty breathing, wheezing •dizziness, drowsiness •flushing (reddening of the skin) •irregular heartbeats, palpitations, chest pain •numbness in fingers or toes •skin rash, hives •swelling of the lips or face •vomiting Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •anxiety or nervousness •headache •increased sweating •muscle cramps •nausea •tremor •weakness or tiredness What should I watch for while taking metaproterenol? (Back to top) Use exactly as directed by your prescriber or health care professional. Do not take more often than instructed. Check with your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve with metaproterenol, or if they get worse. You may need a change of therapy. Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds or allergies without checking with your prescriber or health care professional. Nonprescription medicines may contain ingredients that will increase the effects of your medicine. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Store blister packs below 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:05/02/2004 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.