Metaproterenol Dosing

For most people, the recommended metaproterenol dosage is two or three sprays as needed every three to four hours. However, you should not take more than 12 inhalations per day. You should always have a metaproterenol asthma inhaler on hand, as failing to treat an asthma attack can quickly turn into a medical emergency. Among the factors that can affect metaproterenol dosing are the severity of your respiratory problem and other medications you may be taking.

 

An Introduction to Metaproterenol Dosing

The dose of metaproterenol sulfate (Alupent®) your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The severity of your asthma or other respiratory problems
  • Other medications you may be taking.
     
As always, do not adjust your metaproterenol dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
This article focuses on the metaproterenol inhaler. Metaproterenol also comes in tablets, syrup, and a solution that is inhaled using a machine called a nebulizer.
 

Metaproterenol Dosing for Asthma

To treat or prevent an asthma attack, the recommended metaproterenol dose is two or three sprays of metaproterenol as needed, as frequently as every three to four hours. However, you should not exceed 12 inhalations per day.
 

General Metaproterenol Dosing Information

Following are some considerations for people taking metaproterenol:
 
  • Metaproterenol comes in a metered-dose inhaler (called an "MDI").
     
  • Some people take metaproterenol only when they need it (during an asthma attack), while others take it regularly to help prevent attacks.
     
  • You should "test spray" the metaproterenol inhaler before you use it for the very first time, or if you have not used it for a long period of time. To test spray the inhaler, spray it into the air by pressing on the top of the canister.
     
  • Shake your metaproterenol asthma inhaler gently before each use.
     
  • Wait at least one minute in between inhalations.
     
  • It is important to learn exactly how to use your metaproterenol inhaler. It may be difficult at first and may require some practice.
     
  • The spray should be inhaled into the lungs, not sprayed onto the back of the throat and swallowed. To accomplish this, you will need to breathe in while spraying the inhaler.
     
  • Most people put the mouthpiece of the inhaler directly into their mouths. However, many healthcare provider now recommend placing the inhaler an inch or two away from the mouth. Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way for you to use the inhaler.
     
  • Each inhaler contains 200 sprays (or 100 sprays for a "sample" inhaler). Try to keep track of approximately how many sprays you have used in order to know when to replace the inhaler. Do not place the inhaler in water to see if it is empty (although doing so was recommended in the past).
     
  • Be sure that you always have a metaproterenol asthma inhaler on hand (and that your metaproterenol prescription has refills), as failing to treat an asthma attack can quickly turn into a medical emergency.
     
  • If you are unsure about anything related to your dosage or metaproterenol dosing in general, please talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;