Metaproterenol

A healthcare provider may prescribe metaproterenol to treat bronchospasms caused by asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The medication works by opening up the airways so that more air can get into and through the lungs. It can be taken during an asthma attack or on a regular basis to prevent attacks. In clinical studies, the drug started working within five minutes, and its effects typically lasted for five hours.

Metaproterenol Sulfate (Alupent)

What Is Metaproterenol?

Metaproterenol sulfate (Alupent^®) is a prescription medication that is used to treat bronchospasms. While bronchospasms are most common in people with asthma, they can also occur in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

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.

(Click What Is Metaproterenol Used For? for more information on what metaproterenol is used for, including possible off-label uses.)

Side Effects

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with metaproterenol. However, not everyone who takes metaproterenol will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the medication well.

When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.

Common side effects of metaproterenol include but are not limited to:

Nervousness
Headaches
Dizziness
Feelings of a rapidly or forcefully beating heart (heart palpitations).

(Click Side Effects of Metaproterenol to learn about specific side effects of metaproterenol, including some of the more serious side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider.)

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