Side Effects of Metaproterenol

Some of the most common side effects of metaproterenol include nervousness, headaches, and a dry mouth. While side effects of metaproterenol are mostly minor, there are some potentially serious problems that may occur while taking the medication. Be sure to contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of these more serious side effects, which can include an irregular heart rhythm, breathing problems that are getting worse, or signs of an allergic reaction.

 

An Introduction to Side Effects of Metaproterenol

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with metaproterenol sulfate (Alupent®). 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.
 
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.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with metaproterenol. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of metaproterenol side effects with you.)
 

Common Side Effects of Metaproterenol

Metaproterenol has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, the side effects that occur in a group of people taking the drug are documented and are then compared to side effects that occur in another group of people not taking the medicine. As a result, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
 
The most common side effect of metaproterenol is nervousness, which occurred in up to 6.8 percent of people. Some other common side effects (occurring in 1 percent to 4 percent of people) included:
 
  • Headaches
  • Shakiness (tremors)
  • Dry mouth
  • Feelings of a forcefully or rapidly beating heart (heart palpitations)
  • A sore throat
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Coughing
  • Worsening of asthma.
     
(Side Effects of Metaproterenol Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;