Metaproterenol is a bronchodilator. It works by relaxing muscles in the airways to improve breathing.

Metaproterenol is used to treat conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema.

Metaproterenol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use metaproterenol if you have a heart rhythm disorder that causes fast heartbeats.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take metaproterenol in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Use metaproterenol regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Seek medical attention if you think your asthma medications are not working as well. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.

To make sure this medication is not causing harmful effects on your lungs, you may need to have chest X rays or other frequent lung function tests.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Usual Adult Dose for Asthma -- Acute:

20 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day

Comments:
-Titrate dose according to patient response.

Usual Adult Dose for Asthma -- Maintenance:

20 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day

Comments:
-Titrate dose according to patient response.

Usual Adult Dose for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease -- Acute:

20 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day

Comments:
-Titrate dose according to patient response.

Usual Adult Dose for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease -- Maintenance:

20 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day

Comments:
-Titrate dose according to patient response.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Asthma -- Acute:

Ages 6 to 9 OR weight under 60 pounds: 10 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day
Adult dose: 20 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day

Comments:
-Titrate dose according to patient response.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Asthma -- Maintenance:

Ages 6 to 9 OR weight under 60 pounds: 10 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day
Adult dose: 20 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day

Comments:
-Titrate dose according to patient response.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease -- Acute:

Ages 6 to 9 OR weight under 60 pounds: 10 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day
Adult dose: 20 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day

Comments:
-Titrate dose according to patient response.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease -- Maintenance:

Ages 6 to 9 OR weight under 60 pounds: 10 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day
Adult dose: 20 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day

Comments:
-Titrate dose according to patient response.

You should not use metaproterenol if you are allergic to it, or if you have a heart rhythm disorder that causes fast heartbeats.

To make sure metaproterenol is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• heart disease, high blood pressure, heart rhythm disorder;

• epilepsy or another seizure disorder;

• low levels of potassium in your blood;

• diabetes; or

• an overactive thyroid.

It is not known whether metaproterenol will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether metaproterenol passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Metaproterenol should not be given to a child younger than 6 years old.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not use the solution if it is pink, yellow, or darker than usual or if it has floating particles.

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Avoid situations that may trigger an asthma attack such as exercising in cold, dry air; smoking; breathing in dust; and exposure to allergens such as pet fur.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Metaproterenol may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• chest pain, fast heart rate;

• pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• tremors; or

• worsening or no improvement in your symptoms.

Common side effects of metaproterenol may include:

• nervousness;

• headache;

• dizziness, drowsiness;

• nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach, dry mouth;

• tired feeling; or

• sleep problem (insomnia).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with metaproterenol, especially:

• an MAO inhibitor--isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine; or

• a beta blocker--atenolol, bisoprolol, carvedilol, labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol, nebivolol, propranolol, sotalol, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with metaproterenol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.