Metaproterenol oral syrup

What is this medication?

METAPROTERENOL (met a proe TER e nole) is a bronchodilator. It helps open up the airways in your lungs to make it easier to breathe. This medicine is used to treat and to prevent bronchospasm.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Metaprel

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• diabetes (high blood sugar)
• heart disease
• high blood pressure
• irregular heartbeat or rhythm
• pheochromocytoma
• seizures
• thyroid disease
• 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 use this medication?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your dose. Household spoons are not accurate. If this medicine upsets your stomach, take with food or milk. Do not take more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. This medicine has been used in children as young as 6 years of age.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• procarbazine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• medicines for asthma or other breathing problems
• medicines for colds
• medicines for depression like amitriptyline, desipramine
• medicines for irregular heart rate
• medicines for heart disease or blood pressure
• pimozide
• sertindole
• stimulants

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Do not use extra medicine.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds or allergies without first checking with your doctor. Some nonprescription medicines may contain ingredients that could be dangerous with this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions (skin rash, itching or hives; swelling of the face, lips, or tongue)
• blurred vision
• chills
• heartbeat rhythm changes (trouble breathing; chest pain; dizziness; fast, irregular heartbeat; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls)
• fever
• increase in blood pressure
• muscle cramps, pain
• unusual swelling
• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea
• headache
• nausea
• sweating
• tremors
• trouble sleeping
• unusually weak or tired
• upset stomach

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature of 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.