METAPROTERENOL (ALUPENT)

Class
Description
Onset and Duration
Indications
Contraindications
Adverse Reactions
Drug Interactions
How Supplied
Dosage and Administration
Special Considerations

METAPROTERENOL (ALUPENT)
Class

Sympathomimetic, bronchodilator

METAPROTERENOL (ALUPENT)
Description

Metaproterenol relaxes the smooth muscles of the bronchial tree and peripheral vasculature by stimulating beta2-adrenergic receptors of the sympathetic nerveous system.

METAPROTERENOL (ALUPENT)
Onset & Duration

Onset:

1 min aher inhalation

Duration:

3-6 hr

METAPROTERENOL (ALUPENT)
Indications

Bronchial asthma
Reversible bronchospasm (bronchitis, emphvsema)

METAPROTERENOL (ALUPENT)
Contraindications

Hypersensitivity
Cardiac dysrhythmias
Tachycardia caused by digitalis toxicity

METAPROTERENOL (ALUPENT)
Adverse Reactions

Restlessness, apprehension
Palpitations
Tachycardia
Dysrhythmias
Decreased blood pressure
Coughing
Facial flushing
Diaphoresis

METAPROTERENOL (ALUPENT)
Drug Interactions

Other svmpathomimetics may exacerbate adverse cardiovascular effects.
MAOIs may potentiate hypotensive effects.
Beta blockers may antagonize metaproterenol.

METAPROTERENOL (ALUPENT)
How Supplied

MDI:

0.65/mg/spray (15- ml inhaler)

Solution:

0.6% (2.5 ml dose); 5% (0.3 ml dose)

METAPROTERENOL (ALUPENT)
Dosage and Administration

MDI

Adult:

2-3 inhalations q 3-4 hr (2 min between inhalations); maximum dose of 12 inhalations/day

Pediatric:

Not recommended

Solution

Adult:

5-15 inhalations of 5% solution

Pediatric:

Not recommended

METAPROTERENOL (ALUPENT)
Special Considerations

Pregnancy safety: Category C.
Monitor vital signs for hypotension and tachycardia.
Use with caution in patients with coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus.